Food Science and Human Nutrition University of Hawaii at Manoa

Overview

The Food Science and Human Nutrition programme at the University of Hawaii at Manoa offers a multidisciplinary approach to understanding the complex relationship between diet, health, and food production. Students engage with a curriculum that integrates biological sciences with practical applications in clinical and community settings.

This degree is designed to provide a robust foundation for those seeking to become registered dietitians, food scientists, or healthcare professionals. By combining theoretical knowledge with hands-on laboratory experience, the university ensures that graduates are well-equipped to address global challenges in nutrition and food security.

Why Food Science and Human Nutrition at the University of Hawaii at Manoa?

The University of Hawaii at Manoa hosts the only dietetics programme in Hawaii accredited by the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics. This unique status provides students with exclusive local opportunities for professional development and clinical practice within the Pacific region.

Students benefit from access to cutting-edge facilities, including state-of-the-art biomedical research laboratories and a human performance lab. These centres utilise advanced technology such as dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry (DXA) for body composition assessment and sophisticated databases for dietary analysis.

The teaching staff consists of award-winning scholars and distinguished researchers specialising in nutritional biochemistry, epidemiology, and food microbiology. This expertise ensures that the learning environment is informed by the latest scientific discoveries and industry standards.

Beyond the classroom, the Food Science and Human Nutrition Council offers a vibrant student organisation for networking and community service. These extracurricular links help students build professional relationships and participate in field-related activities that enhance their university experience.

Tuition Fee Breakdown

• International fee: USD 33552 per year
• National fee: USD 33552 per year
• Local fee: USD 11520 per year

Visit the Fees and Funding section for a breakdown in your local currency.

Syllabus

The curriculum is structured around four specialised options: Dietetics, Pre-Professional Nutrition, Food Science, and Sports and Wellness Nutrition. Modules may include:

• Food Chemistry
• Microbiology
• Food Structure
• Engineering
• Food Safety
• Regulation
• Sanitation
• Quality Control
• Business-oriented courses
• Nutritional Biochemistry
• Sports Nutrition
• Clinical Nutrition
• Community Nutrition
• Nutritional Epidemiology
• Nutrition Education

Careers with Food Science and Human Nutrition

Graduates from the University of Hawaii at Manoa are prepared for diverse roles across the public and private sectors. Many pursue careers as registered dietitians in clinical environments or community health organisations, while others enter the food industry as quality control specialists.

The pre-professional pathway provides an excellent foundation for students aiming to enter medical, dental, or pharmacy schools. Additionally, the sports and wellness focus leads to opportunities as health educators, corporate wellness coordinators, strength and conditioning coaches, or personal trainers.

The food science specialisation opens doors to careers in food manufacturing, safety regulation, and product development. Graduates are highly sought after for their technical skills in microbiology and food engineering, contributing to the global food supply chain and public health initiatives.