Food Science and Human Nutrition -
Food Science Track Student Handbook
Department of Human Nutrition, Food and Animal Sciences
College of Tropical Agriculture and Human Resources
University of Hawai`i at Mānoa, Honolulu, HI
Updated 6/27/2024
Dr. Soojin Jun, Ph.D.
Track Coordinator
Department of Human Nutrition, Food and Animal Sciences
Agricultural Sciences Building III (AGSCI)
1955 East West Road
Honolulu, HI 96822
Tel: (808) 956-8283
Fax: (808) 956-4024
E-mail: soojin@hawaii.edu
Web Page: https://cms.ctahr.hawaii.edu/hnfas/Academics/FoodSci
Welcome | Admission | Degree Requirements | Registration | Career options | MS in Food Science | Graduate Record Exam | Student Learning Outcomes | Undergraduate FSHN (Council) Student Club | Useful websites for students | Student Academic Support Services | Course Descriptions
Welcome
Welcome to the Food Science track in the Department of Human Nutrition, Food and Animal Sciences. This study track educates and develops skills in students who desire to work in food processing, regulation and food business arena, both in the public and private sector. This track also prepares students for managerial positions since there is a high demand for people with skills in food science and knowledge of business, accounting, and interpersonal skills. Students learn about food chemistry, microbiology, structure, engineering, safety, regulation, sanitation, quality control, and business-oriented courses.
Note: Every effort has been made to ensure that the material in this handbook is accurate, up-to-date and complete. However, occasionally errors and changes occur. It is always a good idea to double check with your advisor before taking any course.
Admission into the University of Hawai`i Food Science Track
New students who apply to the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa (UHM) as
first-year students or transfer students may apply directly to the
program by specifying Food Science and Human Nutrition (FSHN) as their major on their
application form. Please visit
the Office of Admissions website for details about applying.
There are three different options under the Food Science track: Pre-professional, Business, and Culinology (note: the Culinology option only accepts Kapiolani CC graduates with the AS in Culinary Arts, Institutional Food Service Management degree into the option). Please connect with a CTAHR Advisor for assistance with updating your track and option to Food Science. Again, the Culinology option is only available to graduates of Kapiolani CC's (KCC) Culinary Arts program; students must start at KCC and then transfer to Mānoa after completing the AS in Culinary Arts, Institutional Food Service Management.
Students who have taken courses at another university or community college outside of the University of Hawai`i system must arrange to have their official transcripts sent to the UH Mānoa Admissions Office for evaluation of transfer credits. Courses not meeting the university core requirements, but are acceptable academically, will be transferred and counted as elective credits. Check online to the “Transfer of Credits” website within the UH Admissions office to see how your courses transfer to UH.
Students wishing to transfer from another UHM program into FSHN are required to contact the CTAHR Advising Office at ctahradv@hawaii.edu to request a change of major. Acceptance into the FSHN program will be based on a minimum cumulative UHM grade point average (GPA) of 2.0.
Degree Requirements
The Food Science program sheets and four year plans can be found at the Bachelor Degree Program Sheet and Sample Four Year Academic Plans website. Please scroll down the page to the College of Tropical Agriculture and Human Resources.
Accepted students who have set up their UH username and password may also find their requirements on the STAR GPS Registration website. Log onto your STAR Account by visiting the website.
Directed research opportunities within the degree program allow students to work closely with faculty members on cutting-edge projects, fostering hands-on learning and innovation. These collaborations not only enhance academic understanding but also prepare students for advanced careers and further studies in their fields of interest. Research opportunities can be found by speaking with cooperating faculty in your major or through the Undergraduate Research Opportunities Program (UROP); see specifically ForagerOne. If you are interested in completing directed research courses (e.g. FSHN 499), please see a CTAHR advisor for more information.
Registration
Students register for courses online through STAR GPS Registration. STAR GPS Registration is an easy-to-navigate registration system that shows courses students need to graduate in a timely manner and allows students to personalize their academic plan to fit their unique college experience. STAR GPS Registration allows students to do the following:
- Register for classes that count directly into their degree/requirements so they don’t go off track
- A visual calendar of the classes students are choosing and how they fit together
- Direct integration of students’ class schedule into their Google calendar
- Easily switch classes using the add/drop options
- Search for classes at any UH campus
- View transcript
For help about STAR, students can meet with an academic advisor or visit the HELP website. Registration dates and times are published on the Registration Timetable.
Career options
Once you get your degree, you can choose a career in one of the largest industries in the world. Food scientists apply microbiology and biochemistry to improve the taste, nutrition, and value of our nation's food supply. They can be employed in science-related positions in quality assurance, product development, research, technical services, and product procurement. Food scientists can also enjoy careers in related fields such as food communication, advertising, and consumer education and protection. There are lots of demand for Food Science graduates from the global brand food manufacturers, i.e. PepsiCo, General Mills, Nestle, Kellogg’s, Kraft and so on, and local industries. Food Science graduates may also choose to pursue pre-professional tracks such as graduate studies and medical school. Schedule a meeting with a career counselor in Mānoa’s Career Center for more information.
MS Food Science
Many students who select the Food Science degree program can continue their education as a Masters student in the field. More information about the Masters of Science degree in Food Science can be found at the following website: Food Science (MS).
Graduate Record Exam
Graduate Record Exam (GRE) scores are often required for graduate programs, especially for combined internship/graduate programs. The 4-hour general GRE test is administered at the University of Hawai'i in the Queen Lili'uokalani Center for Student Services in the Testing Center. To prepare for taking the GRE you can either purchase GRE practice books and software from most bookstores and/or you can download a GRE practice test for free from the GRE website. For further information, contact the Testing Center at 956-3454.
Student Learning Outcomes
Upon completion of the BS in the FSHN Food Science program, students will be able to:
- Know, apply and critically analyze and evaluate concepts related to the science of food and nutrition with a focus on humans.
- Develop written & oral skills commensurate with the ability to summarize, evaluate, synthesize, and appropriately communicate scientific concepts to a variety of audiences.
- Acquire personal characteristics and leadership, management, and human relations skills appropriate to professional practice in careers related to food science and human nutrition.
- Recognize and use appropriate technologies, such as computer applications and/or food and nutrition laboratory methodologies.
- Identify and develop skills to gain successful admission into entry level careers or post-graduate education.
- Develop problem-solving and critical thinking skills.
- Demonstrate participation in community service.
- Identify community issues from local to global levels.
Undergraduate FSHN (Council) Student Club
You are encouraged to join the FSHN Council. You will have a chance to meet other students in your major and have the opportunity to share information and good times. Often graduating seniors leave behind jobs or career opportunities that are now available to you.
Useful Websites for Students Entering into the University of Hawai'i
All information for students covering how to apply, academic calendar, financial aid, catalog, transfer credit search, new database, on-campus activities, housing (dorms), parking, etc., can be found on the following websites:
MyUH Services is a mobile-optimized, one stop shop for UH business tasks, form, apps and more. It includes one-click access to services customized for students, faculty and staff across our 10-campus system.
STAR for students is the online degree tracking system for UH. You can view your degree requirements, register for classes, search for scholarships, and view your transcripts through STAR.
Use this website to make an appointment with our academic advisors. Advisors can assist you with developing a degree plan and making sure you’re taking the appropriate classes for graduation. Meeting with an academic advisor is mandatory every semester.
This website offers information about the world of CTAHR, including undergraduate and graduate programs, financial aid and scholarships, course requirements, publications, research projects, student council, faculty, and staff.
This web site shows the different programs, courses, and resources available within the HNFAS department. There is also a link to “Scholarships.”
The FSHN Council strives to nurture students' interest in dietetics, research, community wellness, food service and nutrition by providing the opportunity for students to network with other students, faculty, and professionals in food science, nutrition, and other health-related fields. In addition to enhancing fellowship and facilitating communication, student members are exposed to career information, scholarship opportunities, and community service activities.
UH Core requirements and class listings can be found at this site.
This web site shows information on how your credits transfer into UH Mānoa.
Student Academic Support Services
Access to student academic support services is important to ensure your success while a student at the University of Hawaiʻi. Below is a listing of some of these services that can also be found in the University of Hawaiʻi Catalog.
- The Office of Civic and Community Engagement assists UH Manoa students and community organizations find ways to partner together to tackle important issues in the community by matching students’ passions and interests with the needs of community non-profit organizations through service.
- First Year Programs and ACE ease the transition of new students into the academic and social communities at UH Manoa. First-Year Programs provide the opportunity to develop personal relationships with faculty and other students, enhance active involvement in the educational process, and build connections to UH Manoa. In addition, First-Year Programs familiarize students with the array of resources and programs available at UH Manoa.
- Honors Program provides opportunities for talented and motivated undergraduates to excel in their academic studies. Students complete a challenging inquiry-based curriculum that encourages learning through independent research and creative expression. They enjoy intimate and personalized educational experiences within the setting of a large research university through small classes, dedicated advising, peer mentorship, and faculty guided projects.
- International Student Services has the responsibility for meeting University federal compliance with regard to international students. ISS strives to support international student success through the following endeavors:
- Advising students on immigration regulations that affect their status in the U.S.
- Providing programs that help promote cross-cultural adjustment
- Serving as a resource to the campus and international student communities
- Advocating for international students and international education
- Kokua Program (Disability Access Services) is UH Mānoa’s primary campus unit responsible for providing disability access services to students with disabilities toward equal opportunity.
- Academic Resource Center provides tutoring, workshops, Supplemental Instruction (SI), and one-on-one appointments in which students learn appropriate study strategies and problem solving skills to achieve their academic goals.
- Mānoa Advising Center is an advising office for exploratory students who have not yet declared a major. MAC assists exploratory students with their major selection process by presenting options and providing general education advising.
- Mānoa Transfer Coordination Center is to help students transfer smoothly from a UH community college to UH Manoa and provide advising support throughout the transfer process, including the Ka‘ie‘ie Degree Pathway Program.
- Pre-Health/Pre-Law Advising Center is a walk-in resource for students interested in law, medicine, and other health fields (dentistry, occupational therapy, optometry, pharmacy, physician assistant, physical therapy, etc.). PAC advisors help students explore and clarify their career goals, plan appropriate course work, find opportunities to gain experience, apply to professional programs, review personal statements and résumés, provide mock interviews, and hold workshops throughout the year.
- Student Athlete Academic Services is the academic support program for student-athletes at UH Manoa. Working closely with instructional faculty, coaches, and campus resources, academic advisors assist students in formulating and meeting their academic goals while participating in intercollegiate athletics.
- Student Success Center in Sinclair Library offers students a welcoming and convivial place to study and to learn, and provides them the information and skills they need to be successful in their academic career and beyond. The center provides seating that facilitates collaborative learning, is open long hours, and permits students to bring their own snacks, all in a space that has natural light and air.
- Student Support Services is a federally funded TRIO program that provides academic advising and planning, special courses, financial aid advice, graduate and professional school advising, tutoring, mentoring, and academic enrichment activities to program students enrolled at UH Manoa. Students are selected to participate based on a combination of income and financial aid eligibility, parents’ level of education, and potential to benefit from program services
- Manoa Writing Center is a pedagogical space that supports writing and research at UHM. Our primary service is one-to-one writing consultations provided free of charge to all students, faculty, and staff affiliated with the University of Hawai`i at Mānoa. Our writing consultants are trained to help writers working in different disciplines at every stage of the writing process and with various writing projects (i.e., essays, research papers, resumes, letters, creative work).
Do not hesitate to discuss your needs with your academic degree advisor who can help refer you to the appropriate resource.
FSHN Course Descriptions
Viewable online at the University of Hawaiʻi catalog.