Program Overview
Students must choose one of the three (3) concentrations below. Students complete a set amount of shared core coursework, and then "specialize" within a chosen degree concentration.
Concentrations are available in Social and Behavioral Nutrition, Interprofessional Nutrition Sciences, and Nutrition for Healthcare (ACEND-accredited DPD program).
B.S. Nutrition Sciences – Social and Behavioral Nutrition Concentration
Concentration Description
This general program allows students alternative career pathways in nutrition with a focus on the social determinants of health that do not require a dietetics credential.
In addition to Nutrition coursework, students will also take courses in anthropology, economics, healthcare administration, psychology, public health, and sociology.
Career Possibilities
- Nutrition Research
- Food Scientist
- Public Policy
- Community Nutrition
- Health/Nutrition Writing/Editing
- Marketing and Sales
- Healthcare Management
- Health Inspector
- Sanitation Supervisor
Additional Certifications
- Clinical
- Certified Professional in Healthcare Quality (CPHQ)
- Community
- Certified Health Education Specialist (CHES)
- Certified Nutrition and Wellness Educator (CNWE)
- Food Service
- Certified Dietary Manager (CDM)
- Certified Food Protection Professional (CFPP)
- Certified Food Protection Manager (CFPM)
- Certified Food Service Professional (CFSP)
- Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points (HACCP) Certification
- Quality Assurance (QA) Technician
B.S. Nutrition Sciences – Interprofessional Nutrition Sciences Concentration
Concentration Description
For students who may want a nutrition-focused pathway to pursue careers/post-baccalaureate/graduate training in: medical school/physician assistant (PA), occupational therapy (OT), pharmacy (PharmD) programs, physical therapy (PT) programs, etc.
In addition to Nutrition coursework, students should choose specialty course electives based on the requirements for the post-baccalaureate/graduate program they wish to apply to.
Career Possibilities
- Doctor of Medicine (MD)
- Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine (DO)
- Physician’s Assistant (PA-C)
- Pharmacist (PharmD)
- Occupational Therapist (OTR)
- Physical Therapy (DPT)
- Dentist (DDS or DMD)
B.S. Nutrition Sciences – Nutrition for Healthcare Concentration (DPD Program)
Concentration Description
This general program allows students to meet all DPD requirements as part of the pathway towards becoming a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RDN) or Nutrition and Diet Technician, Registered (NDTR).
This pathway is an ACEND-accredited Didactic Program in Dietetics (DPD), and the only eligible pathway towards becoming a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RDN) or Nutrition and Diet Technician, Registered (NDTR).
Other than MDs, RDNs are the only profession that can practice Medical Nutrition Therapy (MNT) while NDTRs assist RDNs in MNT management. Dietetic licensure for RDNs to practice MNT is required in most states.
Medical Nutrition Therapy: Individualized nutrition-based treatment and prevention of chronic diseases/conditions through nutrition prescriptions.
- Includes nutrition assessment, nutrition diagnosis, nutrition intervention, nutrition monitoring and evaluation through specialized meal plans, behavior-based interventions, nutrition education, lab work monitoring, etc.
Career Possibilities
- Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RDN) in clinical, community, and food service settings
- Specialty areas of practice include: sports/tactical, diabetes, renal, geriatrics pediatrics, lactation, nutrition support (i.e. tube feeding and IV nutrition), digestive health, oncology nutrition, obesity and weight management, etc.
- Clinical Nutrition Manager (CNM)
- Private Practice
- Media/Spokesperson/Marketing
- Retail
- Freelance Writing
- Consultant
- Blogger/Podcaster
- Nutrition and Diet Technician, Registered (NDTR) in clinical, community, and food service settings
- Dietary Aide/Technician
- Private Practice
- Media/Spokesperson/Marketing
- Freelance Writing
- Blogger/Podcaster
Additional Certifications
- Clinical
- Certified Professional in Healthcare Quality (CPHQ)
- Certified Wound Care Associate (CWCA)
- Community
- Certified Health Education Specialist (CHES)
- Certified Nutrition and Wellness Educator (CNWE)
- Food Service
- Certified Dietary Manager (CDM)
- Certified Food Protection Professional (CFPP)
- Certified Food Protection Manager (CFPM)
- Certified Food Service Professional (CFSP)
- Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points (HACCP) Certification
- Quality Assurance (QA) Technician
Minor in Nutrition Sciences
Do you have a passion for nutrition, but you’re already majoring in another discipline? Or maybe you’re looking for something to complement your current discipline? Then consider adding a Minor in Nutrition Sciences to your degree plan.
Concentration Description
The minor in Nutrition Sciences provides students with a multi-faceted view of human nutrition. Students earning a minor in Nutrition Sciences will study foundational sciences, such as principles of nutrition, nutrition assessment, global nutrition and cultural food practices, nutrition through the life cycle, community nutrition, and macronutrient metabolism.
Students will be able to choose one 3-credit elective course in nutrition to apply toward the minor.
Common Majors to Pair Minor With This Minor
- Applied Health Sciences
- Biological Sciences
- Counseling Education
- Kinesiology
- Psychology
- Public Health
Please note that the above list is not exhaustive. The Minor in Nutrition Sciences could pair well with virtually any major/for anyone interested in learning more about human nutrition.