Program Description
This Bachelor of Science program in Nutrition and Food Studies combines interests in food and nutrition with an interest in health, culture, or business. It includes a strong foundation of study in the liberal arts and sciences; core lecture and laboratory courses that explore and integrate food studies, nutrition, and management; a concentration in one of two areas of professional study: nutrition and dietetics or food studies; and extensive opportunities for elective courses and internships designed to help students apply their knowledge to meet their own interests and career goals.
Concentrations
Nutrition and Dietetics
This concentration focuses on the role of food, nutrition, and health in society. Integrating knowledge and research into course work, the curriculum provides students with an understanding of basic sciences and theoretical and applied aspects of nutrition and dietetics.
The curriculum for this concentration meets the foundation knowledge and learning outcomes in the Eligibility Requirements and Accreditation standards established by the Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics, the accrediting agency for the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics. These standards are known collectively as the Didactic Programs in Dietetics (DPD) and they are met by taking the full set of courses required for the Bachelor of Science degree. Learn more about the NYU Steinhardt DPD.
Food Studies
This concentration explores the cultural, historical, and sociological aspects of food, production, and consumption. Employing approaches from the humanities and social sciences, the degree prepares students to analyze the current American food system, its global connections, and local alternatives. Core courses focus on critical thinking and writing about food.
Career Opportunities
The study of nutrition and food provides a solid academic education and practical training for a variety of career opportunities. These fields also encompass some of the most critically important—and hotly debated—issues affecting modern society, among them world hunger and problems related to safety, bioengineering, and the globalization of food. Through positions in health care, business, government service, private practice, the food and food service industries, and educational and community programs, nutrition and food professionals help individuals and the public make better-informed choices about food and nutritional health.
Accreditation and Credentialing
The Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics has updated its requirements for becoming a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist. Starting in 2024, those wishing to become a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist must hold a master's degree in order to take the Commission on Dietetic Registration credentialing exam to become a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist. To enable undergraduates to progress smoothly toward Registered Dietitian Nutritionist credentials, students may pursue a 5-year combined BS/MS degree.
The Nutrition and Dietetics Undergraduate Didactic Program in Dietetics (DPD) HONF-RDS is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics (120 South Riverside Plaza, Suite 2190, Chicago, IL 60606, 1-800-877-1600).
Admissions
New York University's Office of Undergraduate Admissions supports the application process for all undergraduate programs at NYU. For additional information about undergraduate admissions, including application requirements, see How to Apply.
Program Requirements
Students in both concentrations take courses in nutrition, food and identity, food science, and food production and management, as an introduction to the full spectrum of ways in which food and nutrition intersect with society. They learn about the nutrient value of food, eating behaviors, cultural determinants of food intake, food marketing, and personnel management. They also learn the basics of food preparation and management in the department’s foods laboratory facility.
Faculty work with students to locate challenging internships selected from New York City’s extensive professional resources: hospitals and health centers, restaurants, hotels, newspapers, magazines, consulting firms, food companies, and community agencies.
Internships help students develop their professional skills and often lead to future employment.
Nutrition and Dietetics
This concentration meets the foundational knowledge and learning outcomes established by the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, which qualify graduates of the concentration to enter accredited dietetic internship programs to become registered dietitian nutritionists.
Students learn basic, community, clinical, and administrative aspects of dietetics, as well as food service management, food science, and nutrition science. Courses in nutrition assessment, diet modification, nutrition program planning, and research develop analytical and decision-making skills critical to dietetic practice. Practicing dietitians from outstanding medical centers teach clinical nutrition courses and provide guest lectures on the most interesting and current topics in the field. During senior year, students do fieldwork in hospital dietetics under the close supervision of registered dietitians, helping patients and clients meet their special nutritional needs.
Most students in this area of concentration continue their studies to obtain credentials as a registered dietitian nutritionist (RDN).
Course List
| Course |
Title |
Credits |
| 8 |
| EXPOS-UA 1 | Writing The Essay: | 4 |
| ACE-UE 110 | Advanced College Essay: Educ & The Professions | 4 |
| 1 | 4 |
| 1 | 4 |
| 1 | 4 |
| |
| PSYCH-UA 1 | Intro to Psychology | 4 |
| or APSY-UE 2 | Introduction to Psychology and Its Principles |
| APSTA-UE 1085 | Basic Statistics I (or other Statistics by advisement) | 4 |
| CHEM-UA 120 | Introduction to Modern Chemistry | 5 |
| CHEM-UA 210 | Principles of Organic and Biological Chemistry and Laboratory | 5 |
| NUTR-UE 1068 | Introduction to Human Physiology | 4 |
| 10 |
| SAHS-UE 1 | New Student Seminar | 0 |
| |
| FOOD-UE 1051 | Food and Identity | 4 |
| NUTR-UE 85 | Intro to Foods and Food Science | 3 |
| NUTR-UE 91 | Food Management Theory | 3 |
| NUTR-UE 119 | Nutrition and Health | 3 |
| NUTR-UE 1052 | Food Production and Management | 3 |
| NUTR-UE 120 | Theories & Techniques of Nutrition Ed Counseling | 2 |
| NUTR-UE 1023 | Food Microbiology & Sanitation | 3 |
| NUTR-UE 1064 | Nutritional Biochemistry | 3 |
| NUTR-UE 1117 | Current Research in Nutrition (seniors) | 2 |
| NUTR-UE 1184 | Food Science & Tech | 3 |
| NUTR-UE 1185 | Clinical Nutrition Assessment Intervention | 3 |
| NUTR-UE 1198 | Fieldwork | 4 |
| NUTR-UE 1209 | Community Nutrition | 3 |
| NUTR-UE 1260 | Diet Assessment and Planning | 3 |
| NUTR-UE 1269 | Nutrition and Life Cycle | 3 |
| 7 |
| The Counseling Interview | |
| Fd Issues of Cont Societ | |
| Ind Study | |
| Commun Workshop in Foods & Nutrition | |
| Food and Nutrition Global Society | |
| Advanced Foods: | |
| Management and Organizations | |
| Health Assessment & Promotion | |
| Introduction to Global Issues in Nutrition | |
| Health and Society in a Global Context | |
| Epidemiology for Global Health | |
| |
| 16 |
| Total Credits | 128 |
Food Studies
This concentration focuses on the scholarly study of food, particularly its cultural and social dimensions. Concentration courses cover food issues of contemporary societies, essentials of cuisine, beverage management systems, food in the arts, and communications.
Students may choose from a wide variety of theoretical and hands-on elective courses, such as food science, international nutrition, food demonstrations, international foods, and food photography. Courses are taught by NYU faculty, as well as by highly qualified professionals who share their knowledge and experience, provide career advice, and supervise internships. Internships are available in every imaginable aspect of the food field and are developed through consultation with faculty.
Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion of the program, graduates will:
- Discuss and explain the various and diverse roles of food, nutrition, and health in society.
- Apply research methods and scientific evidence to the examination of current problems in food, nutrition and health. Think critically, analyze complex and diverse concepts, and use reason and judgment.
- Communicate effectively, both orally and in writing, in different educational and workplace settings.
- Demonstrate skills and competencies consistent with best practices in nutrition and food studies.
In addition, students completing the concentration in Nutrition and Dietetics will be able to:
- Assess the nutritional status of individuals and population groups.
- Educate individuals and the public on food choices that will optimize health and prevent disease.
- Apply nutrition care processes to the treatment of diet-related disease conditions.
- Manage human, financial, and physical resources to improve the nutritional care of individuals and population groups.
Policies
Grading & GPA Policy
All students in the Global Public Health/Nutrition and Dietetics (BS) program must maintain a 2.0 GPA in order to maintain good standing. In addition, all courses identified as critical to the program must be successfully completed with a grade of C or better.
Nutrition and Food Studies (BS) - Critical Courses
STEM OPT Benefits for International Students
If you’re an international student, you may be able to work in the United States after graduation for an extended period of time. Most students studying on F-1 visas will be eligible for 12 months of Optional Practical Training (OPT) off-campus work authorization. F-1 students in this program may also be eligible for the STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, or Mathematics) OPT extension, allowing you to extend your time in the United States to pursue degree-related work experience for a total of 36 months or 3 years. For more information on who can apply for this extension visit NYU’s Office of Global Services: STEM OPT.
NYU Policies
University-wide policies can be found on the New York University Policy pages.
Steinhardt Academic Policies
Additional academic policies can be found the Steinhardt academic policies page.