Health Sciences
Food Science and Nutrition
Using the Science of Nutrition to Influence Health
The Department of Health Sciences offers two-degree specializations in Food Science and Nutrition to equip students with the knowledge to pursue various careers. A link to each specialization's webpage and a brief description of each specialization are provided below.
The Food Science and Nutrition - Dietetics Specialization prepares students for a career as a registered dietitian. The aim of this specialization is to prepare students for supervised practice in order to be eligible to take the CDR credentialing exam to become registered dietitian nutritionists (RDNs). This program teaches students to effectively communicate, analyze, problem-solve, and perform high quality work. Students will leave CWU as a knowledgeable practitioner, contributing to the profession of nutrition and dietetics. The dietetics specialization fulfills the requirements of the Academy of Nutrition & Dietetics for a Didactic Program in Dietetics. The DPD program is currently granted continuing accreditation by the Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics (ACEND).
The Food Science and Nutrition - Foods and Nutrition Specialization prepares students for employment or continued study in the field of food and nutrition. Nutrition explores how the nutrients in the food we eat support our bodies in growth and development. Students will gain a scientific understanding of the principles of human nutrition, and our curriculum is designed to give students the power to educate consumers and create healthier communities. Graduates are prepared for careers as Food sciences technologists, food distributors, food brokerage companies, and pharmaceutical sales.
A major in Food Science and Nutrition can also be transferred to a nursing program if specific classes are fulfilled.
Internships
CWU offers an accredited Dietetic Internship (DI) Program through the Department of Health Sciences. The Dietetic Internship is currently granted full accreditation (through Dec. 31, 2027) by ACEND. For more information, see our Dietetic Internship Overview.
Graduates from this program may also be interested in our Masters Degree program in Nutrition and the Dietetic Internship program.
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