Nutrition and Food Science, Nutrition and Fitness Concentration

Overview

The Nutrition and Food Science, Nutrition and Fitness Concentration at Colorado State University prepares students for employment as nutrition and fitness counselors and personal lifestyle coaches in health care settings, commercial establishments, public health settings, or private practice. 

The curriculum blends a strong science base with course work in exercise science, nutrition, teaching, and counseling. 

Learning Outcomes

Students will demonstrate:

• Ability to identify nutrition-related public health problems, integrate information from basic nutrition sciences, critically analyze data, and develop appropriate conclusions

• Discipline-specific knowledge, skills, and competencies needed in the field of dietetics and nutrition. Examples include knowledge of medical nutrition therapy; nutrition and metabolism; program planning, monitoring, and evaluation; management in school nutrition programs and long-term care; food safety; and the role of food in the promotion of health

• Competent application of nutrition knowledge and skills in a work environment, including an ability to calculate and/or define diets for various health/disease conditions, screen individuals for nutritional risk, determine nutrient requirements across the lifespan, and calculate enteral and parental nutrition formulations; determine costs of services/ operations, interpret financial data, and prepare a budget

Potential Occupations

Participation in community outreach, internships, volunteer activities, or cooperative education opportunities is highly recommended to enhance career planning, skills, and development. Graduates who go on for advanced studies can attain more responsible leadership positions with the possibility of rising to top professional levels.

Some examples of career opportunities include, but are not limited to: dietitian or nutritionist in health care, hospitals, long-term care, schools, state or county health agencies, health clubs, corporate wellness programs, grocery stores/food chains, or private practice; community nutritionist; biomedical scientist; restaurant manager; caterer; quality assurance specialist; food scientist; food inspector; food technologist, food plant manager; food service manager in hospitals, schools, or long-term care. As of February 2019, the median salary for registered dietitians is $60,999, and the salary range is $55,525-$67,029.