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Food and Fiber

Students in the Department of Human Ecology focus their studies on dietary nutrition and food safety to improve health and prevent illness, and the use and design of natural and man-made fibers for both function and fashion.

BACHELOR’S DEGREES

Food and Nutritional Sciences, BS

 

Textiles and Apparel Studies, BS

  • Fashion Merchandising
  • Fashion Design

MASTER’S DEGREES

Food Science, MS

  • Biotechnology
  • Food Microbiology
  • Food Chemistry

Nutritional Sciences, MS

Department of Human Ecology

The Department of Human Ecology, a unit in the College of Agriculture and Related Sciences, embraces and promotes the land-grant mission of the University, which is excellence in teaching, research and outreach. The department offers professional programs designed to prepare students for future academic and career paths, and technical courses designed to develop practical production and management skills.

FACULTY PROFILES   

Meet our highly trained faculty, who dedicate their time to their work and their students. Of the faculty in our department, 98% hold terminal degrees in their respective discipline and many collaborate in research partnerships.

Faculty Profiles

 Facilities

The department is equipped with a teaching food laboratory that provides students with hands-on experience. Students develop skills in diet planning and the development of new foods. The Foods Lab contains equipment for preparation and sensory evaluation of food products. The sensory evaluation section of the lab contains specialized carrels that are used for evaluation of products prepared in the lab. A Nutrient Analysis Computer Laboratory, adjacent to the Foods Lab, is used to calculate the nutrients in diets and recipes.

The Textiles and Apparel Studies laboratory is equipped with state-of-the art equipment. Students develop skills in design and development of new products.

The Gerber Computer Aid Design (CAD) equipment is the state-of-the-art equipment that helps students to develop skills in designing and product development.

Research support services include the university library and the computing room with access to Internet.

Outreach

The Department of Human Ecology, in partnership with DSU Cooperative Extension Programs, conducts outreach activities aimed at disseminating research findings and beneficial information to Delaware residents. Paramount among these activities is the Youth Cooking and Nutrition Counseling workshop for high school students. The cooking workshop provides students an opportunity to gather knowledge about food safety, kitchen safety, and to learn how to prepare nutritious and delicious meals.

Student Organizations

The department helps students develop professionally as well as socially through participation in student organizations. The organizations listed below enable you to get to know your fellow students better and other professionals in your field. The Fashion Merchandising Club organizes several field trips to fashion centers in the United States and fashion shows at the DSU campus.

  • Fashion Merchandising Club
  • Food and Nutrition Club