NACOGDOCHES, Texas — Stephen F. Austin State University has launched a degree program catered toward students passionate about nutrition.

The new bachelor’s degree in food and nutrition serves as a specialized plan for students pursuing a career in nutrition-related fields.

Unlike the dietetics and nutritional sciences degree offered at SFA, this new degree focuses less on clinical nutrition and more on community nutrition.

“Our focus has always been for students to succeed,” said Sarah Drake, clinical instructor in SFA’s School of Human Sciences. “We work with all students to ensure they are in the right program and make them all aware of the options available to them. We believe this new degree will be a great fit for many of our program’s students.”

In addition to core curriculum, the food and nutrition degree includes opportunities for internships and a minor, such as child and family development, communications, or culinary. Courses will be taught online and face-to-face on the SFA campus.

“A trend we have seen in our field is a growing interest in nutrition degrees that are not geared toward becoming registered dietitians; therefore, creating a separate degree better meets these students’ interests,” Drake said.

Through this program, students will learn about food service management theories, nutrition counseling and nutritional education. Career opportunities for students with a nutrition degree include food service management facilities, food banks, pharmaceutical sales, experimental food labs and employment with school districts.

For more information, visit sfasu.edu/hms/101.asp.