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Mission Statement

The Texas State University Nutrition and Foods program mission is to:

• Provide instruction based on current scientific research;
• Provide opportunities for students to engage in research;
• Engage students in service of a diverse community;
• Advise students to facilitate optimal education and career direction;
• Prepare graduates for nutrition and foods related careers in:
  
  • industry
  • dietetics
  • federal, state, and private advocacy programs
  • research
  • academia
• Facilitate pursuit of post-graduate Registered Dietitian credential by qualified students; and
• Promote life-long learning and pursuit of excellence for faculty and students. 

Coursework

The Nutrition and Foods program at Texas State provides a current, dynamic education. Students learn the scientific basis for consuming a diet based primarily on whole foods, and learn how to practically apply sound principles of nutrition. The program offers a variety of courses including food systems, food systems production management, food science, advanced food science, nutritional science, nutritional assessment, medical nutrition therapy, nutritional counseling and education, nutrition in the lifespan, wellness, functional foods and nutraceuticals, nutrition and genetics, and biochemical nutrition. Many of the courses require supporting coursework as pre- or co-requisites in chemistry and biology.

The Nutrition and Foods program offers 4 tracks that prepare students for a variety of careers and/or graduate education. Students should carefully review the 4 tracks and consult with their academic advisor to determine the best fit for their career goals. If you are not sure which track to choose, it is suggested that you select the Dietetics Track.

Major in Dietetics

This major is for students who may wish to pursue the Registered Dietitian (RD) credential. The RD credential is required for many job opportunities, including positions in hospitals, and significantly improves qualification for employment in many nutrition-related jobs. Graduates from this track are also well prepared for graduate school.

The first step in pursuing the RD credential is obtaining a degree from an accredited Didactic Program in Dietetics (DPD). The Didactic Program in Dietetics at Texas State is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics (ACEND). An accredited program is approved under the ACEND  Standards of Education as meeting academic requirements (Foundation Knowledge and Skills Requirements) leading to a bachelor's degree. In order to pursue, continue in, and graduate with this major, you must maintain a GPA of at least 2.75. There is no minor for this major. A graduate of an accredited program earns a Verification Statement issued by the Director of the program.

The second step in pursuing the RD credential is to apply for, gain acceptance into, and successfully complete a post-graduate Dietetic Internship (DI). The application process is competitive. DI programs evaluate and rank applications by considering GPA, relevant work and volunteer experiences, and letters of recommendation by faculty and work supervisers. There are many DI programs throughout the US. Texas State University has a post-graduate DI, and graduates from the Texas State undergraduate program, graduate students enrolled in the Texas State MS in Human Nutrition program, and graduates from didactic programs across the nation compete to fill 9 slots per year. Upon successful completion of a post-graduate DI, graduates are qualified to complete the final step in the credentialling process. Each year, approximately 50% of graduates from DPDs across the nation who apply for post-graduate DIs are accepted. Graduates who are not accepted into DI programs pursue one of the many career opportunities in food-related or hospitality businesses, education, research, health agencies, sales, or media communications. Often work-related experience strengthens applications submitted in subsequent years.

The third and final step for becoming an RD is to pass the national Registration Examination for Dietitians. This exam draws on undergraduate coursework and experience gained through completion of the DI.

Texas State recommends that you maintain an overall GPA of 3.0 or higher in your undergraduate DPD major to improve your chances of being accepted into a post-graduate DI and passing the national exam.

Major in Nutrition and Foods with Minor

This degree is for students who are interested in studying nutrition but who do not plan to seek the RD credential. This major allows you to choose from a variety of minors. Graduates with this degree may pursue one of the many career opportunities in food-related or hospitality businesses, education, research, health agencies, sales, or media communications.

Major in Nutritional Science

While all 4 degree options in Nutrition and Foods are founded solidly upon the current scientific literature, this degree is for those who wish to take somewhat more rigorous chemistry courses in lieu of advanced dietetics-specific courses in the Nutrition and Foods program. It is important to understand that graduates with this degree do not receive a Verification Statement upon graduation unless they take all of the nutrition and foods courses required for the Major in Dietetics. The Verification Statement is required for those who wish to apply for post graduate Dietetic Internships in pursuit of the RD credential.

This degree will prepare graduates for graduate programs in a variety of fields, including the Texas State MS in Human Nutrition. It will also prepare graduates to pursue career opportunities in research, health agencies, and industry. In order to pursue, continue in, and graduate with this major, you must maintain a GPA of at least 2.75.

Major in Nutrition with Hospitality, Nutrition and Food Science Teacher Certification 

This degree option is for those who wish to teach in high school programs. The program includes many courses in Nutrition and Foods, and prepares graduates for careers in education.

Nutrition and Foods Brochure

Nutrition Program Course Sheets