A nutrition major is now offered at Troy University for students interested in learning about the importance of food and health.
The new major is something faculty members are excited to have at the university as the job field is currently in high demand.
“The baby boomers are on their way out, and healthcare, in itself, is in demand,” said Dr. Teresa Johnson, a professor at Troy University.
Aimee McDonough, a lecturer at Troy University, agrees. She thinks the benefits of the career field being in high demand can lead to better outcomes for students.
“Registered dietitians are needed right now, so job security is really good, and salaries are going up quickly,” McDonough explained.
When pursuing higher education in nutrition, a person can explore other career options than just registered dietitian. Students can become a health educator, a food scientist, a health and nutrition writer and more. One student is already taking advantage of the different avenues a nutrition major can give.
“I was a nursing major, then I talked to Mrs. Johnson because I knew I didn’t want to work in a hospital,” said Sommer Cornelius, a sophomore nutrition major from Luverne, Alabama. “I want to work for a sports team, and I was told the key points about the major, and I automatically knew I wanted to change to nutrition.”
The nutrition major entails a range of classes for students to take. Some of the main courses are biology, chemistry, anatomy and physiology and microbiology. There are several non-science classes to take, such as psychology and statistics.
These classes will give students the range to succeed in multiple jobs revolving around nutrition.
“This academic degree will help students go further,” Johnson said. “Students will be able to learn and choose from multiple careers.
“Some of our former students have done that, and they’ve done great.”
Johnson and McDonough want students interested in the major to learn more about it.
There will be a Nutrition on the Quad event on Friday, Aug. 23 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
There will be a mobile, interactive nutrition lab where students can see what everything about nutrition entails, and faculty and students will be there to talk about the nutrition major and answer questions.
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