CURRICULUM AND CAREER OPPORTUNITIESHealth professionals in many fields need a good understanding of nutrition because of the key role that diet plays in the prevention, development, and treatment of most of today’s major diseases. Nutrition science examines the ways in which what we eat affects our physical and even our psychological well-being, determining optimal intake of individual nutrients, specific foods, and food groups. Nutritionists provide guidance in how much and what we should be eating; they also explain as well as study the relationships between diet and health.
Undergraduates interested in studying nutrition at North Carolina State University have two options.
1. A bachelor of science (BS) degree in Nutrition
Science. Course Work/Curriculum Upon completion of this program, students have a number of options: continue on to receive certification as a registered dietitian so that they can work as nutritionists in a clinical/private practice, community, or public health setting; further their studies in graduate school to earn a Masters or Ph.D. degree in nutrition or a related field; or pursue careers in medicine, dentistry, pharmacy, physical therapy, or other allied health fields. Additional opportunities exist in medical and research laboratories, as well as pharmaceutical and food manufacturing companies. Students are encouraged to complete a minor in a related field, such as Food Science, Animal Science, Health, or Biological Sciences. Those interested in the food industry should also consider a co-major in Food Science. For additional information, students should contact Dr. Sarah Ash (sarah_ash@ncsu.edu) in room 218E Schaub Hall.
2. An undergraduate Minor in
nutrition.
A minimum of 16 credit hours is required for the minor, however 6 to 14
of these are likely to have been met by the student's major program of
study. Students minoring in nutrition could major in a number of areas,
including Animal
Science, Biochemistry,
Food Science, Poultry Science,
Science Education and Zoology.
Opportunities for students with a minor in Nutrition vary widely
depending on one's primary area of interest. For example, students with an Animal or Poultry Science background might find jobs in research or technical sales/service in a feed or pharmaceutical company. They also may work for a livestock or poultry pro
ducer in research and development or production. A nutrition minor would benefit those seeking employment in the food industry, extension service, as a science or health science educator as well as someone interested in pursuing an advanced degree.
PROCEDURE FOR CERTIFICATION OF THE MINOR
Students interested in the Nutrition Minor must submit a Minor Application form [http://www.ncsu.edu/registrar/forms/pdf/minorapplication.pdf] |