Students interested in both the food and health systems will expand their knowledge and gain skills to pursue careers in public health, nutrition and health economics, and government policy through the Food and Health Systems Economics major. This major brings together economics expertise from both the food and the health systems to prepare students for fulfilling careers in both of these areas.
Students in this major learn about animal and crop production, food processing, and nutrition, as well as health as an integrated system. Students will graduate from this major prepared to address the complex and interrelated issues that link food and health, from obesity issues to unexpected pandemics.
Courses in the major include: Food and Health Economics, Marketing Agricultural Products, Introduction to Public Health, and Production and Consumption Economics.
Career options with this major:
September 2025
Virginia Tech
925 Prices Fork Road,
BLACKSBURG,
Virginia,
24061, United States
Before you can be considered for freshman admission, you must complete:
3 units of math (includes algebra I, geometry, and algebra II)
2 units of laboratory science (chosen from biology, chemistry or physics)
additional academic units (foreign language is highly recommended)
Some majors have other requirements, such as an additional year of advanced math or lab science. Most students who are selected for admission have completed more than the minimum requirements and have at least a B+ grade point average.
English Language Requirements:
Students taking the IELTS must obtain a score of at least 6.5, with no sub-score below 6.5 to be considered for admission to Virginia Tech. Students taking the PTE must obtain a score of at least 53. Depending on the type of TOEFL used, Virginia Tech expects students to have scores of: Internet-based test: at least 80, with no section sub-score less than 16; Computer-based test: at least 233; Paper-based test: at least 550. Application Deadline: Fall - January 15 (Regular Decision).
*There may be different IELTS requirements depending on your chosen course.