Curricular Special Options

Foodservice Experience

HNF 445 Case Hall Spring 2022.jpeg
HNF 445 at Case Hall 2022

Students can gain foodservice experience and build valuable skills by working with MSU Culinary Services. In addition to learning various aspects of foodservice, team members make personal and professional connections by interacting with the campus community. Positions are available in many locations across campus. This experience will also lay an essential and excellent foundation for success in the HNF 445 - Foodservice Management Practicum course. Hardworking students, exhibiting potential and an excellent work ethic, are eligible for promotion to student supervisor - a great resume-builder. Learn more and explore current openings on the Eat At State Employment Page!

Service Learning Center, Volunteer Services

The volunteer services program at Michigan State University is located in the Service Learning Center, Room 345 of the Student Services Building. Volunteer experiences are very important to a student in planning for the future. The more diet-related work experience one has, the better the chances of receiving a dietetic internship appointment. The experience may help students decide if they have chosen the right major. The Services Learning  Center at MSU has positions available in hospital and nursing home dietary departments that provide experience in the clinical setting as well as in community programs. Placement in nutrition education programs may also be available.

Students must sign up for volunteer experiences online or in the Service Learning Center at the Student Services Building. Check with the MSU Center for Community Engaged Learning about sign-up dates. The most popular experiences go very fast.

Education Abroad

MSU is a national leader, sending more undergraduate students around the world than most other US universities.  Students may choose from more than 200 programs in more than 60 countries, with choices on every continent.  An Education Abroad Expo is held each year in Fall Semester to showcase the opportunities.  Information about programs and application procedures is available from the Office for Education Abroad.

The Department of Food Science & Human Nutrition sponsors one education abroad program and one exchange program, both in the summer, both in May-June.  The contact person for both is Ms. Rhonda Crackel, crackel@msu.edu,517-353-8870.

  • International Food Laws in Europe ... Belgium, France, Italy, and Switzerland
  • LaSalle Beauvais in Beauvais, France ... 1. Nutritional Sciences; 2. Cooking for Health--From Field to Plate with optional internship
  • The Office for Education abroad offers other education abroad opportunities that mesh well with the dietetics major.