Food and Nutrition Major, Dietetics Specialty, B.A./B.S.

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Dietetics is the science of managing food and nutrition to promote health. Students choosing this option will examine nutrition and its application to food and health. The didactic program in dietetics is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation for Dietetics Education (CADE). CADE is recognized as the accrediting agency for bachelor level dietetic programs in the United States. CADE contact information: 120 South Riverside Plaza, Chicago, IL 60606-6995, telephone 312/899-0040, fax 312/899- 4817, cade@eatright.org or www.eatright.org/cade.

To become a registered dietitian (R. D.), students must complete a minimum of a bachelor’s degree from a CADE accredited undergraduate program, complete a CADE accredited supervised practice program, and complete a national exam. At the completion of our baccalaureate specialty in dietetics, students will be able to apply to a supervised practice program. A grade point average of 3.0 or higher is encouraged for application to supervised practice programs. Graduates who meet these requirements are eligible to take the national registration exam.

Admission Requirements

All applicants must first seek admission to the University by completing an application, having official transcripts of high school and other universities and colleges sent to the University of Southern Indiana, and completing all other University admission requirements. Applicants with a minimum of a 2.0 grade point average may be admitted to the Bachelor of Science in Food and Nutrition program.

Food and Nutrition Degree Requirements

A candidate for the Bachelor of Science in Food and Nutrition degree must meet the general requirements for graduation as outlined in this bulletin and successfully complete the food and nutrition courses required for the major area of study.

Summary of food and nutrition degree program requirements:

completion of the University Core Curriculum requirements as outlined in this bulletin: a minimum of 50 hours. Specific requirements for the University Core Curriculum component of each option area are noted in the section following;
complete required nutrition core courses: 29 hours;
complete 29-35 hours in one of the specialty areas;
a minimum of 120 hours;
a minimum of 30 hours must be taken from the University of Southern Indiana;
a minimum of 39 hours of 300/400-level credit hours;
obtain an average of 2.0 grade point average or better on all work taken at the University of Southern Indiana; and
achieve a grade of C or better in all core nutrition courses.

Dietetics students also must achieve a grade of C or better in BIOL 121 , BIOL 122 , CHEM 261 , and CHEM 262 .

Required Nutrition Core Courses (29 hours)

C or better required

NUTR 203 - Introduction to Food, Nutrition, and Dietetics Credits: 1
NUTR 285 - Management Fundamentals in Food and Nutrition Credits: 3
NUTR 376 - Principles and Applications in Nutrition Credits: 3
NUTR 381 - Quantity Food Production and Purchasing Credits: 4
NUTR 384 - Principles and Applications in Food Science Credits: 3
NUTR 396 - Nutrition Throughout the Lifecycle Credits: 3
NUTR 397 - Nutrition in Health Promotion and Disease Prevention Credits: 3
NUTR 415 - Dietary Supplements and Herb Use in Nutrition Credits: 3
NUTR 465 - Community Nutrition Credits: 3
NUTR 496 - Leadership and Professional Issues in Food and Nutrition Credits: 3

Food and Nutrition Specialty Area

In the student’s sophomore year, and upon completion of the majority of the University Core Curriculum courses, the student will choose a specialty area.