Sorghum is a very important staple crop in the semi-arid regions of Africa, Asia, and the Middle East, where vitamin A deficiency affects approximately 250 million people. β-carotene is the precursor of vitamin A and other carotenoids also have health benefits. Early biochemical studies showed that yellow endosperm sorghums had β-carotene contents of 0.22-3.23 ppm and total carotenoid values as high as 9 ppm. Increasing the carotenoid content of sorghum might have a significant impact on food security and health of poor people in the world. Genetic and biochemical studies of carotenoid biosynthesis have been undertaken in several species but very limited information is available for sorghum. We have developed a QTL study as the first step to characterize the genetic mechanisms involved in the synthesis and regulation of carotenoids in sorghum endosperms. A RIL population developed from a cross between Macia (white endosperm) and KS115 (yellow endosperm) was planted in a RCBD in 2 locations during summer 2005. Grain from 312 lines was decorticated and phenotyped for endosperm color using a colorimeter. Color is generally correlated to carotenoid content and would be easier to select for in a breeding program. Grains were ground and carotenoids extracted, identified and quantified using HPLC. 105 molecular markers were scored, including SSRs and indels from candidate genes of both the starch and carotenoid biosynthetic pathway. Several QTLs were identified using single marker and CIM analysis for both phenotypes. This initial understanding of the genetic mechanisms controlling carotenoid content could lead to improvements in the nutritional composition of sorghum grains for human consumption.