The Food Science and Nutrition Program is a rigorous degree program that prepares graduates for a variety of professional employment opportunities in health care, wellness programs, governmental agencies and the food service industry. The curriculum provides learning experiences in food selection and preparation, quantity food production, nutrition needs for all stages of life, and food systems management. Advances in food science and nutrition are taught by learning-centered faculty through a variety of strategies: lectures, laboratory experiences, technological applications, guest speakers, and investigation.
Students completing the Didactic Program in Dietetics (DPD) within the major learn to apply natural sciences such as anatomy, physiology and chemistry to the science and art of dietetics practice. The DPD at SHSU is accredited by the Accreditation Council of Education in Nutrition and Dietetics (ACEND) enabling students who successfully complete the DPD to become eligible to apply to an accredited internship program. This is the first step to becoming a future Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RDN). Upon successful completion of a dietetic internship, students are eligible to take the national exam to become a RDN. Employment of RDNs is expected to grow 16% between 2014 and 2024 according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, which is faster than the national average for other professions.
The Mission of the Food Science and Nutrition program is to provide quality scholarship and community service opportunities to a diverse student body in order to complete the knowledge requirements set by the Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics (ACEND) so graduates are competitive in the Dietetic Internship process and eligible for a global marketplace meeting individual and family needs in the food or health care industry.