Skip to Content


Nutrition

Overview Degrees/Certificates Courses Faculty

Associate Degrees for Transfer

A.S.-T. in Nutrition and Dietetics

The Associate in Science in Nutrition and Dietetics for Transfer (AS-T) program provides students with a major that fulfills the general requirements for transfer to the California State University. Students with this degree will receive priority admission with junior status to the California State University system. Students should work closely with their Folsom Lake College counselor to ensure that they are taking the appropriate coursework to prepare for majoring in Nutrition and Foods/Dietetics at the institution they wish to transfer to because major and general education requirements may vary for each CSU and the degree may only transfer to specific institutions.

This program has the following completion requirements:
1. Completion of 60 semester units or 90 quarter units that are eligible for transfer to the California State University, including both of the following:
A. The Intersegmental General Education Transfer Curriculum (IGETC) or the California State University General Education - Breadth Requirements.
B. A minimum of 18 semester units or 27 quarter units in a major or area of emphasis, as determined by the community college district.
2. Obtainment of a minimum grade point average of 2.0.
ADTs also require that students must earn a C or better in all courses required for the major or area of emphasis.

Catalog Date: January 1, 2025

Degree Requirements

Course Code Course Title Units
BIOL 440 General Microbiology (4) 4 - 5
   or BIOL 442 General Microbiology and Public Health (5)
CHEM 400 General Chemistry I 5
NUTRI 300 Nutrition 3
PSYC 300 General Principles 3
A minimum of 8 units from the following: 8
BIOL 430 Anatomy and Physiology (5)
and BIOL 431 Anatomy and Physiology (5)
CHEM 401 General Chemistry II (5)
CHEM 420 Organic Chemistry I (5)
PSYC 330 Introductory Statistics for the Behavioral Sciences (3)
   or STAT 300 Introduction to Probability and Statistics (4)
A minimum of 3 units from the following: 3
ACCT 301 Financial Accounting (4)
ANTH 310 Cultural Anthropology (3)
BUS 340 Business Law (3)
COMM 311 Argumentation and Debate (3)
ECE 312 Child Development (3)
   or PSYC 372 Child Development (3)
ECE 314 The Child, the Family and the Community (3)
ECON 302 Principles of Macroeconomics (3)
ECON 304 Principles of Microeconomics (3)
NUTRI 310 Cultural Foods of the World (3)
NUTRI 330 Food Theory and Preparation (4)
SOC 300 Introductory Sociology (3)
Total Units: 26 - 27

The Associate in Science in Nutrition and Dietetics for Transfer (AS-T) degree may be obtained by completion of 60 transferable, semester units with a minimum overall grade point average (GPA) of 2.0, including (a) a minimum grade of "C" (or "P") for each course in the major or area of emphasis described in the Required Program, and (b) either the Intersegmental General Education Transfer Curriculum (IGETC) or the California State University General Education-Breadth Requirements.

Student Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of this program, the student will be able to:

  • demonstrate an understanding of the relationships between chemistry, biology, and nutrition.
  • design diet plans using nutrition principles to promote optimal health.
  • apply knowledge of the interaction of nutrition and health using problem-solving and critical thinking skills.
  • examine cultural diversity in regards to nutrition and foods.
  • distinguish between reliable sources of nutrition information and nutrition claims not supported by research.

Career Information

Career opportunities include hospitals and other health care facilities, school food services, restaurants, nutrition programs, WIC programs, weight management clinics, community wellness centers, sports nutrition and corporate wellness programs, food and nutrition businesses and industries, public health agencies, government agencies, and research. Some career options require more than two years of college, and may require certification in dietetics after a Bachelor's degree.

Associate Degrees

A.A. in Interdisciplinary Studies: Social and Behavioral Sciences

The Interdisciplinary Studies degree is designed for students who wish a broad knowledge of arts and sciences plus additional coursework in a prescribed “Area of Emphasis”. This program is a good choice for students planning on transferring to the California State University or University of California. The student will be able to satisfy general education requirements, plus focus on transferable coursework that relates to a specific major and/or individual interest. This degree will have an "Area of Emphasis" in Social and Behavioral Sciences. These courses emphasize the perspectives, concepts, theories, and methodologies of the disciplines typically found in the vast variety of disciplines that comprise study in the Social and Behavioral Sciences. Students will study about themselves and others as members of a larger society. Topics and discussions to stimulate critical thinking about ways people have acted in response to their societies will allow students to evaluate how societies and social subgroups operate. (Possible majors at a four-year institution include, but are not limited to: history, sociology, social studies, psychology, and family consumer science.)

It is highly recommended that students consult a counselor to determine the classes within each area that will best prepare them for their intended transfer major.

Catalog Date: January 1, 2025

Degree Requirements

Course Code Course Title Units
A minimum of 18 units from the following: 18
Select courses from at least 3 different disciplines.
ADMJ 300 Introduction to Administration of Justice (3)
ADMJ 302 Community Relations: Multicultural Issues (3)
ADMJ 320 Concepts of Criminal Law (3)
ANTH 310 Cultural Anthropology (3)
ANTH 319 Visual Anthropology: Introduction to Ethnographic Film (3)
ANTH 323 Introduction to Archaeology (3)
ANTH 330 Magic, Witchcraft, and Religion (3)
ANTH 341 Introduction to Linguistics (3)
BUS 320 Concepts in Personal Finance (3)
   or ECON 320 Concepts in Personal Finance (3)
BUS 330 Managing Diversity in the Workplace (3)
BUS 340 Business Law (3)
BUS 345 Law and Society (3)
COMM 325 Intercultural Communication (3)
COMM 341 Organizational Communication (3)
COMM 351 Mass Media and Society (3)
COMM 363 Introduction to Communication Theory (3)
ECON 302 Principles of Macroeconomics (3)
ECON 304 Principles of Microeconomics (3)
ECE 312 Child Development (3)
   or PSYC 372 Child Development (3)
ECE 314 The Child, the Family and the Community (3)
ECE 330 Infant and Toddler Development (3)
ECE 430 Culture and Diversity in Early Childhood Education (3)
ETHNS 300 Introduction to Ethnic Studies (3)
ETHNS 320 Introduction to African American Studies (3)
ETHNS 330 Introduction to Asian American Studies (3)
ETHNS 360 Introduction to Chicana/o/x Studies (3)
ETHNS 350 Introduction to Native American Studies (3)
GEOG 310 Human Geography: Exploring Earth's Cultural Landscapes (3)
GEOG 322 Geography of California (3)
HIST 307 History of World Civilizations to 1500 (3)
HIST 308 History of World Civilizations, 1500 to Present (3)
HIST 310 History of the United States (To 1877) (3)
HIST 311 History of the United States (1865 - Present) (3)
HIST 314 Recent United States History (3)
HIST 319 American Environmental History (3)
HIST 331 Women in American History (3)
HIST 344 Survey of California History: A Multicultural Perspective (3)
HIST 368 History of France (3)
JOUR 310 Mass Media and Society (3)
NUTRI 310 Cultural Foods of the World (3)
POLS 301 Introduction to Government: United States (3)
POLS 302 Comparative Politics (3)
POLS 310 Introduction to International Relations (3)
POLS 320 Introduction to Political Theory (3)
PSYC 300 General Principles (3)
PSYC 312 Biological Psychology (4)
PSYC 320 Social Psychology (3)
PSYC 335 Research Methods in Psychology (3)
PSYC 340 Abnormal Behavior (3)
PSYC 356 Human Sexuality (3)
PSYC 368 Cross Cultural Psychology (3)
   or SWHS 331 Cross Cultural Psychology (3)
PSYC 370 Human Development: A Life Span (3)
SJS 300 Introduction to Social Justice Studies (3)
SOC 300 Introductory Sociology (3)
SOC 301 Social Problems (3)
SOC 310 Marriage and the Family (3)
SOC 321 Race, Ethnicity and Inequality in the United States (3)
SOC 341 Sex and Gender in the U.S. (3)
SOC 379 Making Social Change (3)
SWHS 302 Introduction to Psychology of Human Relations (3)
Total Units: 18

The Interdisciplinary Studies: Social and Behavioral Sciences Associate in Arts (A.A.) degree may be obtained by completion of the required program, plus the local FLC General Education Requirement, plus sufficient electives to meet a 60-unit total. See FLC graduation requirements.

Student Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of this program, the student will be able to:

  • evaluate how societies and social subgroups operate (Social and Behavioral Sciences).

A.S. in Food Science

Currently, there is no associate degree program that prepares students for the Food Science major at our closest regional University of California Campus, UC Davis. Completion of the Associate Degree in Nutrition Science would not be adequate in preparing students for transfer to UC Davis - Food Science. For that reason, the AS Degree in Food Science would provide students with the articulated lower division major requirement preparation necessary for admission as an upper division student in the Food Science major at UC Davis.

Catalog Date: January 1, 2025

Degree Requirements

Course Code Course Title Units
NUTRI 300 Nutrition 3
CHEM 400 General Chemistry I 5
CHEM 401 General Chemistry II 5
BIOL 400 Principles of Biology (5) 4 - 5
   or BIOL 440 General Microbiology (4)
MATH 400 Calculus I 5
MATH 401 Calculus II 5
PHYS 350 General Physics 4
PHYS 360 General Physics 4
STAT 300 Introduction to Probability and Statistics (4) 3 - 4
   or PSYC 330 Introductory Statistics for the Behavioral Sciences (3)
Total Units: 38 - 40

The Food Science Associate in Science (A.S.) degree may be obtained by completion of the required program, plus the local FLC General Education Requirement, plus sufficient electives to meet a 60-unit total. See FLC graduation requirements.

Student Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of this program, the student will be able to:

  • explain the principles of food science.
  • use critical thinking skills to interpret and evaluate research findings in food science.
  • apply appropriate laboratory techniques proficiently.
  • understand the relationship between chemistry, biology, and food science.
  • distinguish and define biological terms and principles.
  • demonstrate knowledge of the scientific terminology and the principle concepts of chemistry.

Career Information

Food Science provides several opportunities for employment, including positions in the food industries, research companies, local, state and federal government agencies, and educational institutions.


A.S. in Nutrition Science

The Nutrition Science AS degree provides students with an excellent foundation for a variety of science and healthcare career opportunities. Graduates of this program may continue their study of nutrition, food science or any science related academic area. After transfer to and completion of a 4-year degree at a university-level institution, students can further their studies towards a Master’s (M.S.) and/or Doctorate in Philosophy (Ph.D.) in nutrition or other basic science related area.

Catalog Date: January 1, 2025

Degree Requirements

Course Code Course Title Units
NUTRI 300 Nutrition 3
NUTRI 340 Nutrition and Metabolism 3
BIOL 400 Principles of Biology 5
BIOL 410 Principles of Botany 5
BIOL 420 Principles of Zoology 5
CHEM 400 General Chemistry I 5
CHEM 401 General Chemistry II 5
CHEM 420 Organic Chemistry I 5
CHEM 421 Organic Chemistry II 5
PSYC 335 Research Methods in Psychology 3
A minimum of 3 units from the following: 3
ANTH 310 Cultural Anthropology (3)
SOC 300 Introductory Sociology (3)
SOC 301 Social Problems (3)
ECON 302 Principles of Macroeconomics (3)
ECON 304 Principles of Microeconomics (3)
PSYC 300 General Principles (3)
Total Units: 47

The Nutrition Science Associate in Science (A.S.) degree may be obtained by completion of the required program, plus the local FLC General Education Requirement, plus sufficient electives to meet a 60-unit total. See FLC graduation requirements.

Student Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of this program, the student will be able to:

  • evaluate the influence of chemical, biochemical, microbiological, and physiological disciplines as they affect the body’s processing of nutrients and food components during digestion, absorption, metabolism, and excretion.
  • integrate the biological, behavioral, socioeconomic and environmental factors related to food and nutrient intakes and needs across the lifespan.
  • analyze the nutrition standards and nutritional assessment data to make evidence-based decisions.
  • cite the functions and interrelationships of nutrients and food in human health, disease prevention, and disease states.
  • apply critical thinking skills to locate, interpret, and evaluate research findings and professional literature to explain implications and limitations.
  • apply basic terminology and nomenclature of inorganic chemistry.
  • analyze, and predict the outcome of a multi-step organic synthesis based on simpler, more common reactions
  • apply organic functional group knowledge to biological molecules such as amino acids and proteins, lipids, and carbohydrates.

Career Information

The Nutrition Science AS degree provides students with an excellent foundation for a variety of science and health care career opportunities. They can seek employment in public health and policy, government-sponsored nutrition programs, business including the food industry, community and international agencies, corporate wellness programs, community wellness centers, restaurants, and schools.

Certificate of Achievement

Nutrition Education Certificate

The Nutrition Education certificate program focuses on the concepts of food literacy and health and wellness. It is designed for students interested in the nutrients in food along with their actions within the body, issues of nutrition status across the lifespan, and the impact of food choices on one's health, the environment, and the economy. Students can choose the direction of their studies by selecting course(s) that include the following areas: food preparation, performance nutrition, nutrition and aging, lifespan nutrition, or early childhood education.

After completing the classes for this certificate, students may apply credits toward the Associate in Science in Nutrition and Dietetics for Transfer (AS-T).

Catalog Date: January 1, 2025

Certificate Requirements

Course Code Course Title Units
NUTRI 300 Nutrition 3
NUTRI 340 Nutrition and Metabolism (3) 3 - 4
   or NUTRI 330 Food Theory and Preparation (4)
A minimum of 4 units from the following: 4
BIOL 400 Principles of Biology (5)
BIOL 430 Anatomy and Physiology (5)
BIOL 431 Anatomy and Physiology (5)
BIOL 310 General Biology (4)
A minimum of 6 units from the following: 6
CHEM 400 General Chemistry I (5)
NUTRI 302 Nutrition for Physical Performance (3)
NUTRI 310 Cultural Foods of the World (3)
NUTRI 322 Nutrition Issues Throughout Life (3)
PSYC 300 General Principles (3)
Total Units: 16 - 17

Student Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of this program, the student will be able to:

  • correlate dietary intake to weight management, sports performance, chronic diseases, and hunger.
  • apply the scientific method to biological problems, and interpret scientific data in a reasonable manner.
  • assess the various sources of nutrition information and demonstrate where to find reliable nutrition information.
  • compare and contrast nutrient, caloric, and food requirements at all stages of the life cycle.
  • describe ethnicity, ethnocentrism, and racism and analyze the impact of these on food habits and communication in the United States.
  • assemble molecules demonstrating an understanding of chemical bonding and molecular structure to predict their chemical behavior.

Career Information

Employment possibilities include public/government agencies, daycare centers for the young and the elderly, food co-ops, recreation work, nutrition education (such as preschool and elementary school), health food stores and nutritional supplement sales, and substance abuse recovery clinics. Students who continue on to a four-year institution may advance their studies towards the registered dietitian credential, employee wellness counselor, nutrition counselor and other related careers.