BS in Food Science and Human Nutrition

Degree Program Description

Turn your passion for food, health, and innovation into a career that makes a difference. The Bachelor of Science in Food Science and Human Nutrition empowers students with the scientific knowledge, hands-on experience, and professional skills needed to thrive in today’s fast-growing food, nutrition, and wellness industries.

Students complete University general education and graduation requirements alongside major coursework that builds a strong foundation for a variety of career pathways.

Choose Your Path

Students personalize their experience by selecting one of three tracks:

  • Food Science
  • Human Nutrition (Pre-Dietetics)
  • Food, Nutrition, and Business

Food Science

Explore the science behind the foods we eat—from product development to food safety and quality. This track is ideal for students interested in innovation, technology, and improving the global food supply.

  • Curriculum meets national standards established by the Institute of Food Technologists (IFT)
  • Opportunities to engage in cutting-edge labs and industry-relevant experiences
  • Option to accelerate your degree with a combined BS–MS in Food Science and Hospitality Management Systems

Graduates are well-prepared for careers in food product development, quality assurance, food safety, and more.

Human Nutrition (Pre-Dietetics)

Turn your passion for nutrition and health into a meaningful career helping others live better lives. This track prepares students for advanced study and supervised practice in dietetics.

  • Includes all prerequisite coursework for the ACEND-accredited accelerated BS–MS Coordinated Program in Dietetics
  • Qualified students transition seamlessly into the graduate program upon acceptance
  • Clear, guided pathway toward becoming a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RDN)

Food, Nutrition, and Business

Combine science with strategy. This innovative track blends food science, nutrition, and business to prepare students for leadership roles in a competitive global marketplace.

  • Develop skills in product development, marketing, entrepreneurship, and management
  • Ideal for students interested in launching businesses or leading within the food and wellness industries
  • Prepares graduates for careers where technical expertise meets business insight

Note: This track does not include an accelerated BS–MS option.

Major Program Requirements

Students earning a Bachelor of Science in Food Science and Human Nutrition are required to complete all University general education, University graduation, and degree requirements, including foundational courses, which may fulfill some University general education requirements.

Within this degree program, students can choose among three tracks:

  • Food Science,
  • Human Nutrition or
  • Food, Nutrition, and Business 

The Food Science track curriculum meets the Undergraduate Education Standards for Degrees in Food Science as required by the Institute of Food Technologists’ (IFT) Higher Education Review Board (HERB). Students also have the option to pursue the accelerated BS to MS in Food Science and Hospitality Management Systems.

The Human Nutrition (pre-Dietetics) track curriculum includes the preparatory coursework for the ACEND-accredited accelerated BS to MS in Dietetics program. Students, upon acceptance, who choose this track will transition seamlessly into the Coordinated Program in Dietetics' graduate year, assuming all application, compliance, and program requirements are obtained and maintained.

Students are eligible to transfer into the pre-professional track with a 2.0 cumulative GPA but must have a 3.0 or higher to apply to the Accelerated BS to MS Coordinated Program in Dietetics. Note: Students are directly admissible as a first-time college (freshman) or transfer student to the pre-professional track when they meet the University admissions requirements. 

The Food, Nutrition, and Business track combines the disciplines of food science, nutrition, and business that lead to careers which require both technical knowledge and business acumen. This track does not have an accelerated BS to MS option.

Students planning to transfer courses (including AP credit) and would like to information on how they apply to a degree program(s), you can email CAFNRadvising@missouri.edu for general recommendations.

Foundational Courses
ABM 2225Statistical Analysis3
or ESC_PS 4170 Introduction to Applied Statistics
ABM 3241WEthical Issues in Agriculture - Writing Intensive3
or PHIL 2440 Medical Ethics
or PHIL 2900 Environmental Ethics
AGSC_COM 2220Verbal Communication in Agriculture, Food and Natural Resources3
or AGSC_COM 2220H Verbal Communication in Agriculture, Food and Natural Resources - Honors
or COMMUN 1200 Public Speaking
or COMMUN 1200H Public Speaking - Honors
BIO_SC 1500Introduction to Biological Systems with Laboratory5
CHEM 1400
CHEM 1401
College Chemistry I
and College Chemistry I Laboratory
4
FINPLN 2183Personal and Family Finance3
or FINPLN 2183H Personal and Family Finance - Honors
NEP 1001Topics in Nutritional Sciences1
PSYCH 1000General Psychology3
Core Courses
BIOCHM 3630General Biochemistry (Students applying to MS Dietetics program must earn a B- or better to apply)3
CHEM 2030Survey of Organic Chemistry (Students applying to MS Dietetics program must earn a B- or better to apply)3
or CHEM 2100
CHEM 2110
Organic Chemistry I
and Organic Chemistry II
CHEM 2130Organic Laboratory I2
F_S 1030Food Science and Nutrition3
F_S 2172Elements of Food Microbiology3
or F_S 2172H Elements of Food Microbiology - Honors
F_S 4310Food Chemistry and Analysis3
NEP 2340Human Nutrition I (Students applying to MS Dietetics program must earn a B- or better to apply)3
or NEP 2340H Human Nutrition I - Honors
Select one track from below (Food Science, Human Nutrition, or Food, Nutrition, and Business)
Food Science Track
ABM 1041Applied Microeconomics3
or ECONOM 1014 Principles of Microeconomics
AG_S_TCH 1040Physical Principles for Agricultural Applications3-4
or PHYSCS 1210 College Physics I
CHEM 1410College Chemistry II3
CHEM 1411College Chemistry II Laboratory1
F_S 2199Seminar in Professional Development1
F_S 4199Food Industry Senior Seminar1
F_S 4311Investigation of Food Properties3
F_S 4315WFood Chemistry and Analysis Laboratory - Writing Intensive3
F_S 4330Principles of Food Processing3
or F_S 4160 Food Process Engineering
F_S 4370Food Microbiology3
F_S 4375Food Microbiology Laboratory2
F_S 4380Sensory Analysis of Food and Beverages3
F_S 4970WFood Product Development - Writing Intensive (Capstone)3
F_S 4980Food Quality Assurance3
MATH 1400Calculus for Social and Life Sciences I3
or MATH 1500 Analytic Geometry and Calculus I
Experiential Learning
AFNR 2191International Agriculture, Food and Natural Resources - Humanities3
or AFNR 2190 International Agriculture, Food and Natural Resources
or F_S 4941 Internship in Food Science
Professional Electives (select 17 credit hours from below)
F_S 1020World Food and You3
or F_S 1020H World Food and You - Honors
F_S 2131Dairy Products Evaluation2
F_S 2195Grapes and Wines of the World3
F_S 3210Kitchen Chemistry3
F_S 3214Principles of Meat Science3
F_S 3330Fermentation for Food, Fuel and Beverages3
F_S 3231Principles of Dairy Foods Science3
F_S 4941Internship in Food Science1-6
F_S 4050Zero Hunger Challenge3
or F_S 4050H Zero Hunger Challenge - Honors
F_S 4331Technology of Dairy Products and Ingredients3
F_S 4344Processing Muscle Foods3
F_S 4345Principles of Viticulture and Winemaking3
Human Nutrition Track
CDS 2190Medical Terminology3
F_S 3210Kitchen Chemistry3
HSP_MGMT 3300Food Production Management3
MANGMT 3000Principles of Management3
or MANGMT 3000W Principles of Management - Writing Intensive
MPP 3202Elements of Physiology5
MPP 4204Medical Pharmacology4
NEP 1034Introduction to Human Nutrition3
or NEP 1034H Introduction to Human Nutrition - Honors
NEP 1475Career Exploration in Dietetics1
NEP 2450Nutrition Throughout the Life Span3
NEP 3290Food Service I: Field Work/Supervised Practice Experience1
NEP 3360Nutritional Assessment Lab (Students applying to the MS Dietetics program must earn a B- or better to apply)3
NEP 3370Medical Nutrition Therapy I: Supervised Practice Experience3
NEP 3390Teaching and Counseling Techniques in Nutrition2
NEP 3400Teaching and Counseling Techniques in Nutrition Supervised Practice Experience1
NEP 3590Community Nutrition Field Work/Supervised Practice Experience1
NEP 4290Food Service II: Advanced Food Service Management Supervised Practice Experience2
NEP 4340Human Nutrition II Lecture (Students applying to MS Dietetics program must earn a B- or better to apply)3
NEP 4360Nutritional Assessment (Students applying to MS Dietetics program must earn a B- or better to apply)3
NEP 4385Professional Development I1
NEP 4590Community Nutrition3
NEP 4950Capstone: Research in Nutritional Sciences2
NEP 4951WNutrition Research Communication - Writing Intensive3
NEP 7370Medical Nutrition Therapy I3
P_HLTH 8300Health Care in the United States3
Food, Nutrition, & Business Track
Career Exploration
NEP 1475Career Exploration in Dietetics1
or F_S 2199 Seminar in Professional Development
Food and Nutrition Requirements: Choose 18 credit hours from this list
F_S 1020World Food and You3
or F_S 1020H World Food and You - Honors
F_S 2131Dairy Products Evaluation2
F_S 3210Kitchen Chemistry3
F_S 3330Fermentation for Food, Fuel and Beverages3
F_S 4050Zero Hunger Challenge3
or F_S 4050H Zero Hunger Challenge - Honors
F_S 4315WFood Chemistry and Analysis Laboratory - Writing Intensive3
F_S 4380Sensory Analysis of Food and Beverages3
F_S 4980Food Quality Assurance3
F_S 4199Food Industry Senior Seminar1
NEP 2450Nutrition Throughout the Life Span3
NEP 4340Human Nutrition II Lecture3
NEP 4360Nutritional Assessment3
NEP 4370Medical Nutrition Therapy I3
NEP 4590Community Nutrition3
Business Requirements
ABM 1041Applied Microeconomics3
or ECONOM 1014 Principles of Microeconomics
or MANGMT 3000 Principles of Management
ABM 1042Applied Macroeconomics3
or ECONOM 1015 Principles of Macroeconomics
ABM 2215Introduction to the Theory and Practice of Sustainable Agriculture3
or ABM 3260 General Farm Management
ABM 3183The Economics of the Food, Fiber and Fuel Supply Chain3
or ABM 3224 New Products Marketing
ABM 3256Agribusiness and Biotechnology Law3
ACCTCY 2036Accounting I3
or ACCTCY 2010 Introduction to Accounting
FINANC 2000Survey of Business Finance3
or ABM 3282 Agribusiness Finance
Experiential Learning
AFNR 2191International Agriculture, Food and Natural Resources - Humanities1-6
or AFNR 2190 International Agriculture, Food and Natural Resources
or F_S 4941 Internship in Food Science
Capstone/Writing Intensive: Choose one option
F_S 4970WFood Product Development - Writing Intensive3
NEP 4950
NEP 4951W
Capstone: Research in Nutritional Sciences
and Nutrition Research Communication - Writing Intensive
5

Accelerated BS to MS in Food Science & Hospitality Systems

The accelerated BS to MS in Food and Hospitality Systems allows students to complete a bachelors and masters degree within five years. Students will need to select the Food Science and Nutrition track in the MS in Food and Hospitality Systems. Eligible students will need to complete at least 90 credit hours, (including all general education and academic course requirements), with a cumulative GPA of 3.2 or higher (3.5 or higher in FSN-required courses). Each student will be accepted by at least one graduate faculty advisor who will advise and mentor the student from when they are a Provisional Graduate Student (year 1) until completion of the MS program. Once students complete 120 credit hours, they will be conferred the BS degree.   

Students accepted to the program may enroll in 12-15 credit hours of graduate level courses, (7000 or 8000 level), during their Provisional Graduate year that will count towards both their BS and MS degrees as shared credits. 18 credit hours of graduate credit will be completed during their Graduate Student year (year2) for a total of 30-33 graduate credit hours. At least 15 credit hours must be at the 8000 level or higher.

Total credits required for graduation must be at least 138 total credit hours.

  • Total undergraduate credits: 120
  • Total dual credits: 12-15
  • Total graduate credits: 30
First Year (as Provisional Graduate Student)12-15
7000 level courses 112-15
Second Year (as Graduate Student)15-18
STAT 7070Statistical Methods for Research3
F_S 8402Research Methods in Food Science2
F_S 8087Seminar in Food Science1
F_S 8090Research in Food Science6
or AG_S_TCH 8090 Thesis Research in Agricultural Systems Technology
8000 level courses 16
1

According to course options of each track.

Requirements for Thesis/Non-Thesis

Students may choose the thesis or non-thesis option.  Students must take at least 6 credit hours of research credit (F_S 8090 or AG_S_TCH 8090) for either option.  

Thesis Option: Students conduct independent research on a topic approved by the students advisor and graduate committee. Students present and defend their theses, and complete a manuscript on their research that is suitable for publication at the end of their program.

Non-Thesis Option: Students conduct independent research on a topic approved by the students advisor and graduate committee. Students present their research and write a technical report on their research at the end of their program. 

Note: Admission is limited to a maximum of 20 students per year.

Accelerated BS to MS in Dietetics

The University of Missouri’s program prepares graduates to become registered dietitian nutritionists (RDN).

Completion of the Coordinated Program in Dietetics at the University of Missouri results in both bachelor’s and master’s degrees over a 5-year period:

  • Three years of undergraduate coursework. This is considered the pre-dietetics sequence.
  • Two years in the Coordinated Program in Dietetics (i.e., senior year in undergraduate program plus 1 year in masters' program)

Coursework includes traditional education at the University of Missouri, Columbia campus plus off-campus supervised practice experiences (SPE). These practice experiences can be completed in Columbia or the surrounding areas. All didactic and supervised practice experiences meet the requirements set by ACEND. Successful completion of the program meets the exam requirements set by the Commission on Dietetic Registration (CDR). For more information on becoming a registered dietitian nutritionist, visit the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics website

The two years of the CP is a continuous program, meaning that students who maintain academic and professional requirements will transition seamlessly to the graduate curriculum. No GRE is required. The graduate curriculum is non-thesis.

This program is not a stand-alone master’s program. It is not designed for individuals who already have their RDN. Students in this program complete two years in the CP, regardless of whether they have a previous bachelor's or master’s degree.

  • Total credits required for graduation: 151
  • Total undergraduate credits: 121
  • Total graduate credits:30   

Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics
Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics
120 South Riverside Plaza, Suite 2190
Chicago, IL 60606-6995
Phone: 800-877-1600
Email: ACEND@eatright.org 
Website: https://www.eatrightpro.org/acend

Fifth Year Courses (Master's year)12-15
AN_SCI 8420Endocrinology3
NEP 7380Medical Nutrition Therapy II3
NEP 7381Medical Nutrition Therapy II: Supervised Practice Experience5
NEP 8380Medical Nutrition Therapy III3
NEP 8975Dietetics Supervised Practice Experience10

Requirements for Non-Thesis

Two comprehensive exams will be administered during year five.     

Admission Requirements:

Admission to the Accelerated Master's Coordinated Program in Dietetics is selective and requires an application after specific undergraduate coursework is completed. Detailed information on this can be found in the handbook on the program website.

Note: Admission is limited to a maximum of 20 students per year.

Semester Plan

Below is a sample plan of study for the tracks within Food Science and Human Nutrition. A student's actual plan may vary based on course choices where options are available.

Food Science Track

First Year
FallCreditsSpringCredits 
F_S 10303CHEM 1400
CHEM 1401
4 
MATH 11003BIO_SC 15005 
ENGLSH 10003F_S 21991 
MO STATE LAW3AGSC_COM 2220 or COMMUN 12003 
PSYCH 1000 or 1000H3  
NEP 10011  
 16 13  
Second Year
FallCreditsSpringCredits 
CHEM 1410
CHEM 1411
4ABM 2225 or STAT 12003 
MATH 1400 or 15003F_S 21723 
ABM 1041 or 10423AG_S_TCH 1040 or PHYSCS 12103 
ABM 3241W, PHIL 2440, or PHIL 29003Professional Elective3 
undefined3FINPLN 21833 
 16 15  
Third Year
FallCreditsSpringCreditsSummerCredits
CHEM 20303BIOCHM 36303F_S 49413
CHEM 21302NEP 2340 or 2340H3AFNR 21903
ABM 2000-level or higher3Professional Elective3 
Professional Elective3Professional Elective3 
F_S 4330 or 41603General Elective3 
 14 15 6
Fourth Year
FallCreditsSpringCredits 
F_S 43103F_S 41991 
F_S 43703F_S 43113 
F_S 43752F_S 4315W3 
F_S 4970W3F_S 43803 
Professional Elective3F_S 49803 
 14 13  
Total Credits: 122

Human Nutrition Track

First Year
FallCreditsSpringCredits 
NEP 1034 or 1034H3CHEM 1400
CHEM 1401
4 
F_S 10303ENGLSH 1000 or 1000H3 
MATH 11003PSYCH 1000 or 1000H3 
BIO_SC 1010
BIO_SC 1020
5PHIL 1150 or 24403 
NEP 14751MO State Law-Am Hist/Am Politics3 
NEP 10011  
 16 16  
Second Year
FallCreditsSpringCredits 
AGSC_COM 2220 or COMMUN 12003BIOCHM 36303 
CHEM 20303CDS 21903 
CHEM 21302NEP 24503 
MPP 3202 or 3202H5F_S 32103 
FINPLN 2183 or 2183H3NEP 2340 or 2340H3 
 16 15  
Third Year
FallCreditsSpringCreditsSummerCredits
F_S 43103ABM 2225 or ESC_PS 41703Humanities Elective/Study Abroad3
NEP 33603MANGMT 3000W3 
NEP 43603F_S 2172 or 2172H3 
NEP 43403NEP 32901 
Professional Elective3NEP 33902 
 NEP 34001 
 HSP_MGMT 33003 
 15 16 3
Fourth Year
FallCreditsSpringCredits 
MPP 4204 or 4204H4NEP 33703 
NEP 42902PSYCH 3000-level or higher3 
NEP 49502NEP 4951W3 
NEP 45903NEP 73703 
NEP 35901P_HLTH 83003 
NEP 43851  
 13 15  
Fifth Year
FallCreditsSpringCredits 
AN_SCI 84203NEP 83803 
NEP 73803NEP 897510 
NEP 73815  
 11 13  
Total Credits: 149

Food, Nutrition & Business Track

First Year
FallCreditsSpringCredits 
F_S 10303CHEM 1400
CHEM 1401
4 
MATH 11003ENGLSH 10003 
MO State Law - Am Hist or Am Politics3NEP 1475 or F_S 21991 
BIO_SC 15005AGSC_COM 2220 or COMMUN 12003 
NEP 10011PSYCH 1000 or 1000H3 
 15 14  
Second Year
FallCreditsSpringCredits 
CHEM 20303ABM 10423 
CHEM 21302F_S 21723 
ABM 10413AG_S_TCH 1040 or PHYSCS 12103 
Humanities Electiive3BIOCHM 36303 
FINPLN 2183 or 2183H3NEP 2340 or 2340H3 
 14 15  
Third Year
FallCreditsSpringCreditsSummerCredits
ABM 2215 or 32603ABM 2225 or ESC_PS 41703F_S 4941, AFNR 2190, or AFNR 21913
F_S 43103ABM 3241W, PHIL 2440, or PHIL 29003 
ACCTCY 2036 or 20103ABM 32563 
Food & Nutrition Elective3Food & Nutrition Elective3 
General Elective3General Elective3 
 15 15 3
Fourth Year
FallCreditsSpringCredits 
ABM 3183 or 32243FINANC 2000 or ABM 32823 
Food & Nutrition Elective3Food & Nutrition Elective3 
Food & Nutrition Elective3Food & Nutrition Elective3 
Capstone/WI3General Elective3 
General Elective3General Elective3 
 15 15  
Total Credits: 121

Degree Audit

The degree audit is an automated report reflecting a student’s academic progress toward the completion of a degree. 

MU students can request a degree audit by logging in to myDegreePlanner. Students may also access myDegreePlanner via myZou, in the Student Center, click on the Academic Progress Tile, then select Request Degree Audit. The audit automatically pulls in the student’s MU course work, transfer courses and courses in progress. This is available to current students, admitted students, and those who last attended less than three terms ago.

Past MU students can request a degree audit by contacting the Academic Advising Unit of the division in which they were last enrolled at MU. For contact information, go to https://advising.missouri.edu/contact/.

Prospective students, can access a preliminary MU degree audit via https://www.transferology.com. Information on the college credits already earned will have to be manually entered before it can be evaluated against current degree requirements.

For additional details on degree audits, go to https://registrar.missouri.edu/degrees-audits/degree-audits/.

Major and Career Exploration

The University of Missouri has many resources to assist you in exploring majors and career possibilities. For guidance, visit the Majors and Careers website or view specific resources below.

  • Change your Major. If you are considering changing your undergraduate major or are choosing between several majors, schedule an appointment with an advisor in the Discovery Center by calling (573) 884-9700 or through the Discovery Center service in your MU Connect success network.
  • Decided on a Major. If you have decided on a major, visit an academic advisor in the School or College that you are interested in to discuss the process of declaring that major.
  • Identify your Interests and Strengths. If you would like to learn more about your career interests, abilities, values, and talents, visit the staff at the MU Career Center. No appointment is necessary to explore career options with one of our staff members.
  • Explore MU Majors. If you would like information about MU majors and degree programs, visit Majors at Mizzou or the Degrees, Majors (Degree Programs), Emphasis Areas, Minors and Certificates page in the catalog.

For additional major and career exploration resources, visit Major & Career Exploration in the catalog.