Nutrition, Dietetics and Food Science

The Nutrition, Dietetics and Food Science program at CSUN combines the application of the physical, biological and social sciences to create an outstanding food and nutrition curriculum.

Students may choose to emphasize either of two aspects of the program: Nutrition and Dietetics or Food Science and Administration.

Nutrition specialists are in high demand. People are increasingly aware of the effect of nutrition on their health today and through the lifespan. Health and fitness savvy people are seeking consultants and nutrition coaches, and are buying health and nutrition books in record numbers.

The Nutrition and Dietetics Pattern:

This academic pattern emphasizes health issues related to food and nutrition. This comprehensive nutritional science program is approved by the American Dietetic Association (ADA) and prepares graduates to work as registered dietitians and nutritionists. Nutrition and Dietetics experts are needed at the corporate level, in smaller businesses, hospitals and nursing homes, pharmaceutical companies, public health agencies, and government agencies.

The Food Science and Administration Pattern:

Food Science is the discipline in which biology, chemistry and the physical sciences, are used to study the nature of foods, the causes of their deterioration, and the principles underlying food processing. A food scientist studies the physical, microbiologican, and chemical makeup of food. Food scientists may develop ways to process, preserve, package, or store food, according to industry and government specifications and regulations.

Professional options for graduates includes: food scientist, food technologist, quality assurance and control, research and development, sensory evaluation, and work in the foodservice and hospitality industries.

Advisement:

All students in the Nutrition, Dietetics and Food Science program get guidance from faculty advisors. Advisors help students select courses that will lead to swift completion of the degree. Course selection is geared toward opening doors to promising careers.

Opportunities for leadership, internships, networking and potential lifelong professional relationships abound in the program. As part of the program, students fulfill an academic internship, gaining experience in their chosen careers.

Undergraduate food science students as well as students completing the double option are required to participate in off campus placements to fulfill the requirement for 494SEE. Students are required to participate in an off campus internship in the food industry. Internships are available in quality assurance, product development, and food service. Students must have achieved upper division status in food science, have complete either FCS 302 of FCS 401, and have the permission of the instructor.

Undergraduate students as well as students completing the Didactic Program in Dietetics (DPD) are required to participate in the Peer Nutrition Counseling (PNC) internship, FCS 494BEE. Students develop skills in marketing nutrition services, providing health screening, performing nutritional nutritional assessment and counseling, analyzing the information and documenting nutritional services, understanding the Nutrition Care Process in delivery of care.

Nutrition services are provided at Klotz Student Health Center, and the CSUN Fitness Center. The student completes the portfolio. The course consists of a minimum of 90 hours. Students must first complete FCS 406, and have the permission of the instructor.

In addition, students looking for more experience in the field can participate in internships through the MMC by registering in FCS 394.

Our graduates have found success as:

• Dietitians
• Food Scientists
• Nutrition Consultants
• Quality Control Specialists
• Researchers
• Food Service Managers
• Culinary Specialists
• Restaurateurs
• Food Product Representatives