Dietetics

Examine the science of food and the role of nutrients in the body to promote and maintain health. The food and nutrition program offers two majors — dietetics, and nutrition & fitness. Both programs challenge you to strive for excellence and provide a pathway to graduate study.

Program Overview

Through the food and nutrition programs, you will integrate the arts, humanities, and social and natural sciences to gain a thorough understanding of food, food management and medical nutrition therapy.

In the dietetics curriculum, you will study food management and medical nutrition, preparing you to earn the Registered Dietitian credential following graduation. To gain familiarity with the profession and gain experience in the field, you are encouraged to join the AND as a student member, as well as complete work experience related to dietetics.

As a dietetics major, you will apply to a dietetic internship program during the second semester of your senior year. After completing the postbaccalaureate program, which is usually eight to 11 months in length, you will be eligible to sit for examination to become a registered dietitian. Acceptance into a postbaccalaureate program is very competitive and based on your grade point average, recommendation letters, work experience, extracurricular activities, motivation and knowledge of the profession. A grade point average above 3.5 in both the major and support courses is recommended.

The didactic program in dietetics is currently granted initial accreditation by the Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics, Suite 2000, 120 South Riverside Plaza, Chicago, Illinois 60606, 800-877-1600.

For more information, please visit the internal Department of Health and Sport Science website.