The study of nutrition, or Food Science, is an increasingly popular degree to get for those interested in proper nourishment and diet, and in helping people live healthier lives. Nutrition is not a new field of study at all, but originated in Ancient Greece when philosophers noted how different foods affected them both mentally and physically. Nutrition majors focus on the study of chemical and biological effects that food has on the human body. In addition, they study how food affects society and the US economy. Colleges across the country are adding curriculum that is focused on the study of nutrition, and due to the increasingly obese state of the American public, there is an increased demand for experts in this field. Many professionals have recently decided to add a nutrition degree to their resumes by taking classes through online schools; degrees that are just as reputable as those from traditional campus based colleges. Most nutrition majors become dietitians and nutritionists within a variety of environments and specialties. Though professionals in this field are not limited to these career fields, they are the most popular and well known jobs that are associated with the study of nutrition.
Nutritionists work with individuals or organizations in planning meals and diets that result in improved health and vigor. Many hospitals, schools, jails, and nursing homes employ nutritionists to plan healthy meals for a large number of people, utilizing often limited varieties of food and increasingly tight budgets. Education and awareness are also part of a nutritionist’s career, teaching students and patients how to properly nourish their bodies and get all the right nutrients. They also do research and write articles for nutrition magazines and various other publications.
Dietitians are very similar to nutritionists in many respects. However, dietitians must meet certain educational and professional requirements, as well as pass board exams to be registered as dietitians. They work almost exclusively for health care organizations, specializing in treating patients with kidney and gastrointestinal illnesses through healthy eating. Many dietitians work with extremely obese patients with severe cases of diabetes, and other nutritionally related diseases. Clinical dietitians are well prepared to become managers in food service departments at large hospitals and nursing homes, positions that pay upwards of $80,000 a year.
Some nutrition majors become food scientists who study the effects of food decomposition and potential alternative uses such as medicines and vaccines. They are also concerned with proper preservation and sanitation of food, as well as keeping food free of disease and parasites. The United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) employs thousands of food scientists, with positions in all 50 states.
Increased attention to nutrition by the American public has opened the door to positions in fields like food manufacturing, advertising, and marketing. Dietitians write copy and engage in other promotional activities for food manufacturers, and often distribute information to the public regarding nutritional information and chemical analysis of various foodstuffs. Since nutritional breakdown of foods is often not readily understood by the general public, the use of dietitians as communication liaisons and public relations representatives has also become increasingly popular.
Nutrition degrees will continue to grow in importance and stature within the professional and business community for the foreseeable future. There has never been a better time for you to get your degree in nutrition. And if no colleges nearby offer nutritional curriculum, many online schools allow you to obtain a degree from the comfort of your own home.
Michael Cash is a twenty something freelance writer and internet consultant residing in western Michigan. When he’s not coaching people out of 1990s era web practices, he tutors for a number of online masters programs.
