Are you interested in: 

• The science of how the body works
• Food as medicine
• Designing diets for people of all ages
• Helping others lead healthier lives and prevent disease through food and nutrition
• Organic foods and sustainable agriculture
• The science of food preparation and its management
• Safe, healthy, just and equitable food supply
• The politics and regulations affecting food, its production and distribution

The study of food and nutrition involves applying scientific principles to food preparation and the means by which food provides the nutrients to the body in diverse populations – young and old; healthy and diseased; culturally diverse. Meredith’s food and nutrition program is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation for Dietetics Education of the American Dietetics Association (ACEND) and meets the requirements for didactic programs in dietetics. Students who successfully complete the program are eligible to apply for dietetic internships that provide supervised practice, enabling students to take the national professional examination to become a registered dietitian.

Types of jobs:

• Clinical dietician
• Nutritionist specialist: sports, obesity, children, lactation, elderly, management, and public policy
• Child nutrition director
• Food service management
• Nutrition education
• Culinary professions
• Food marketing
• Local food and food security organizations
• Nutrition research
• Food scientist
• Private consulting

Attend graduate school for:

• Nutrition
• Nursing
• Sustainability
• Medical school
• Public Health
• Business Administration
• Food Policy

Options for the major:

• B.S. in food and nutrition
• Dietetics
• Food Systems and Management
• Undergraduate research
• ServSafe® certification
• Internship opportunities including
  – Interfaith Food Shuttle – Students teach “Cooking Matters” and “Backpack Buddies”
  – Urban Ministries – Students developed nutrition education for diabetic clinic clients (English and Spanish)
  – Eat Smart Move More NC – Students have instituted ESMMNC programs such as developing a campus walking map, campus access and promotion for community supported agriculture (CSA), research for a dedicated lactation space, and healthier catering options
  – Poe Center – Students have worked on nutrition education programs for school age children to older adults
  – Meredith Nutrition – The group promotes nutrition and wellness
• Work or volunteer in community settings: sustainable gardening; food insecurity; elderly feeding; and child nutrition
• Meredith Nutrition and Wellness Association – The group promotes nutrition and wellness across the Meredith campus and throughout the surrounding Raleigh area and gives students the opportunity to explore career opportunities in the areas of nutrition, food service, and wellness.

Professional associations:

Kappa Omicron Nu (Honor Society – Human Sciences) www.kon.org

Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics www.eatright.org

Raleigh District Dietetic Association

NC Dietetic Association www.eatrightnc.org

Career outlook:

Dieticians and nutritionists

Additional information:

Meredith’s food and nutrition major »