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

Print Degree Planner (opens a new window) |

College of Nursing and Health Professions >> Food and Nutrition

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 Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics (ACEND). ACEND is recognized as the accrediting agency for bachelor level dietetic programs in the United States. ACEND contact information:120 South Riverside Plaza, Suite 2190, Chicago, IL 60606-6995, telephone 312-899-0040, fax 312-899-4817, ACEND@eatright.org or www.eatrightpro.org/acend.

To become a registered dietitian nutritionist (RDN), students must complete a minimum of a graduate degree from an ACEND-accredited dietetics program, complete an ACEND-accredited supervised practice program, and pass a national exam. If a student completes an ACEND-accredited undergraduate program in dietetics, they can earn a master’s degree in another field. At the completion of USI’s baccalaureate specialty in dietetics, students will be able to apply to a graduate program and an accredited supervised practice program. A grade point average of 3.0 or higher is encouraged for application to graduate programs and 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.

Pre-Dietetic students who are seeking formal admission to the Dietetics program will need to complete the following criteria and submit a formal Dietetics Application to the Food and Nutrition department. Complete the following coursework (or equivalent) with a minimum 2.9 overall grade point average: *BIOL 121 , PSY 201 , ENG 101 , CMST 101 or CMST 107 , MATH 111 , *CHEM 261 , *NUTR 203 , and *NUTR 376 . Courses with an * require a “C” or better.

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 Core 39 requirements as outlined in this bulletin. Specific requirements for Core 39 component of each option area are noted in the section following;
complete required nutrition core courses: 26 hours;
complete 33-42 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 and all dietetics courses.