The Department of Nutrition and Food Science (DNFS) prepares students to excel in nutrition and food science skills communication, research, policy, advocacy, and service. Graduates in nutrition will improve individual and community health as innovative leaders in the field. Students enrolled in the didactic program in dietetics will be prepared for supervised practice leading to eligibility for the CDR credentialing exam to become Registered Dietitian Nutritionists. Graduates of the Food Science program receive training in food safety, analysis, quality assurance, and new product development and will serve the industry, government, and non-profit organizations.
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Cal State LA Urban Food Garden
The Cal State LA Urban Food Garden is a project funded by a United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) grant to create a sustainable urban food garden where students train, learn and conduct research projects in water science, plant science, social science, and nutritional science.
The strength of the garden lies in its interdisciplinary approach, which involves faculty from the history, biology, geosciences, and nutritional science departments. Through research projects and classes, students from these disciplines collaborate and learn about the importance of native and indigenous plant species, sustainable agricultural practices, the promotion of soil health, water management and retention, the science and technology behind growing food, and reducing food insecurity in under-resourced neighborhoods.
Get Involved
The Student Dietetic Association (SDA) is an active, student-led organization that conducts various activities each year. Some of these include: seminars and guest lectures by industry experts, access to volunteer and paid job opportunities, an opportunity to be published in the online student magazine (the Eatatorial), taking part in the annual National Nutrition Month celebration, and a Meet and Greet where students interact with dietetic and nutrition professionals. The group is open to any student, and students are asked to join for a small fee to cover snacks and other costs.