Food and Nutrition (B.S.)
Indiana State University
Description:
The University offers a bachelor of science (B.S.) in food and nutrition—with options in dietetics and food service management.
This degree program offers students traditional laboratory and classroom learning—plus clinical experiences and internships that provide the hands-on experience needed for successful careers.
Course work includes the department's required core, which includes the study of chemistry and biology as well as introductory food and nutrition courses.
In addition, students select one of the following options for in-depth study in their field of interest.
- Option A: Coordinated Program in Dietetics: This option includes course work in food
and nutrition as well as business. Also required are 900 clock hours of pre-professional experiences
in a combination of clinical settings including hospitals, nursing homes, community agencies, and
food service facilities. Graduates are eligible to take the national examination to earn registered dietitian
credentials.
- Option B: Food Service Management: This option includes course work in food and nutrition, family economics, management, management information systems, and business—plus a supervised work experience. A minor in business administration or marketing is recommended.
A number of activities and organizations enable students to interact with other students and professionals in the industry, including the Food and Nutrition Club, which provides mentoring opportunities and career guidance.
Other opportunities include the local pre-professional student chapter of the American Association of Family and Consumer Sciences and the Alpha Phi Chapter of Phi Upsilon Omicron, a national family and consumer sciences honor organization.
Required Courses:
Careers:
Job placement rates, as well as opportunities for rapid advancement, are excellent for dieticians. Food service management is one of the fastest growing fields in the United States.
The following are a few of the career opportunities:
- Dietetic graduates are eligible to take the national examination to earn registered dietitian (RD)
credentials, and are qualified for entry-level dietetics positions in acute care facilities, long-term
care facilities, community agencies, food service administration, school food service, college/university food service,
military food service, consulting private practice, and a wide variety of other settings.
- Food service management graduates are qualified for managerial positions in industry, private restaurants/clubs, hotel/motel food service, fast food chains, healthcare facilities, airline food service, college/university food service, military food service, and correctional facilities food service.
In addition, the Food and Nutrition Program is preparation for graduate school.
Accreditation:
The University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association.
In addition, the Department of Family and Consumer Sciences is accredited by the American Association of Family and Consumer Sciences (AAFCS). The Coordinated Program in Dietetics is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation for Dietetic Education (CADE) of the American Dietetic Association.
Financial Aid & Scholarships
Students have many sources of financial support for their studies, including financial aid, work-study programs, veterans' benefits, and special scholarships for entering freshmen and transfer students.
In addition, the Department of Family and Consumer Sciences offers a variety of scholarships and awards. For more information, contact the department. Scholarships are also offered by local, state, and national dietetics associations.
Further Information:
Department of Family and Consumer Sciences
Indiana State University
812-237-3297
www.indstate.edu/fcs
The Catalog of Indiana State University is the document of authority for all students. The requirements given in the catalog supersede information issued by any academic department, program, college, or school. The University reserves the right to change the requirements at any time.
Last updated 8 June 2009