The Nutrition major prepares students with a comprehensive knowledge of the biological and social sciences to understand the relationships between nutrients, food components and human health. Prevention of diseases that are related to lifestyle, particularly diet and nutrition, is a focus of the curriculum. Core courses emphasize the role of nutrients in biochemistry, genetics, physiology, microbiology, and immunology that promotes wellness and enhances the quality of life. The major also provides an excellent background for those interested in pursuing graduate degrees in biological, nutritional or food sciences; professional degrees in human or veterinary medicine; degrees in dentistry, pharmacy, physical therapy, nursing, public health and other health professions; or dietetic internships.
Three curriculum tracks are offered (General Nutrition, Didactic Program in Dietetics and Molecular and Experimental Nutrition) to provide flexibility in one’s chosen career path. The Nutrition major prepares one for graduate school, corporate wellness positions, health promotion programs, the food industry, public health programs, pharmaceutical sales, clinical dietetics, medical and research laboratories, biotechnology firms, government agencies and related fields.
General Nutrition Track
The General Nutrition Track provides a strong knowledge base and fundamental understanding of nutrition principles supported by a wide range of approved electives in chemistry, statistics, genetics, nutritional biochemistry, microbiology, and psychology to prepare for careers in community nutrition, sports nutrition, education, public health/ service or as technical representatives in the nutrition, health, food and allied industries. The goal of this curriculum is to give students a broad education in the nutritional sciences in preparation for a variety of career opportunities.
Molecular and Experimental Track
The Molecular and Experimental Track emphasizes a fundamental background in the biological and physical sciences that relate to human health and nutrition. This option offers students the opportunity to develop analytical and critical thinking skills through undergraduate research with department faculty, independent study and study abroad programs, and a science-based curricula that is essential for graduate studies and pre professional schools. The goal of this track is to enable students to seek employment in specialized science-based fields in the biological or medical sciences, to pursue graduate degrees beyond the baccalaureate or to enter professional schools of medicine, veterinary medicine, dentistry, pharmacy or similar disciplines.
Didactic Program in Dietetics Track
The Didactic Program in Dietetics (DPD) is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation for Dietetic Education (CADE) and is designed to prepare students for meeting the requirements for the credential of Registered Dietician (RD). The DPD provides a strong science base and foundational courses in nutrition for students desiring a dietetic practice in a clinical, therapeutic, community wellness, public health or food production/ service setting. To be eligible to participate in the DPD program, students must maintain an overall GPR of 2.8 or above and have a grade of at least C in all non-nutrition courses and a grade of at least B in all nutrition courses.
Teacher Certification in Nutrition
The secondary Provisional Teaching Certificate may be obtained in conjunction with the Bachelor of Science degree in Nutrition, General Nutrition Track. There are three subject areas available for teacher certification through this degree: Chemistry (grades 7-12), Biology/Life Science (grades 7-12) and Science (grades 7-12). All students taking this route must also complete the 18 credit hour STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics) Minor.
Chemistry Certification Track
No additional courses are required, in addition to the STEM Minor.
- Chemistry Degree Plan
Biology/Life Science Certification Track
In addition to the STEM Minor, students must take the following technical electives, which are included in the General Nutrition Option: One Botany course (HORT 301 or BIOL 328); one Ecology course (WFSC 402 or BIOL 357).
- Biology/Life Sciences Degree Plan
Science Certification Track
In addition to the STEM Minor, students must take the following technical electives, which are included in the General Nutrition Option: PHYS 201 & PHYS 202 or PHYS 218 & PHYS 208; GEOL 101; ATMO 201 & 202 or ASTR 101 & ASTR 102.
- Science Degree Plan
STEM Minor Timeline
Required Coursework Description
Post Bachelor’s Certification Options
Accelerate Online Program
The Texas A&M University Accelerate Online certification program is an innovative approach to preparing secondary teachers (grades 7-12) in the State of Texas.
- The program is designed to provide college graduates with a program of teacher preparation that can be completed in 12-18 months.
- The Accelerate Online program provides an individual the flexibility of completing teacher certification preparation through completion of online instruction, a 40-hour field experience and a year-long paid internship in a secondary public school in Texas.
- Enrollment at Texas A&M University is not required to participate in Accelerate Online.
Accelerate Online Program information
Secondary Graduate Certification Program
The Secondary Graduate Certification Program (7-12) is designed for those candidates who have completed or will complete a baccalaureate degree and desire initial certification to teach in Texas public schools at the secondary level. Candidates are admitted upon recommendation of Department of Teaching, Learning and Culture faculty and progress through the Summer, Fall and Spring semesters as a cohort.
Certification program requires:
- 21 graduate semester credit hours
- Completion of the appropriate State examinations
- a full-year public school internship
Graduate Certification Program information, including application procedures, prerequisites, and courses.