B.A. Degree with a Major in Child and Family Studies, with an Area of Concentration in Nutrition and Food Studies

The curriculum in Nutrition and Food Studies offers a broad understanding of the role of food in our society as a basic human need, its link to health and nutrition, and the relationship of food and nutrition to the quality of life for families. This area of study surveys the historical, cultural, social, political, and economic aspects of food. Emphasis is placed on the food system and diverse means of food production, with a particular focus on sustainable production methods for consumers. Students engage in the exploration of aesthetic expressions of food as an art form along with the role of food in the hospitality industry. Social issues, including domestic and world hunger, are examined through service learning and other active forms of engagement.

A diversity of career opportunities is introduced throughout the curriculum. Graduates may seek employment in government or private agencies, healthcare organizations, food service or hospitality management, public health organizations, cooperative extension, or related organizations throughout the food industry. For students who plan to pursue graduate studies, course work in this area of concentration can be combined with additional courses chosen from General Education, as well as biology, chemistry, health education, business administration, agriculture, technology, and the social sciences.

Requirements for the Major

A major in Child and Family Studies, with an Area of Concentration in Nutrition and Food Studies, is achieved by completion of the following requirements, in addition to the General Education and electives required for a degree:

Required CFS Core Courses

CFS 130, 145, 207 (also WGS), and 221

Required Capstone Course

CFS 480 and 441 (which includes the Home Management House as a laboratory component)

Required Food, Nutrition, and Culinary Science Concentration Courses

CFS 103, 115, 225, and 334

Exploring the Major

Students considering this concentration are encouraged to enroll in CFS 103, 115, 130, 145, 207 (also WGS), and 221 during their first and second years, if possible. CFS 103 is offered most Fall Terms and should be taken at the first opportunity. CFS 225 can be taken during the second year.

Admission to the Major

Admission into the major requires the following: an overall GPA of 2.00; a successful formal interview and positive recommendation by an assigned CFS faculty member (a positive recommendation usually requires that students have earned a C or better in the CFS courses they have taken); completion of a handwritten, well-constructed essay explaining why the student wants to become a CFS major; successful performance in at least one completed or in-progress CFS course; and a majority vote of acceptance by the CFS faculty. A student who already has been formally accepted into another major at Berea and wants to transfer to a CFS major must make this request in writing to the Program Coordinator of the CFS Program.

Course Sequencing Considerations (in order to complete degree requirements within eight terms)

CFS 130, 145, 207 (also WGS), and 221 are prerequisites for upper-level courses and are offered every regular term. Upper-level courses sometimes are offered on a rotational basis, so early curricular planning is very important. In addition, students should also take CFS 103 and CFS 115 as early as possible in their program. Students, including those with a dual concentration, may use only one program-approved 395/495 to meet a concentration requirement.

Proficiency Requirements for Retention in and Completion of the Major

In addition to completing the core course requirements and specified courses within the area of concentration, each student must satisfy program standards for effectiveness in written and oral communication.

Other Considerations and Recommendations

Students are encouraged to obtain professionally-related work experience to enhance opportunities in post-baccalaureate education and future employment. These experiences, arranged in consultation with the faculty, may be obtained in part through field work associated with required courses and through Labor Program assignments, community service, Independent Studies, or Summer Internships.

Child and Family Studies

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