Bachelor of Science [B.S] [Nutrition and Food Science - Food Safety and Nutrition] From Colorado State University

The curriculum prepares students for employment in the food industry or in government in such areas as quality assurance, product development, research, food inspection, sensory evaluation, and consumer education. The  major at  also provides an excellent background for a graduate program. Students in the concentration are encouraged to participate in the Interdisciplinary Minor in Food Science/Safety to further their understanding of the continuum of responsibility shared through the food system in ensuring that food is safe and healthful. By addition of several elective courses, students can also meet ACEND course requirements

Potential Occupations

Participation in community outreach, internships, volunteer activities, or cooperative education opportunities is highly recommended to enhance career planning, skills, and development. Graduates who go on for advanced studies can attain more responsible leadership positions with the possibility of rising to top professional levels.

Some examples of career opportunities include, but are not limited to: dietitian or nutritionist in health care, hospitals, long-term care, schools, state or county health agencies, health clubs, corporate wellness programs, grocery stores/food chains, or private practice; community nutritionist; biomedical scientist; restaurant manager; caterer; quality assurance specialist; food scientist; food inspector; food technologist, food plant manager; food service manager in hospitals, schools, or long-term care. The median salary for registered dietitians is $49,500 – the range is $38,976-$64,993.

Students interested in teaching nutrition and/or food science content at the secondary education level should explore the interdepartmental concentration in Family and Consumer Sciences Education at the beginning of this college section. The Family and Consumer Sciences Education concentration allows students to combine their interests in nutrition, wellness/health, food science, culinary arts, and/or catering with teaching. Family and Consumer Sciences Education students take course work in the Departments of Food Science and Human Nutrition, Design and Merchandising, and Human Development and Family Studies. They also complete an education sequence which qualifies them for a secondary teaching license. The demand for secondary Family and Consumer Sciences teachers exceeds the supply in Colorado as well as nationally. Therefore, job placement is extremely high, with starting salaries in the $34,000-$37,000 range for a nine-month teaching position.