Department of Food Systems, Nutrition & Kinesiology

The Department of Food Systems, Nutrition, & Kinesiology (FSNK) prepares students for rewarding careers that are dedicated to enrichment of human well-being. Specific areas of study include dietetics, nutrition science, exercise science, health and fitness, hospitality management, coaching, health and physical education, and sustainable food systems.

Academic Programs

The department offers five Bachelor of Science degrees. They include a B.S. in Food & Nutrition with options in Dietetics or Nutrition Science; a B.S. in Health Enhancement (Health & Physical Education) K-12; a B.S. in Kinesiology with options in Exercise Science or Health & Fitness; a B.S. in Sustainable Food & Bioenergy Systems with an option in Sustainable Food Systems; and a B.S. in Hospitality Management with an option in Sustainable Hospitality. You can learn more about the department's undergraduate programs on the department’s program page.

The Department of Food Systems, Nutrition, & Kinesiology also offers a Master of Science in Exercise and Nutrition Sciences, a Master of Science in Sustainable Food Systems, a Doctor of Philosophy in Exercise & Nutrition Sciences, a Montana Dietetic Internship and Master of Science degree in Dietetic Systems Leadership, and a Montana Dietetic Internship Non-Degree Certificate. Students in the undergraduate Dietetics program are able to apply to the Accelerated 4+1 Program to receive both a Bachelor of Science in Food & Nutrition as well as a Master of Science in Dietetic Systems Leadership. You can learn more about the department's graduate programs on the graduate catalog page or on the department’s program page.

Minors provide a concentration of courses outside the student's major and are intended to complement major course work. The minor is posted on the student's transcript. The Department of Food Systems, Nutrition, & Kinesiology offers a non-teaching minor in Coaching. For additional information on minor fields of study and requirements, please see the minors section of this catalog and visit the department’s program page.

The Department of Food Systems, Nutrition, & Kinesiology also offers recreational activity courses with an academic component for university credit. Physical activity courses under the ACT designated rubric are offered as an educational opportunity and as a service to the general student population. User fees vary depending on the activity. Each student enrolling in an activity course will be asked to sign an activity course waiver and release form.

Academic Advisors

The College of Education, Health & Human Development academic advising offices, staffed with academic advisors to serve the needs of undergraduate students, are located in Herrick Hall 218 and Reid Hall 132. Students are expected to meet with an advisor each semester to discuss their plan of study, academic progress, and course registration. In addition, students are encouraged to meet with an academic advisor to discuss issues and questions regarding professional programs, career opportunities, and academic concerns. Academic advisors can assist students with appropriate referrals when necessary.

To receive advising or to inquire about programs in the Department of Food Systems, Nutrition, & Kinesiology, contact the EHHD Advising Office by phone at (406) 994-4001 or (406) 994-1880 or by e-mail at ehhdadvising@montana.edu. For more information, visit our EHHD Advising Office webpage.

Degree Requirements

Undergraduate Bachelor of Science degrees in Food & Nutrition, Health Enhancement (Health & Physical Education) K-12, Hospitality Management, Kinesiology, and Sustainable Food & Bioenergy Systems shall be conferred upon the successful completion of specified requirements and a minimum of 120 credits. All undergraduate students must complete a minimum of 42 upper division credits.

For more information on graduate degree requirements, please visit the graduate catalog. 

Certifications and Licensures

Certifications and licensures are dependent on the student's eligibility to sit for certification and licensing examinations and on passing those examinations. Several fields of study in the Department of Food Systems, Nutrition, & Kinesiology prepare students to sit for certification and licensing examinations. Many, but not all, certifications and licensures are offered as post-baccalaureate opportunities. See an advisor for additional information.

Health Enhancement (Health & Physical Education) K-12 Teacher

The Health Enhancement (Health & Physical Education) K-12 program is designed for students who want to become teachers of health enhancement (health and physical education) in public or private schools. Upon completion of the degree, students are recommended for licensure though the State of Montana in teaching grades K-12.

Kinesiology

There are many choices for certifications within both kinesiology options. Students should consult with faculty on appropriate certification options for their area of interest.

Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RDN)

Upon completion of all Didactic Program in Dietetics classes in the Dietetics option of the Food and Nutrition major with a "C" or better in each required program course, students will be eligible to apply to a master's program followed by a dietetic internship to satisfy the necessary requirements to become an RDN. There are several post-baccalaureate options to fulfill the requirements to sit for the RDN credentialling exam. You can learn more by visiting The Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics website. Reach out to the program director to understand which option is best for you. Upon successful completion of the master's and internship program, the student may sit for the RDN examination given by the Commission on Dietetic Registration, the credentialing agency for The Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics. The RDN status enables a person to become licensed in Montana as a Licensed Nutritionist by the Board of Medical Examiners.

Undergraduate Programs

Undergraduate Minors