College of Agriculture and Life Sciences
Curriculum in Nutritional Sciences
Discovering new knowledge and new technologies to develop safe, affordable, nutritious, and enjoyable food products is the goal of food scientists. Understanding the manner in which nutrition affects human health and disease and then encouraging the adoption of healthy food choices and nutrition behaviors is the focus of nutritionists and dietitians. A wide array of careers is available to graduates in the Department of Nutrition and Food Science because of their foundation in the sciences and then the application to nutrition and food science. Our students develop expertise in working with people and teamwork, communications, business, and many other abilities that will serve them well as professionals, citizens, and future leaders.
Offered through the Department of Nutrition and Food Science, the curriculum in Nutritional Sciences includes courses which provide an understanding of the utilization of nutrients and energy from foods by the human body for the promotion of optimal health. Malnutrition, hunger, dietary behavior and nutrition through the life cycle and in the treatment of disease also are addressed.
Technical electives allow students to select courses appropriate for a variety of careers. Examples of employment opportunities for individuals with a Bachelor of Science degree in Nutrition include research technicians, nutrition educators and technical representatives in industry. More than half of our graduates obtain further training after graduation.
Molecular and Experimental Nutrition. Because the curriculum includes a strong base in biological sciences as applied to human health, nutritional sciences is an excellent choice for students wanting to enter medicine, dentistry and other health professions. Graduate study for doctoral degrees can lead to careers in research and teaching in colleges and universities and opportunities in research and other areas with industry and governmental agencies.
Dietetics. Students meet the requirements of the dietetics program which is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation for Dietetics Education. Graduates are eligible to apply for supervised practice programs, including dietetic internships, which prepare them to be Registered Dietitians (R.D.). Texas A&M sponsors such a program--the Combined Graduate Degree-Dietetic Internship. Registered dietitians hold positions in health care organizations in clinical, administrative and research areas. They also are employed as nutrition educators, food service directors and nutritionists in community programs and in the food industry.
Interest in human nutrition and health has increased substantially during the past few years. The demand for professionals trained in nutrition is greater than ever, and continued growth is expected.