Applied Food and Nutrition
Bachelor of Science (B.S.)
Undergraduate Major
Grand Rapids • Hybrid • 120 Credits
Applied food and nutrition integrates nutritional knowledge into medical nutrition therapy to treat and prevent disease.
Overview
Providing medical nutrition therapy using the Nutrition Care Process, nutrition education, and counseling are the key elements of this program at Grand Valley State University (GVSU). Part of the program includes professional practicum experiences and simulation laboratories with didactic studies in food service management, community nutrition, and clinical nutrition to prepare students for future careers in food and nutrition.
You will study anatomy and physiology, biology, chemistry, medical nutrition therapy, food service management, nutrition education and counseling, health and interpersonal communication, and professional writing and research. These courses offer a solid foundation in nutrition science and practice, enriched by field experiences and cutting-edge simulation and culinary labs.
The program prepares you for further study in accredited internships and graduate programs, leading to eligibility as a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RDN) after graduation. You will have access to experienced faculty and strong connections with the regional healthcare community. The program's emphasis on experiential learning and evidence-based practice ensures that graduates are well-prepared for successful careers in nutrition and dietetics.
The Applied Food and Nutrition Program at Grand Valley State University is fully accredited as a Didactic Program in Dietetics (DPD) by the Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics (ACEND).
Admission Information
Admission to the applied food and nutrition program is a competitive selective process that requires a secondary application. Prospective students can access the application by clicking here.
College of Health Professions
School of Interdisciplinary Health
Applied Food and Nutrition
gvsu.edu/afn
106 Raleigh
J. Finkelstein Hall
500 Lafayette Ave. NE
Grand Rapids, MI
49503
(616) 331-5555
Admissions and Recruitment Office
Career Opportunities
Assist in the provision of food service and nutritional programs, under the supervision of a dietitian. May plan and produce meals based on established guidelines, teach principles of food and nutrition, or counsel individuals.
Top skills- Speaking
- Active Listening
- Monitoring
- Service Orientation
- Reading Comprehension
Earnings statistics
| Annual Earnings | Percentile |
|---|---|
| $ 30,139.20 | 10% |
| $ 32,115.20 | 25% |
| $ 35,339.19 | 50% |
| $ 37,356.80 | 75% |
| $ 38,833.60 | 90% |
Manage or coordinate fitness and wellness programs and services. Manage and train staff of wellness specialists, health educators, or fitness instructors.
Top skills- Speaking
- Social Perceptiveness
- Active Listening
- Coordination
- Service Orientation
Earnings statistics
| Annual Earnings | Percentile |
|---|---|
| $ 21,808.41 | 10% |
| $ 26,223.58 | 25% |
| $ 35,693.62 | 50% |
| $ 51,437.57 | 75% |
| $ 87,909.31 | 90% |
Provide and manage health education programs that help individuals, families, and their communities maximize and maintain healthy lifestyles. Use data to identify community needs prior to planning, implementing, monitoring, and evaluating programs designed to encourage healthy lifestyles, policies, and environments. May link health systems, health providers, insurers, and patients to address individual and population health needs. May serve as resource to assist individuals, other health professionals, or the community, and may administer fiscal resources for health education programs.
Top skills- Speaking
- Active Listening
- Writing
- Learning Strategies
- Social Perceptiveness
Earnings statistics
| Annual Earnings | Percentile |
|---|---|
| $ 32,189.07 | 10% |
| $ 42,713.07 | 25% |
| $ 52,721.28 | 50% |
| $ 65,961.73 | 75% |
| $ 89,648.04 | 90% |
Promote health within a community by assisting individuals to adopt healthy behaviors. Serve as an advocate for the health needs of individuals by assisting community residents in effectively communicating with healthcare providers or social service agencies. Act as liaison or advocate and implement programs that promote, maintain, and improve individual and overall community health. May deliver health-related preventive services such as blood pressure, glaucoma, and hearing screenings. May collect data to help identify community health needs.
Top skills- Social Perceptiveness
- Active Listening
- Speaking
- Writing
- Reading Comprehension
Earnings statistics
| Annual Earnings | Percentile |
|---|---|
| $ 36,465.67 | 10% |
| $ 41,008.49 | 25% |
| $ 47,118.36 | 50% |
| $ 60,503.73 | 75% |
| $ 77,122.57 | 90% |
Plan and conduct food service or nutritional programs to assist in the promotion of health and control of disease. May supervise activities of a department providing quantity food services, counsel individuals, or conduct nutritional research.
Top skills- Reading Comprehension
- Social Perceptiveness
- Speaking
- Critical Thinking
- Judgment and Decision Making
Earnings statistics
| Annual Earnings | Percentile |
|---|---|
| $ 51,110.33 | 10% |
| $ 59,257.29 | 25% |
| $ 71,125.47 | 50% |
| $ 86,054.77 | 75% |
| $112,144.52 | 90% |
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Accreditation Information
The Applied Food and Nutrition Program at Grand Valley State University is fully accredited as a Didactic Program in Dietetics (DPD) by the Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics (ACEND).
Grand Valley’s Applied Food and Nutrition Program has been granted
Full accreditation as a Didactic Program in Dietetics (DPD) by the
Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics of the
Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics
120 South Riverside Plaza,
Suite 2190
Chicago, IL 60606-6995
Phone: (312) 899-0040, ext.
5400
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