Food Science, Nutrition and Health Promotion

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Bachelor of Science in Food Science, Nutrition and Health Promotion

Concentrations Offered

Food and Nutrition, Food Processing/Business, Food Science, Food Safety, Pre-health Professions

Top 5 Reasons to Study

Advance safe, affordable, high-quality food worldwide by enhancing nutrition and function.

The accredited Didactic Program in Dietetics (DPD) is the first step in preparing to become a registered dietitian nutritionist (RDN).

Build a strong science and nutrition foundation.

Gain real-world learning through labs, clinical simulation, and community engagement.

Unlock exciting careers in research and development, quality control, food innovation, marketing and beyond.

Core
Skills

Conduct scientific analysis and research to investigate food systems, evaluate evidence, and solve real-world food and nutrition challenges.
Apply food safety principles and regulatory standards to ensure compliance, quality, and consumer protection across food and health settings.
Use nutrition science in practical and clinical contexts to assess needs, support health outcomes, and inform evidence-based decisions.
Design, test, and improve food products and food service operations with a focus on quality, functionality, and consumer needs.
Collaborate ethically and communicate professionally while working in teams, managing responsibilities, and engaging diverse audiences.

Sample
Jobs

Medical school or graduate school
Clinical and allied health careers
Nutrition and dietetics professions
Public health and community services
Research and product development careers

Successful Career Outcomes

Strong Job Placement Our food science, nutrition and health promotion graduates have a 100% job placement rate.

Job Opportunities Overall employment of agricultural and food scientists is projected to grow 6% from 2024 to 2034.

Now Hiring About 3,100 openings for agricultural and food scientists are projected each year, on average, over the decade.

Top
Employment
Industries

Health care and public health
Food, agriculture and nutrition systems
Education, research, and workforce development
Government, public service, and community orgranizations
Business, finance, and professional services

Brag
Points

Learn in our commercial facilities, including the Ammerman-Hearnsbeger Pilot Food Processing Lab.
Learn from our farm to table dairy operations, which includes the MAFES Bearden Dairy Research Center, the MAFES Custer Dairy Processing Plant, and the MAFES Sales Store.
The nutrition concentration in the food science, nutrition and health promotion major is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics (ACEND) of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics.

Experiential Learning Opportunities

Your journey to a rewarding career in food science and health begins with Mississippi State University’s food science, nutrition, and health promotion major, where learning by doing is central to the experience. Guided by expert faculty, you’ll gain hands-on scientific training that spans the entire food system—from production and product development to ensuring food safety and delivering nutritious foods. Through laboratory work, applied research, and real-world projects, you’ll build a strong foundation in how nutrition supports health and helps prevent disease, while also exploring the cultural, behavioral, and scientific roles of food. The pre-health professions concentration prepares you for health-focused careers, graduate study, and professional programs. With opportunities for internships, undergraduate research, and global learning experiences, this program equips you to tackle real-world challenges and graduate with practical skills and confidence.

Spotlight

Further your education through an M.S. degree program in food science and technology, agricultural life sciences, health promotion, or nutrition.