Issues and techniques involved in nutrition research, and a food and nutrition laboratory course are included in the core courses. Supporting discipline courses emphasize biochemistry, biology, chemistry, mathematics, microbiology, physics and physiology.

This major is designed to meet the admissions requirements of most colleges of medicine, dentistry and paramedical colleges while the student pursues a bachelor's degree in a clinically related area. The major also prepares students to enter graduate school programs in nutrition and other life sciences. Graduates in nutritional sciences qualify for positions in the food industry, corporate wellness and health promotion programs, public health programs, pharmaceutical sales and similar occupations.

The mission of the department of Food Science and Human Nutrition is to advance human health through excellent teaching, research, and outreach programs in the disciplines of food science and human nutrition. Our faculty address contemporary issues related to global food safety, quality, food product development, and production as well as nutrition in the context of human health, chronic disease prevention, and food security.