Bachelor of Science in Nutritional Sciences

Purpose

Dietetics is the high-tech science of applying food and nutrition principles to personal and community health. The field of dietetics has something to offer all health care consumers. The Registered Dietitian is the only nationally recognized credential in foods, nutrition, and dietetics, and is recognized as the nutrition expert in health care, nutritional counseling, food production, sales, and the media. Most employment in the health care industry requires the R.D. credential. Jobs with the most potential for advancement are closed to nutritionists, who are not registered dietitians.

Allied Health option students complete prerequisites courses needed to apply to a wide variety of healthcare professional programs or graduate school.  Students receiving a degree in Nutritional Sciences - Allied Health option will be competitive because their educational experience brings a special dimension to their overall knowledge of the relationship of nutrition to health. The Allied Health option within the Nutritional Sciences program will allow students to utilize this bachelor degree to meet prerequisites for a variety of health professional programs, such as occupational therapy, physical therapy, radiologic technology, dental hygiene, and physician assistant.

Specialty Accreditation

The Northeastern State University Didactic Program in Dietetics (Nutritional Science: Dietetics, B.S.) is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics (ACEND) of the American Dietetic Association (120 South Riverside Plaza, Suite 2190, Chicago, IL 60606-6995, 312-899-5400);  www.eatright.org/acend.

Credential Requirements

Students in the Nutritional Sciences- Dietetics option complete the ACEND-accredited coursework required to apply to ACEND-accredited Dietetic Internships and take the Registered Dietitian (RD) exam.  The NSU Didactic Program in Dietetics (DPD) is the first step in the three step process of becoming a Registered Dietitian (RD).  The second step is the successful completion of an ACEND-accredited Dietetic Internship. The third step is passing the national registration exam administered by the Commission on Dietetic Registration.  Additional fees apply for both testing and licensure. Students are encouraged to talk with their faculty mentor about the steps to become a registered dietitian.

A of January 1, 2024, the Commission on Dietetic Registration (CDR) requires a minimum of a master's degree from a U.S. regionally-accredited college or university to be eligible to take the credentialing exam to become a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RDN). This change only applies to those seeking to become eligible for the registration examination for the first time on or after January 1, 2024.

Students in the Nutritional Sciences - Allied Health option are encouraged to talk with NSU’s pre-health advisor about graduate school applications and the steps to reach their professional goals.

Allied Health - 24 hours (8422)

Guided plan in allied health courses developed with approval from academic advisor or faculty mentor; course selection will depend on student’s health profession interest; at least 5 hours must be  3000/4000 level courses.  Those selecting the Allied Health option must select a minor (18 hours).  Recommended minors include the Prehealth minor and/or other applicable minor to meet career or professional education goals.  Courses for Allied Health must be completed with a minimum grade of C.

Dietetics - 33 hours (8421)

Students must maintain a minimum overall GPA of 3.0 to remain in the Dietetics program.

Complete the following courses for the Dietetics Option with a minimum grade of C:

• NUTR 3104 - The Science of Food
• NUTR 3201 - Food Safety
• NUTR 3563 - Fundamentals of Medical Nutrition Therapy
• NUTR 3583 - Nutritional Assessment and Counseling
• NUTR 3763 - Medical Nutrition Therapy I
• NUTR 3954 - Food Systems Management
• NUTR 4243 - Life Cycle Nutrition
• NUTR 4263 - Geriatric Nutrition
• NUTR 4283 - Community Nutrition
• NUTR 4352 - Advanced Nutrition
• NUTR 4583 - Medical Nutritional Therapy II
• NUTR 4801 - Summative Seminar in Nutritional Science

There is no Accelerated Degree Program for this degree.

A minor is required for Nutritional Sciences: Allied Health Option.

There are no certifications related to this degree.