QUESTION: Do you know of any colleges that have a strong program for a major in nutrition science? There are many colleges that I want to apply to, but they do not list nutritional sciences as one of their majors. Should I still consider going to these colleges? I would like to go to a good college, not just a college that has this major. Also, do you know of any prestigious Christian colleges that have this major? I would prefer to go to a Christian college, but I'm not sure if there are any out there that are as good as non-Christian schools like USC, U.C. Berkeley, etc. Signed, Healthy Eating
Dear Healthy Eating: The Institute of Food Technologists (IFT) offers a directory of approved undergraduate programs on its Web site at
http://www.ift.org. The programs listed have been determined by IFT’s Committee on Higher Education to meet the "IFT Minimum Standards for Undergraduate Education in Food Science and Technology." In addition to the directory of colleges, IFT also offers scholarships for students in the field.
The American Society for Nutritional Sciences has a database of graduate programs in the field on its Web site at
http://www.nutrition.org While you are looking for an undergraduate program, going to a school that also has a graduate program may offer more resources and advanced courses than one that doesn’t have a graduate program. The ASNS journal also provides information on research and career advancement in the field.
Included in the directories of IFT and ASNS are Christian colleges.
To determine whether you should attend a college that is strong overall or that is strong in nutritional science, ask yourself how certain you are that you want to major in nutrition science. If this is an interest but you aren’t certain, apply to the other colleges. It’s usual for students to change their majors one or even more times.
When deciding on a college, speak with professors and students in the department to learn more about the program. If you can, also speak with those who work in the field to get their recommendations. Try to contact one of the organizations above for assistance.
Ask Your Question
