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Agricultural and Food Systems

Human Nutrition & Food Systems

Students in this exciting new major will be the next generation of health scientists and researchers focused on the nutritional needs of a growing population to benefit the health of people and the planet.
CAHNRS > Academics > Undergraduate Programs > Human Nutrition and Food Systems

Explore the Possibilities

This major focuses on understanding the links between agriculture, food production, processing and distribution, food access and human health. It links research and teaching between the Colleges of Agricultural, Human, and Natural Resource Sciences, Medicine, and WSU Extension.

Students will become skilled communicators and critical thinkers as they work with researchers, potential employers and community members to explore economically vibrant, resilient, and nourishing food systems that promote equitable access to healthy food.

AFS Degree

The Agricultural and Food Systems (AFS) degree focuses on vital aspects of food systems ranging from plant and animal production to agricultural markets, sustainability, and access to healthy food. In AFS, you will learn the science informing practice, policy, and consumer behavior in a wide range of careers in agriculture and food systems.

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Contact

509-335-4562
cahnrs.majors@wsu.edu

Agricultural & Food Systems website

Career Opportunities

  • Community Supported
  • Agriculture (Farm-to-Table)
  • Entry to Careers in Human Nutrition and Dietetics
  • Agriculture and Food Production
  • Research in Agriculture, Food Science, Human Nutrition Agronomist
  • Agroecology and Regenerative
  • Agriculture Extension Specialist
  • Food Policy
  • Public Health
  • International Agriculture
  • Agricultural Consultant
  • Food Systems Advocacy
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Quick Facts

$52,000 Average starting salary of graduates (Glassdoor.com, 2022)
4 Associated student clubs
16:1 Student to faculty ratio
1st New Ag major to explore

Major Requirements

Minimum Total Credits: 120 credits

Your program may include different courses. Consult with your advisor about the best combination and order of courses for you. Visit the WSU Catalog for a list of required courses for this major and course descriptions.

General Education Requirements: 40 credits

AFS Degree Requirements: 26 credits

  • AFS 201: System Skills Development for AFS – 3 credits
  • ANIM_SCI 101: Intro to Animal Science, or FS 110: Intro to Food Science- 3 credits
  • BIOLOGY 106: Intro to Organismal Biology, BIOLOGY 107: Cell Biology & Genetics, or BIOLOGY: 120 Botany – 4 credits
  • CHEM 102: Principles of Chemistry II – 4 credits
  • CROP_SCI/HORT 102: Cultivated Plants – 3 credits
  • ECONS 350: Intro to Farm & Ranch Mgmt, or ECONS 352: Business Management Economics – 3 credits
  • SOIL_SCI 201: Soil: A Living System – 3 credits
  • System Based Courses – 3 credits

Major Core Requirements: 39 credits

  • AFS 336: Agriculture, Environment & Community – 3 credits
  • AFS 401: Advanced Systems Analysis & Design in AFS – 3 credits
  • BIOLOGY 333: Human Nutrition & Health – 3 credits
  • CROP_SCI 305: Ecology & Management of Weeds – 3 credits
  • CROP_SCI 360: World Agricultural Systems – 3 credits
  • FS 220: Food Safety & Quality – 3 credits
  • FS 436: Principles of Sustainability – 3 credits
  • IPM 452: Pesticides & the Environment – 3 credits
  • NEP 330: Biochemical and Molecular Food and Nutrition – 3 credits
  • NEP 400: Macronutrient Metabolism – 3 credits
  • NEP 402: Vitamin & Mineral Metabolism – 3 credits
  • NEP 431: Agriculture, Food, Nutrition and Health Outcomes – 3 credits
  • SOIL_SCI 302: Intro to Agroecology – 3 credits

Electives Outside the Major: 13–22 credits

From the first day I visited campus, I felt very well taken care of within CAHNRS. The diverse classes offered really helped me develop skills and knowledge that I use everyday. CAHNRS also allowed me to study abroad, attend conferences, and be a member of student organizations.

Letty Trejo, Horticulturalist McDougal & Sons
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