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DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH, NUTRITION, AND FOOD SCIENCE

DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH, NUTRITION, AND FOOD SCIENCE
GRADUATE DEPARTMENT

Undergraduate Department of Health, Nutrition, & Food Sciences

ANNE SPENCER DAVES COLLEGE OF EDUCATION, HEALTH, AND HUMAN SCIENCES

Website: https://annescollege.fsu.edu/hnfs

Chair: Griffiths; Associate Chair: Garber; Professors: Delp, Hickner, Ormsbee, Panton, Rao, Ray, Salazar; Associate Professors: Gordon, Singh, Steiner; Assistant Professors: Cui, LaFavor, Lobene, Nagpal, Parvatiyar, Peng, Smith, Solis, Sun, Watso; Dietic Internship Director: Trone; DPD Director: Farrell; Director, Institute of Sports Sciences and Medicine: Ormsbee; Teaching Faculty III: Farrell, Garber, Sehgal; Teaching Faculty II: Ghosh, Griffiths, Maier, Trone, Williams; Adjunct Professors: Magnuson, O’Donnell, Stowers; Professors Emeriti: Arjmandi, Dorsey, Harris, Haymes, Hsieh, Sathe, Toole; Affiliate Faculty: Ackerman, Giampalo, Hernandez, Latimer, Lowery, Wendler; Courtesy Faculty: Burkhart, Daggy, Florian, Hennigar.

The Department of Health, Nutrition, and Food Sciences (HNFS) offers four Bachelor of Science degrees: Athletic Training, Dietetics, Exercise Physiology, and Food and Nutrition.

Athletic Training

The Athletic Training degree program at Florida State University prepares students for careers and graduate study in athletic training, physical therapy, physician assistant and medicine. It is ideal for students interested in gaining clinical experience with injury prevention, recognition and immediate care, rehabilitation, health care management, and professional development in a sports medicine environment. Given the rigor of the National Athletic Trainers' Association healthcare professional standards; the critical need to maintain the safety of clinical patients in the practice settings; and the desire to maintain FSU's Athletic Training Program's national reputation as a leader in preparing healthcare professionals, it is necessary that prospective undergraduate students possess the minimal skills and knowledge prior to entering major coursework. The admission requirements and procedures for the athletic training program at Florida State University include common entry indicators. The common indicators included in each student's portfolio will be ranked as follows:

  • FSU cumulative grade point average of 2.5 or better based on FSU coursework (weighted rank of GPA at 50%)

  • SAT/ACT scores (weighted rank of SAT/ACT at 25%)

  • Interview score (weighted rank of interview score at 25%).

To be eligible for the interview the student must complete an application portfolio and be currently enrolled in or have completed ATR 1800.

Composite applicant scores, based on the above indicators, are calculated and ranked. The number of athletic training applicants admitted is determined by available vacancies created by graduation. The top-ranking students are then admitted filling the vacancies. The Athletic Training Program includes a strict didactic and clinical course progression. New student admission is completed during summer term of each year. New athletic training students enroll in the first block of courses the following fall term. Transfer students are required to complete the same application process as resident students. Please see the Athletic Training Program website for additional information.

Dietetics

The Dietetics degree program provides the didactic component of entry-level dietetics education. Graduates who earn a DPD verification statement are eligible to take the exam to become a Registered Dietetic Technician and entry-level positions as nutrition educators. Graduates are also eligible to apply to graduate school and/or post-baccalaureate, accredited dietetic internships. This accredited degree program meets the prerequisites for graduate nutrition programs and with appropriate elective selection, prepares students for graduate study in exercise physiology, food science, public health, physician assistant, medical school, dentistry, and other health programs. Careers are available for Registered Dietitians in clinical, research, community food service management, consulting, and educational settings.

The dietetics degree program is a specialized admissions program; students apply spring or summer of their sophomore year. Admission requirements and procedures for the Dietetics degree at Florida State University include minimum GPA of 2.75, a grade of “S” in DIE 3005, and a personal statement. It is highly recommended that students earn a “B” or better in the following: Chemistry I, Chemistry II, and Organic Chemistry. Once formally admitted, the program is two years. Please see the Dietetics web page for more information regarding admission to the degree.

The Department offers graduate degrees in Nutrition, Food Science, and Exercise Physiology as well as an accredited Dietetic Internship (DI) program.  The DI program is the supervised practice component of dietetics education available to graduate students in the department. For more information about these graduate programs and the Dietetic Internship, please see the website. The Didactic Program in Dietetics (DPD) and Dietetic Internship are accredited by the Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics (ACEND) of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics (AND).

Exercise Physiology

The Exercise Physiology major provides a comprehensive foundation in human physiology, exercise science, and health, preparing students for diverse career paths and advanced studies. At the undergraduate level, this degree equips students with the knowledge and practical skills to conduct and interpret physical fitness assessments, develop exercise prescriptions for healthy individuals, and design tailored programs for those with medically controlled conditions.

Career opportunities for graduates include roles in healthcare as certified exercise physiologists, cardiac or respiratory rehabilitation specialists, and wellness coordinators, as well as positions in athletics, such as strength and conditioning coaches, sport science performance specialists, and fitness facility managers. Additionally, graduates can excel in corporate wellness program management and community health initiatives.

The curriculum is designed to meet the prerequisites for professional schools, including medical, dental, pharmacy, physical therapy, and physician assistant programs, providing a strong foundation for advanced education. It also supports students in preparing for entrance exams such as the MCAT and industry certifications, including the ACSM Certified Exercise Physiologist and NSCA Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist.

Food and Nutrition Science

The Food and Nutrition Science major offers a comprehensive, science-based education that integrates the study of food systems, nutrition, and biological sciences. Students gain expertise in areas such as food chemistry, microbiology, organic chemistry, and metabolism in health and diseases. The program focuses on understanding food consumption and nutrient utilization and how these processes impact human health and performance.

This interdisciplinary major prepares graduates for diverse career opportunities in the food industry, government agencies, and health programs, with roles in research and development in food manufacturing and preservation, food quality and safety, analytical laboratories, and regulatory agencies such as the FDA and USDA. It also provides a strong foundation for advanced studies and professional schools, including medical, dental, pharmacy, and physician assistant programs. Graduates are well-equipped for careers in pharmaceutical sales, extension nutrition education, research, and public health, making this program a versatile choice for those seeking to excel in science, health, and nutrition-related fields.

Digital Literacy Requirement

Students must complete at least one course designated as meeting the Digital Literacy Requirement with a grade of “C–” or higher. Courses fulfilling the Digital Literacy Requirement must accomplish at least three of the following outcomes:

  • Evaluate and interpret the accuracy, credibility, and relevance of digital information

  • Evaluate and interpret digital data and their implications

  • Discuss the ways in which society and/or culture interact with digital technology

  • Discuss digital technology trends and their professional implications

  • Demonstrate the ability to use digital technology effectively

  • Demonstrate the knowledge to use digital technology safely and ethically

Each academic major has determined the courses that fulfill the Digital Literacy requirement for that major. Students should contact their major department(s) to determine which courses will fulfill their Digital Literacy requirement.

Undergraduate students in all four majors satisfy this requirement by earning a grade of “C–” or higher in CGS 2060 or CHM 1045L. Undergraduate majors in exercise physiology and food and nutrition satisfy this requirement by earning a grade of “C-” or higher in BSC 2011L.

State of Florida Common Program Prerequisites for Nutrition

The Florida Virtual Campus (FLVC) houses the statewide, internet-based catalog of distance learning courses, degree programs, and resources offered by Florida's public colleges and universities, and they have developed operational procedures and technical guidelines for the catalog that all institutions must follow. The statute governing this policy can be reviewed by visiting https://www.flsenate.gov/Laws/Statutes/2021/1006.73.

FLVC has identified common program prerequisites for the degree program in Nutrition. To obtain the most up-to-date, state-approved prerequisites for this degree, visit: https://cpm.flvc.org/programs/109/214 and https://cpm.flvc.org/programs/107/213.

Specific prerequisites are required for admission into the upper-division program and must be completed by the student at either a community college or a state university prior to being admitted to this program. Students may be admitted into the University without completing the prerequisites but may not be admitted into the program.

Bachelor of Science

The Department of Health, Nutrition and Food Sciences (HNFS) offers four Bachelor of Science degrees: Athletic Training, Dietetics, Exercise Physiology, and Food and Nutrition. To complete requirements for these degrees the following are required: (1) CoreFSU Curriculum requirements; (2) general graduation requirements for the University; and (3) specific requirements for the chosen major. Additional courses may be required to complete the 120 credit hours required for the degrees. A minimum grade of “C–” is required unless otherwise indicated. Required courses that may be taken in fulfillment of CoreFSU Curriculum include English, basic nutrition, general chemistry, organic chemistry, general psychology, mathematics, and statistics. For diversity, HUN 2125 is recommended if the requirement is not satisfied with CoreFSU Curriculum. As of the 2025-2026 academic year, a grade of “B-“ or higher is no longer required for HUN1201. This change is retroactive to students on older curriculums.

The following are the specific requirements for each major. Students must meet the curriculum requirements in effect at the time they enter the major.

Athletic Training

ATR 3512; BSC 2010 and BSC 2010L; CHM 1045 and CHM 1045L; ATR 2020; HUN 1201, MAC 1105, MAC 1114, and MAC 1140; ATR 1800; PHY 2053C; PSY 2012; STA 2122. Upper division: HSC 4711 or PET 3361 or HUN 4362; ATR 3132, PET 3322/3322L, PET 3323C (or BSC 2085/2085L and BSC 2086/2086L), APK 3110C, ATR 3102, ATR 4302C, ATR 4932, ATR 3012C, ATR 3213C, ATR 3312C.

The Athletic Training Degree program allows students to choose from four sub-plan options: 1) Pre-Athletic Training, 2) Pre-Physician Assistant, 3) Pre-Physical Therapy, and 4) Pre-Sports Medicine. All students in the Athletic Training Degree program must complete the core curriculum courses plus the specific sub-plan course requirements.

Pre-Athletic Training Sub-Plan: APK 3113, ATR 1810, 2820, 3832, 4842; Electives: 14 hours as needed to meet 120 hours for graduation.

Pre-Physician Assistant Sub-Plan: CHM 1046/1046L, MCB 2004/MCB 2004L or MCB 4403/MCB 4403L, APK 2001 and CHM 3217/L or CHM 2210 and CHM 2211/L where CHM 2211L is cumulative; Electives: 6 hours as needed to meet 120 hours for graduation.

Pre-Physical Therapy Sub-Plan: BSC 2011/BSC 2011L, CHM 1046/CHM 1046L, PHY 2054C, Psychology: 3–6 excluding PSY2012; Electives: 3–6 hours as needed to meet 120 hours for graduation.

Pre-Sports Medicine Sub-Plan: BSC 2011/BSC 2011L, CHM 1046/CHM 1046L, PHY 2054C, CHM 2210, CHM 2211/CHM 2211L, BCH 4053; Electives: 3–9 hours as needed to meet 120 hours for graduation.

Dietetics

See CoreFSU Curriculum requirements, college and department core, and common prerequisites. MAC 1105, CHM 1045/1045L, CHM 1046/1046L, BCH 3023. CHM 3217* or both CHM 2210 and CHM 2211; DIE 3005, DIE 4243, DIE 4244/4244L, and DIE 4310; ECO 2XXX, and FAD 4601 or approved Nutrition Counseling; FOS 3026/3026L, FOS 4114C; FSS 4135 and FSS 4312; HUN 1201, HUN 2125 or equivalent, HUN 3224, HUN 3226, and HUN 3403; HUN 4941, MCB 2004/MCB 2004L*, or approved food microbiology, PSY 2012, PET 3322/3322L, STA 2122 and electives.

Exercise Physiology

Lower division: see CoreFSU Curriculum, plus: BSC 2010/2010Land BSC 2011/2011L; CHM 1045/1045L, CHM 1046/1046L, CHM 2200/2200L or CHM 3217/L or CHM 2210 and CHM 2211/2211L; HUN 1201; MAC 1105, MAC 1114 and MAC 1140, PHY 2053C and PHY 2054C; PSY 2012; STA 2122. Upper division: APK 3110C, BCH 3023C or BCH 4053 or BCH 4054; HUN 3224, HUN 3226; PET 3102, PET 3322/3322L, PET 3323C, and PET 4551; and three courses for a minimum of nine credit hours from the following list: APK 3113, APK 4400, APK 4401, APK 4402, APK 4403, HUN 4362, HSC 4711; ATR 3102, PET 3361, PET 3932, APK 3164, PET 4051 or PET 4076 and electives (to meet graduation requirements). Exercise physiology majors who plan on pursuing advanced degrees in physical therapy or medicine may need to take specified electives to meet admission requirements for these programs

Food and Nutrition Science

Lower division: see CoreFSU Curriculum plus: BSC 2010/2010L, BSC2011/L; CHM 1045/1045L, CHM 1046/1046L, HUN 1201, HUN2125; MAC 2311; MCB 2004/2004L;  STA 2122 or STA 2023, and approved Introduction to Food & Nutrition Science course. Upper division: BCH 3023/L;  CHM 2210, and CHM 2211/2211L; FOS 3026, FOS 3026L, FOS 4114C, and FOS 4209; HUN 3224,HUN 3226, HUN 4362; PET 3322,PET 3322L, PHY 2053C; and electives to meet graduation requirements.

Honors in the Major

The Department of Health, Nutrition, and Food Sciences offers a program in honors in the major to encourage talented juniors and seniors to undertake independent and original research as part of the undergraduate experience. Students complete a senior thesis, which usually involves six credit hours, and present an honors seminar. For requirements and other information, see the “University Honors Office and Honor Societies” chapter of this General Bulletin.

Master's and Doctoral Degrees

The Department of Health, Nutrition, and Food Sciences offers work leading to the Master of Science in Nutrition and Food Science, the Master of Science in Exercise Physiology, the Doctor of Philosophy in Human Sciences (major in Nutrition Science of Food Science), and the Doctor of Philosophy in Exercise Physiology. Consult the Graduate Bulletin for details.

Definition of Prefixes

See UNDERGRADUATE COURSES for full course listings.

APK—Applied Kinesiology

ATR—Athletic Training

DIE—Dietetics

FOS—Food Science

FSS—Food Service System

HSC—Health Sciences

HUN—Human Nutrition

PET—Physical Education Theory