Human Nutrition & Food Science (HNFS)
The ever-expanding fields of human nutrition and food science encompass a wide range of careers in food-related work, the nation's largest occupational sector.
Career Oppotunities
Dietetics
- Clinical Dietitian
- Healthcare/School Food Service Director
- Private Practice Dietitian
- Sports/Wellness Dietitian
- Dietitian in Business and Industry
Food Science and Technology
- Food Safety Microbiologist
- New Food Product Developer
- Food Packaging Specialist
- Food Manufacturing Operations Manager
- Quality Assurance Manager
Nutrition and Fitness
- Corporate Wellness Coordinator
- Public School Wellness Coordinator
- Rehabilitation Program Director
Community Nutrition
- Community Nutritionist
- Public Health Nutritionist
Prehealth with Emphasis in Nutrition
- An HNFS degree is also an excellent choice for students interested in pursuing pre-professional career paths like Medical School, Pharmacy, Physical Therapy, etc.
Why choose a major in Human Nutrition and Food Science?
Dietetics Option- The Didactic Program in Dietetics option is currently granted developmental accreditation by the Commission on Accreditation of Dietetics Education of the American Dietetic Association (120 South Riverside Plaza, Suite 2000, Chicago, IL 60606-6995, (312) 899-0040 ext 5400 or (800) 877-1600)). This option is the beginning step in the preparation of students to be dietitians in a variety of practice settings. Professionals in this area work in health promotion, medical nutrition therapy, sports, and wellness. Following graduation, a supervised practice experience in a hospital or institution accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Dietetic Education of the American Dietetic Association is required. Upon successful completion of the experience, the student is eligible to take the registration exam required by The Commission on Dietetic Registration of the American Dietetic Association to be a Registered Dietitian.
Click on Dietetics Option link above to view the requirements for this option which are on page 32 (38 on navigation bar) of the Undergraduate Catalog
Step-by-step information related to becoming a registered dietitian is located in the Becoming a Registered Dietitian Handbook listed below.
Food Science and Technology Option - Students choosing this option will follow a basic course plan providing a comprehensive background in the properties and preservation of foods. Graduates may be employed in areas such as food systems management, quality assurance, food safety, product development, or food processing.
- Click on Food Science and Technology Option link above to view the requirements for this option which are on page 32-34 (38-40 on navigation bar) of the Undergraduate Catalog
Nutrition and Fitness Option - This option prepares the student to work with clients from both a nutrition and exercise standpoint. Graduates may be employed in areas such as corporate wellness programs, public school wellness programs, and rehabilitation facilities.
- Click on Nutrition and Fitness Option link above to view the requirements for this option which are on page 32-34 (38-40 on navigation bar) of the Undergraduate Catalog
Community Nutrition Option - This option prepares the student to function in a nutrition capacity in a community or public health setting such as the Department of Health; Women, Infant and Child Nutrition Program; Adult Health; Children's Medical Services; School Food Service; and the Agency on Aging.
- Click on Community Nutrition Option link above to view the requirements for this option which are on page 32-34 (38-40 on navigation bar) of the Undergraduate Catalog
Prehealth with emphasis in Nutrition Option - Students planning to attend medical, dental or other professional schools such as physical therapy and pharmacy, may enroll in any discipline. This option is designed to meet the requirements for entry into most medical or dental schools as well as schools associated with other health professions such as physical therapy and pharmacy.
- Click on Prehealth with emphasis in Nutrition Option link above to view the requirements for this option which are on page 32-34 (38-40 on navigation bar) of the Undergraduate Catalog
What will I learn in Human Nutrition and Food Science?
Courses are taken in the following areas:
- Food and nutrition sciences
- Foodservice systems management
- Experimental foods
- Food analysis
- Chemistry and biochemistry
- Microbiology
- Anatomy and physiology
HNFS Faculty
M Ann Bock, PhD, RD, LD
Department of Family and Consumer Sciences
Box 30003, MSC 3470
Las Cruces, NM 88003-8003
575-646-1178
Email abock@nmsu.edu
Wanda Eastman, PhD, RD, LD, CDE
Department of Family and Consumer Sciences
Box 30003, MSC 3470
Las Cruces, NM 88003-8003
575-646-1180
Email wmorgan@nmsu.edu
Lisa McKee, PhD
Department of Family and Consumer Sciences
Box 30003, MSC 3470
Las Cruces, NM 88003-8003
575-646-1182
Email lmckee@nmsu.edu
See Undergraduate Catalog at the link listed above under Programs of Study
Professional Development
You can learn more by following these links to the web sites of our professional associations...
For further information
Margaret Ann Bock, PhD, RD, LD
Department of Family and Consumer Sciences
Box 30003, MSC 3470
Las Cruces, NM 88003-8003
575-646-1178
Email abock@nmsu.edu