Nutrition

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215 Sarah H. Fleischmann Building
(775) 784-6440

The Department of Nutrition offers a Bachelor of Science degree in Nutrition with two specializations: dietetics and nutritional sciences.  The curriculum in both specializations includes a strong foundation of biological and physical sciences, in addition to courses on the role of nutrition in human development and health; the nutrient composition of foods; and the principles of medical nutrition therapy.

The dietetics specialization is the first step for students who wish to  become a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RDN).  RDNs have the knowledge and skill to promote health and reduce disease risk through the application of science-based nutrition/food standards and practices.

The nutritional science specialization provides excellent preparation for students whose career goals include medicine, pharmacy, dentistry, public health, or physical therapy. It also prepares students for graduate programs in nutrition and other related disciplines.

The bachelor of science degree in nutrition, with either the dietetics or nutritional sciences specialization, requires a minimum of 120 credits. At least 40 credits must be earned in 300- or 400-level courses. A maximum of 30 required or elective credits on a satisfactory/unsatisfactory (S/U) basis may be utilized as part of the credit requirements.

A minor in nutrition is also available. The nutrition minor complements many other undergraduate programs including biology, biochemistry, and community health science. 

Program Descriptions:

Nutrition, B.S. (Dietetics Specialization)

Per the Commission on Dietetic Registration, the following are the requirements to become a registered dietitian nutritionist (RDN):

1. Complete a minimum of a bachelor’s degree, and coursework through an accredited Didactic Program in Dietetics.
2. Complete a post-baccalaureate accredited Dietetic Internship.
3. Pass a national credentialing exam

The dietetics specialization curriculum is accredited as a Didactic Program in Dietetics from the Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics (ACEND). Students who earn their B.S. in Nutrition in the Dietetic Specialization are eligible upon graduation to apply for a Dietetic Internship.  As noted above, the final step is to pass the national registration examination for dietitians administered by the Commission on Dietetic Registration.

RDNs are employed in a wide variety of settings including health care, schools, community/public health, athletic and sports training facilities, and private practice. In these settings, RDNs may provide medical nutrition therapy; counsel and educate patients/clients; and/or manage food service operations. RDNs also find employment in research, business and industry.

Students who earn their B.S. in Nutrition in the Dietetic Specialization are also eligible to take the national registration examination for the Nutrition and Dietetic Technician (NDTR) credential.

NDTRs generally work as a member of a team under the supervision of a RDN in a variety of settings including health care, business, community/public health, and foodservice.

Nutrition, B.S. (Nutritional Science)

The nutritional sciences specialization as a pre-health major provides excellent preparation for those students whose career goals include medicine, dentistry, pharmacy, physical therapy, and other health professions.  The nutritional science specialization also prepares students for graduate work (M.S., Ph.D.) in nutrition and other related disciplines.  The curriculum includes chemistry, biochemistry, human anatomy and physiology, microbiology, physics, human nutrition and metabolism, and medical nutritional therapy.

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