Human Nutrition and Food

Bachelor of Science (B.S.)

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Pursue a fulfilling career with UW’s human nutrition and food degree

Food holds a special place in today’s world. It presents challenges, fuels the human body and connects people across cultures.

While at UW, students have access to interesting coursework and service learning opportunities. Upon graduation, students are ready to tackle pressing nutrition concerns like food insecurity, obesity, diabetes, cardiovascular disease and other nutrition-related chronic diseases.

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This program is currently offered in
the following locations:

Laramie Campus

Learn More About the Food and Nutrition Degree

The University of Wyoming’s nutrition degree program prepares students to work in a variety of settings — including public health, hospitals, community clinics, food service, sports, public schools and sustainable agriculture.

If you’re ready to build a fulfilling career in nutrition, the University of Wyoming’s human nutrition and food major is for you! As a student, you’ll learn about the science of food and participate in valuable service learning opportunities. Plus, students may apply to UW’s accredited Didactic Program in Nutrition and Dietetics to graduate with a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RDN) credential

Grapes growing on the vine

 

 

 

Students pursuing the human nutrition and food major may choose to apply to the Didactic Program in Nutrition and Dietetics — which is required in order to receive the Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RDN) credential.

We pride ourselves on having a 100% match rate for students pursuing a dietetic internship, whereas the national rate is typically between 60% and 70%.

A student using a hand mixer in a human nutrition class

 

Human Nutrition Minor

A minor in human nutrition enhances degrees in kinesiology and health, food science, nursing and other related fields. Consider adding on a minor in human nutrition to your primary degree today!

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Nutrition Major Highlights

Research Opportunities

In addition to coursework, students may pursue a wide variety of research opportunities during their time at UW.

  • Biometric assessment
  • Brain-reward pathways
  • Regulation of craving training and analysis
  • Dietary analysis
  • Sensory characteristics
  • Community-based participatory research with tribal partners from the
  • Wind River reservation

 

The nutrition major is led by a group of highly regarded faculty members, each with their own specialty. Our faculty members specialize in:

  • Eating behaviors
  • Primary and secondary reward pathways
  • Picky eating and eating competency
  • Sensory characteristics of food products
  • Product development
  • Micronutrient needs and deficiencies
  • Indigenous and traditional diets
  • Health disparities
  • The impact of nutrition on health outcomes

Meet Our Faculty

Nutrition students are encouraged to get involved with the local community and apply what they’re learning. Students often get involved with the campus food share pantry, the Cent$ible Nutrition Program, the high altitude performance center and ACRES Student Farm.

 

What Can You Do With a Nutrition Degree?

With a nutrition degree, you can turn your passion for health into a meaningful career! Work in hospitals, schools, wellness programs or even one-on-one with clients, helping people make better choices and live healthier lives. Choosing to join UW's human nutrition program opens up a flexible and rewarding path!

  • Registered Dietitian
  • Nutrition Information Specialist
  • Nutrition Services Supervisor
  • Clinical Dietitian
  • Patient Services Manager
  • Nutrition Instructor
  • Extension Nutrition Specialist
  • Food Production Manager
  • Wellness Program Educator

  • Ivinson Memorial Hospital
  • Wyoming Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics
  • Sheridan Senior Center
  • Tailored Nutrition LLC
  • City of Longmont Recreation Services
  • Sheridan Community College
  • WY Department of Health
  • University of Colorado (UC) Health Memorial Hospital Central
  • Cent$ible Nutrition Program, UW Extension
  • Sodexo Food and Facilities Management
  • Teton Dietetics
  • Kodiak food products
  • Park County School District
  • Campus Dining
  • VA Medical Center

Yes—if you meet the proper requirements! As part of our program, you can apply to the Didactic Program in Nutrition and Dietetics, which is a key step toward becoming a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RDN). Completing this program meets the academic requirements needed to pursue the RDN credential.

A dietitian is a certified nutrition expert who’s completed specific coursework, a supervised internship, and passed a national exam. “Nutritionist” is a broader term and not always regulated—so while all dietitians are nutritionists, not all nutritionists are dietitians. Talking with our faculty and your advisor will help ensure you are meeting the right requirements to meet your professional goals.

“The family-oriented closeness was the biggest aspect I enjoyed about the nutrition/didactic program and department. I tell everyone that they're my second family. I have always felt so encouraged by our faculty and staff, and the other students I've grown close with have made it all the better. Such a great experience!”

- 2023 Graduate