Nutrition and Food Science
Prepare for careers in the food and beverage, agricultural, and processing industries and food regulatory agencies.
Nutrition and Food Science, Food Industry Concentration, B.S.
The Food Industry Concentration in the Bachelor of Science in Nutrition and Food Science is offered through the College of Behavioral and Health Science at MTSU. This concentration prepares students to work for food processors, government agencies, non-government organizations, or pursue graduate studies in food science.
News Briefs
Graduate's passion for science, cooking turns into career
Growing up, Matthew Jobe developed a passion for science and cooking. As a teen, he took four years of Culinary Arts at Blackman High School, where he learned that food is much more than what you see at the grocery store or on a menu at a restaurant. Fast forward to his sophomore year at MTSU, Jobe discovered the Food Science major and decided to follow his life-long passion. As part of his food industry class, Jobe toured Taylor Farms in Smyrna, Tennessee, which he described as an "eye-opening" experience. "I had never seen the amount that goes into receiving, production and procession of food which instantly piqued my interest," he recalled. A month after touring the facility, Jobe accepted a job as a Lead Quality Assurance Specialist. "I have learned so much about food testing, good manufacturing practices and food safety, which has given me the skills to move forward in my career in the food industry," he said. Jobe hopes to become a Food Scientist for Taylor Farms in the future.
Students win 1st place at Scholars Week
Congratulations to to Elizabeth Skelton and Taylor Armistead who won 1st place for the undergraduate category at Scholars Week 2023 for the College of Behavioral and Health Sciences. Elizabeth presented the findings from a research grant awarded to the Department of Human Sciences at Middle Tennessee State University in November 2021 and implemented during March and April of the 2022 Spring Semester. They participated in four workshops that were designed around the basics of healthy eating, nutrition and mental health and how they are associated with physical fitness.
News Briefs
Graduate's passion for science, cooking turns into career
Growing up, Matthew Jobe developed a passion for science and cooking. As a teen, he took four years of Culinary Arts at Blackman High School, where he learned that food is much more than what you see at the grocery store or on a menu at a restaurant. Fast forward to his sophomore year at MTSU, Jobe discovered the Food Science major and decided to follow his life-long passion. As part of his food industry class, Jobe toured Taylor Farms in Smyrna, Tennessee, which he described as an "eye-opening" experience. "I had never seen the amount that goes into receiving, production and procession of food which instantly piqued my interest," he recalled. A month after touring the facility, Jobe accepted a job as a Lead Quality Assurance Specialist. "I have learned so much about food testing, good manufacturing practices and food safety, which has given me the skills to move forward in my career in the food industry," he said. Jobe hopes to become a Food Scientist for Taylor Farms in the future.
Students win 1st place at Scholars Week
Congratulations to to Elizabeth Skelton and Taylor Armistead who won 1st place for the undergraduate category at Scholars Week 2023 for the College of Behavioral and Health Sciences. Elizabeth presented the findings from a research grant awarded to the Department of Human Sciences at Middle Tennessee State University in November 2021 and implemented during March and April of the 2022 Spring Semester. They participated in four workshops that were designed around the basics of healthy eating, nutrition and mental health and how they are associated with physical fitness.
Nutrition and Food Science, Food Industry Concentration, B.S.
The major in Nutrition and Food Science offers preparation for careers in community nutrition services; county, state, and federal health departments; food processing; food marketing; and quality control. Examples include
- Catering manager
- Food researcher
- Food-service manager (schools, hospitals, residential care facilities, prisons, etc.)
- Production manager
- Public nutrition educator
- Purchasing manager
- Quality assurance specialist
- Restaurant manager and/or owner
- Sales representative
The Dietetics concentration can lead to careers as registered dietitians/nutritionists in hospitals and other health care facilities or in private practice. They may work in community and public health settings, academia and research. A growing number of RDs work in the food and nutrition industry, in business, journalism, sports nutrition, and corporate wellness programs
Employers of MTSU alumni include
- Adams Place
- Colts Chocolates
- Cracker Barrel
- Healthways
- Middle Tennessee Medical Center
- Morrison Management Specialists
- Nashville Metro Public Health Department
- National HealthCare Corporation
- Sodexo
- Spectra Laboratories
- Stewart County (Tenn.) Schools
MTSU’s Career Development Center
MTSU offers a comprehensive Career Development Center that serves students throughout the full student experience and beyond. They collaborate with faculty and staff to equip students with the tools to be marketable to the world of work and continuing education.
Students can schedule an appointment or check online resources and job boards at mtsu.edu/career.
Students can find current internship opportunities by talking to faculty and visiting the University job and internship board called Handshake .
Wondering what you can do with your major? Check out our What Can I Do with A Major In guides.
Degrees
- Dietetics
- Food Industry
- Family and Consumer Sciences Community Education
- Family and Consumer Sciences Secondary Education
- Nutrition and Wellness
For complete curriculum details, click on the REQUIREMENTS tab above.
Professional Licensure Disclosure
The Bachelor of Science (B.S.) in Nutrition and Food Science with a concentration in Nutrition and Wellness at Middle Tennessee State University (MTSU) is accredited by the American Association for Family and Consumer Sciences (AAFCS). Graduates in BS in Nutrition and Food Science with a concentration in Nutrition and Wellness will meet the requirements to sit for the Nutrition and Wellness Educator Certification exam administered by AAFCS. Students should consult the CNWE website at https://www.aafcs.org/credentialing-center/professional-certifications/cnwe for more information and discuss their plans with their advisor.
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