A marriage between nutrition and business has produced a new major within the Department of Human Nutrition — nutrition in industry. The new major is aimed at non-business majors at Ohio State who are planning a professional career in business organizations focusing on food and nutrition.
Robert Disilvestro, a professor in nutrition, said this is a great opportunity for new students entering the college.
“This really creates a diversity of opportunities for jobs that have industry positions and like to put people in those positions that have a nutrition background,” he said.
A plethora of benefits have resulted from the implementation of the new program.
“The majors that existed were great for what their focus was, but they were not geared towards careers in industry,” Disilvestro said.
Anne Smith, professor in nutrition, also stressed the origins of the major.
“Success and interest from graduates in the other two programs have shown us there was a real need for another program,” Smith said.
Students involved with the Department of Human Nutrition view the new major as an invaluable opportunity for students pursuing both nutrition and business fields.
Pam DeMange, a senior in human nutrition, said this is a great way to earn a background in two fields.
“Once you have graduated, having that background is going to be good. It is like having the best of both worlds,” DeMange said. With a broader choice of careers, a business background can add strength to any field, DeMange said.
The new major requires all students to earn a business minor, ensuring competency within operational aspects of nutrition industry.
“With a major like this, the job market is much more broad and there are more jobs available,” Disilvestro said.
Career opportunities may include marketing, advertising, sales and other related areas in food and nutrition-related businesses.
“The College of Business was very supportive with this decision. I think it is good for the business college because it will get more non-business majors in there,” Smith said.
To accommodate the new nutrition in industry major, courses from the traditional dietetics and nutrition majors have been replaced with courses that include a general business minor or its equivalent.
