BA Food Systems, Nutrition, & Health

4 Years On Campus Bachelors Program

University of Washington

Program Overview

The Bachelor of Arts in Food Systems, Nutrition, & Health at the University of Washington explores how food production, distribution, nutrition, public health, sustainability, and social equity shape the well-being of people and communities. This interdisciplinary program is well suited to students who want to improve food access, promote healthier communities, influence food policy, and support more sustainable food systems through careers in advocacy, education, communications, nonprofits, and the food industry.

Curriculum Structure

Year 1: Students begin building a foundation in nutrition, food systems, and public health. Courses such as NUTR 200 – Nutrition for Today and NUTR 141 – Introduction to Foods introduce nutrition concepts and the role of food in everyday life, while general education courses develop communication and analytical skills.

Year 2: Students explore the connections between food production, consumption, and community health through courses such as NUTR 302 – Food Systems: Harvest to Health and NUTR 202 – Research Methods in Food Systems, Nutrition, and Health. Economics and interdisciplinary breadth courses help students understand the social, environmental, and economic factors shaping food systems.

Year 3: Students can deepen their understanding of policy, sustainability, and population health through courses such as NUTR 303 – Food Systems: Individual to Population Health, NUTR 312 – Food System Sustainability and Resilience, and NUTR 412 – United States Food Systems Policy. Students can also explore relevant electives and consider internship or research opportunities.

Year 4: Students integrate their knowledge through advanced coursework and NUTR 493 – Food Systems Capstone, a community-engaged project addressing real-world food systems challenges. Internship and research opportunities can further help students connect their academic learning with career interests.

Focus Areas: Food systems, nutrition, public health, sustainability, food policy, social and economic equity, community health, food security, environmental health, food distribution, systems thinking, research methods, advocacy, and community engagement.

Learning Outcomes: Analyze food systems across local and global contexts, evaluate evidence related to food and public health, assess environmental and social impacts, understand food policy and sustainability, identify approaches to improve nutrition and community well-being, and develop teamwork, project management, critical-thinking, and communication skills.

Professional Alignment (Accreditation): The BA offers an interdisciplinary foundation for careers in food systems, public health, sustainability, policy, advocacy, and community programs. The degree is not presented as a professional clinical qualification; students seeking regulated health professions or specialized credentials may need additional education or training.

Reputation (Employability and Outcomes): The program is housed within the University of Washington’s School of Public Health. Its interdisciplinary curriculum and applied capstone experience support preparation for work across government, nonprofit organizations, healthcare settings, research institutions, and private-sector food and sustainability organizations.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

The Food Systems, Nutrition, & Health program connects classroom learning with practical challenges involving food access, nutrition, public health, and sustainability. Students can gain experience through community-engaged projects, internships, research, service learning, and study abroad. The senior capstone is a central part of the program, allowing students to work with community partners on projects that respond to real-world needs.

Students can build practical experience through the following opportunities:

Community-Based Capstone: Complete NUTR 493 – Food Systems Capstone, working in teams with community partners on food systems issues and developing resources or projects that address identified needs.
Internships: Pursue NUTR 495 – Undergraduate Internship to gain relevant work experience and connect practical learning with academic and career goals.
Undergraduate Research: Explore NUTR 499 – Undergraduate Research and investigate topics related to nutrition, food systems, sustainability, or public health.
Food Systems Learning: Study food production, processing, and distribution through coursework and opportunities to engage with community food settings.
Policy and Sustainability: Explore food policy, food systems resilience, and sustainable food practices through courses such as NUTR 412 – United States Food Systems Policy and NUTR 312 – Food System Sustainability and Resilience.
Study Abroad and Service Learning: Explore available experiences that broaden students’ understanding of food systems and community health in different social and cultural contexts.

Progression & Future Opportunities

Graduates can pursue opportunities in food policy, community nutrition initiatives, sustainability, public health programs, advocacy, and the food industry. The BA’s interdisciplinary approach is especially relevant to students interested in improving food access, supporting equitable food systems, communicating health information, or helping organizations develop more sustainable practices. Potential job roles include Food Systems Coordinator, Food Policy Analyst, Sustainability Program Assistant, and Community Health Program Coordinator.

Students can strengthen their career preparation through university resources and professional experiences:

Career Coaching: The University of Washington’s Career & Internship Center offers coaching to help students explore career options, prepare application materials, and plan for employment or graduate study.
Résumé and Interview Preparation: Students can seek feedback on résumés and cover letters and practise interview skills through career coaching services.
Internship and Job Search: Handshake provides access to internship and employment listings, career events, and coaching appointments.
Community and Government Opportunities: Relevant experience may help students pursue roles with public agencies, community-based organizations, nonprofits, and organizations working in food access and sustainability.
Research and Further Study: Students can explore graduate study in public health, food systems, nutrition, sustainability, policy, or related fields, depending on their interests and future requirements.
Professional Preparation: Internships, research, and the capstone help students build applied skills, but employment outcomes and specific employer partnerships should be verified rather than assumed.

Further Academic Progression: Graduates may consider master’s degrees in Public Health, Food Systems, Nutrition, Sustainability, Environmental Policy, Public Policy, or Community Development. Students interested in research may pursue further study in food systems or public health, while those planning to enter clinical health professions should check the additional science prerequisites, professional qualifications, and admissions requirements for their intended pathway.