Food & Nutrition Sciences program

Undergrad major

Prepare yourself for the fast-growing field of food and nutrition sciences.

The availability of nutritious foods is key to human health and wellness. As the global population continues to grow, food and healthcare systems will be increasingly challenged to meet demand for their services in a sustainable way.

As a food and nutrition sciences major, you will gain a strong science background and a broad understanding and skillset related to food science, food safety, food systems and nutrition. Your knowledge will help you address the health, social, and environmental challenges related to food and nutrition facing the nation and the world.

Jobs in Food and Nutrition Sciences

Food and nutrition sciences is a growing industry. Graduates will help meet a critical workforce development need in Wisconsin and beyond.

The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects faster-than-average job growth in this industry over the next decade. Projections show 7% growth for dietitians and nutritionists, with a 2023 median annual pay of $69,680, and 6% growth for food scientists, with a 2023 median annual pay of $76,400.

Upon completion of the program, students will be prepared for careers in various fields related to food and nutrition.

Career opportunities

Consumer safety officer
Flavor scientist
Food safety inspector
Food scientist (in private industry, all levels of government, and non-profits)
Food service manager
Food policy expert
Food/nutrition researcher
Health Department positions
Recall coordinator
Registered dietitian nutritionist* (master’s level credential)

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What is Food and Nutrition Science?

Food science deals with how food is produced and received by consumers, from farm to fork. Nutrition examines how our bodies use the nutrients in foods we consume. Food systems bring these disciplines together to promote effective policies to sustainably feed the world enough nutritious food, while protecting the environment.

What distinguishes UWL's Food & Nutrition Science Program?

In-demand skills

In developing the major, faculty met with industry leaders from organizations such as Kwik Trip and Organic Valley, which reinforced the need for skilled, entry-level professionals in food science, food safety and food systems.

Interdisciplinary curriculum and faculty

The food and nutrition sciences is an interdisciplinary major at UWL , meaning courses come from multiple departments and colleges across campus offering a wide range of electives. In addition to Biology, the Microbiology and Public Health and Community Health Education departments provide a broad curriculum that supports the pursuit of diverse industry and graduate school opportunities for students.

Flexibility to specialize

The electives for the food and nutrition sciences major allow students to specialize by focusing their studies on areas such as food science, food systems, or nutrition.

Community engagement opportunities

Students have the option of completing a field experience where skills and knowledge learned in coursework is applied in a variety of community settings such as grocery stores, schools, community gardens, local health departments or local businesses.

Research experiences

Students can join in collaborative research projects with faculty mentors and/or community-based opportunities.

Internship opportunities

Students can take advantage of numerous internship opportunities that provide greater career preparation and networking opportunities.