Nutrition and Health
This major provides the background for students who plan to pursue careers in nutrition and related health sciences. This major focuses on the field of human nutrition and reflects the growing need to prepare individuals for careers in health and nutrition. For students who expect to pursue advanced degrees in nutritional sciences or professional degrees in medicine, dentistry, or law, the Nutrition and Health major may be chosen. This major emphasizes a strong science background and allows students to obtain a strong human nutrition preparation that is not available elsewhere on campus. For those interested in practicing nutrition or nutrition counseling, please see the Dietetics and Nutrition, BS
- FSHN 101: The Science of Food and How it Relates to You
- CHEM 102 & CHEM 103: General Chemistry I and General Chemistry Lab I
- FSHN 120: Contemporary Nutrition
Students should consult with an academic advisor regarding course selection prior to the advanced registration period.
Nutrition and Health students can go on to work in diverse industries that focus on improving health and wellness through nutrition. They often take up opportunities in dentistry, healthcare, or public health organizations, working as dentists, dietitians, nutritionists, or wellness coordinators. Many graduates also pursue roles in the food industry, contributing to product development, quality assurance, and food safety for companies like Nestlé, Kraft Heinz, and PepsiCo. Additionally, some students work in community and public health, joining organizations like the USDA or the Illinois Department of Public Health to develop and implement nutrition programs that address public health concerns. Others may find positions in research, academia, or corporate wellness, where they contribute to advancing nutritional science or promoting healthy eating habits within workplaces.
- Food and Science Safety
- Medicinal Nutrition Therapy
- Dietary Planning
- Research
- Data Analysis
- Clinical Skills
- Professionalism
- Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RDN)
- Clinical Dietitian
- Public Health Nutritionist
- Research Nutritionist
- Food Scientist
- Wellness Coordinator
- Health Coach
- Nutritional Epidemiologist
- Student Dietetic Association (https://one.illinois.edu/StudentDieteticAssociation/)
- Nutrition in Health (https://one.illinois.edu/NutritionInHealth/)
- NutrImpact (https://one.illinois.edu/NutrImpact/)
- Education and Training for Health (https://one.illinois.edu/EducationAndTrainingForHealth/)
- Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics (https://www.eatright.org/)
- American Society for Nutrition (https://nutrition.org/)
- U.S. Food and Drug Association (https://www.fda.gov/)