Undergraduate Program
Nutrition is an integrative science with the overall objective of improving the health and well-being of individuals and groups. Nutritional inquiry encompasses not only the roles of electrons, atoms, molecules, genes, cells, organs, and complex organisms in biological life processes but also the links between life science and health, behavior, education, population, culture, and economics. The Bachelor of Science in Nutrition degree program includes four options: dietetics, nutritional sciences, nutrition and health, and teaching certification. All options combine a prescribed common core of science and nutrition courses with additional coursework in the area of specialization.
Option I: Dietetics
For students pursuing careers in dietetics, additional courses in behavioral and clinical nutrition
and food systems management provide the academic preparation required
for dietetics practice. The Didactic Program in Dietetics (DPD) meets
the coursework requirements that qualify graduates to apply to a dietetic
internship. This program is available to all students who choose to major
in nutrition. The Coordinated Program in Dietetics
(CPD) includes both the coursework and the supervised practice necessary
to be eligible to take the dietetic registration examination. Students
interested in this program must apply for admission.
Both the DPD and the CPD are granted accreditation by the Commission on Accreditation of Dietetics Education of the American Dietetic Association (ADA), 120 S. Riverside Plaza, Suite 2000, Chicago IL 60606, (312) 899-0040.
Students in dietetics may select either the Didactic
Program in Dietetics (DPD) or the Coordinated Program
in Dietetics (CPD). Students who complete the DPD with at least four
upper-division nutrition courses completed in residence will receive a
verification statement that qualifies them to apply for an accredited
dietetic internship. Note: Students with a baccalaureate or higher
degree from another institution or with a baccalaureate degree in another
major may earn a verification statement from UT by completing the appropriate
DPD coursework, with at least four upper-division nutrition courses taken
in residence. DPD graduates who complete a dietetic internship may become
active members of the American Dietetic Association (ADA) and are eligible
to write the examination to become a registered dietitian.
Upon completing the CPD, which includes approximately one thousand hours of supervised practice, graduates immediately qualify for active membership in the ADA and to write the examination to become a registered dietitian. Students interested in the CPD apply for admission in the fall semester of their junior year. Students are selected on the basis of academic performance, completion of required prerequisite courses, work or volunteer experience, leadership, and commitment to the profession of dietetics. Applications are available from the School of Human Ecology and must be filed at the beginning of the fall semester for entry the following spring semester. Students who are admitted to the CPD should consult the faculty adviser each semester regarding order and choice of work. During the fourth year, the following courses must be taken in the indicated term: fall semester: Nutrition 245C; spring semester: Nutrition 772C, 572F, 373S; summer session: Nutrition 274C and 174P. Because these courses are taught only once a year, a student who does not take them at the indicated time may be unable to complete the program.
Option II: Nutritional Sciences
Students in this option take additional courses in science and research in order to prepare students for graduate study or professional school. Graduates may seek employment in private or publicly funded research programs or, upon completion of graduate study, may engage in college or university teaching or nutrition research. This option also allows students to fulfill requirements for postgraduate study in medicine, dentistry, and other health professions.This option gives students flexibility to combine the study of nutrition with coursework in another area of interest. Additional courses in a concentration area may enhance nutrition related career opportunities; however, this option does not lead to dietetic registration. Students may choose from five areas of emphasis:
- Business Sequence - Students can earn a Business Foundations Certificate and seek employment in areas such as sales and customer support in the food industry.
- Communication Sequence - Students can develop skills in public speaking and writing for the lay public along with studying of the role culture plays in food behavior.
- Computer Science Sequence - Students can earn an Elements of Computing Certificate and develop skills for future employment opportunities combining technology with nutrition.
- Exercise and Fitness Sequence - Students can learn more about a variety of factors that combine with nutrition to influence health.
- Nutritional Science and Behavior Sequence - Students gain an in-depth scientific knowledge necessary to better understand eating behavior.
The teaching option allows students to meet the state certification requirements to teach science in secondary and/or middle grades. There is no certification for teaching nutrition or health in Texas public schools.
Coordinated Program In Dietetics
Didactic Program in Dietetics
Option II: Nutritional Sciences
Option III: Nutrition and Health
Business
Communication
Exercise and Fitness
Nutritional Science and Behavior
Degree Requirements
Course Descriptions
Course Schedule
