We’re so excited you have chosen to share your talent, curiosity, and creativity with us as you make your mark on the world. Together as a department, we are a catalyst for positive change and radical innovation to feed the global population.

Bachelor of Science Major in Food Science & Human Nutrition

This multidisciplinary major offers your four concentrations to choose from so you can tailor your education to the career you desire by specializing in your area of interest. Each concentration prioritizes blending classroom-based experience with experiential learning so you will be fully immersed in your area of study.

    Students cut avacadoes in kitchen.

    Dietetics

    Prepare for a career helping people make healthy food and nutrition choices.
    Undergraduate students working in lab.

    Food Science

    Learn the science behind product development, quality control, processing, packaging, technical sales, and market research.
    Student manager helps customers in the Spicebox restaraunt.

    Hospitality Management

    Learn the fundamentals of business and hospitality to prepare for a career managing restaurants, catering, hotels, and events.
    Student takes a woman's blood pressure.

    Human Nutrition

    Explore human nutrition while learning about the impact of food on the human body.

    Minors

    Minors are an excellent way to diversify your education by getting a base of understanding in a subject outside your current major. 

    Declare a minor

    Food Science 

    The minor in Food Science is designed to broaden your knowledge of science, particularly food chemistry, food microbiology, and food engineering. The Food Science minor is suitable if you intend to pursue careers in engineering, microbiology, chemistry, scientific journalism, hospitality management, or science secondary education.

    • Some courses require prerequisites. A minimum 2.5 GPA is required for enrollment in this minor.
    • Courses in the minor cannot be completed Credit/No-Credit.

    Food Science minor requirements

    Contact:
    Dr. Sihui Ma
    sihuima@illinois.edu
    217-300-6760 

    Nutrition

    The minor in Nutrition is designed to broaden your knowledge of the biological sciences, with a particular emphasis on the science of nutrition. A minor in nutrition is beneficial if you intend to pursue an interdisciplinary career in the food industry, kinesiology, or if you are planning to enter the medical, dental, or veterinary professions.

    • A minimum 3.0 GPA is required for enrollment in this minor.
    • Courses in the minor cannot be completed Credit/No-Credit.

    Nutrition minor requirements

    Contact:
    Toni Marie Gist
    burkhalt@illinois.edu
    217-300-6684