Nutrition/Dietetics (BS)

What is A Nutrition/Dietetics (BS) Degree?

The field of nutrition has to do with what you eat, what medications/drugs you take, and your general overall health.  The basic of the science is mainly biology and chemistry, but the behavioral sciences like psychology and sociology can be important, too. Professionals in the field may work as dietitians in hospitals or clinics, as nutrition researchers for corporations, as nutrition specialists in schools or institutions, home healthcare aide, etc.  One of the most direct paths toward attaining registration as a dietitian is to first complete a BS degree in Nutrition/Dietetics.

To become a dietitian, depending on where you’re located, you may need to 1) complete the BS degree in an approved college or university, 2) serve an internship, and then 3) pass a licensure exam.  Prescribed courses may vary from one location to another, but generally they will be in subjects like human anatomy and physiology, chemistry, biochemistry, human nutrition, food service purchasing, nutrition counseling, medical nutrition therapy, and many more including several semesters of advanced level training.  The program may also have grade requirements that exceed most university standards for awarding credit.

The video below discusses a “typical” program, so it should help regardless of which school you are considering.