Nutrition and Dietetics, BS

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Proper nutrition plays a major role in the maintenance of health and the quality of life, prevention and treatment of certain diseases, as well as recovery and rehabilitation following physiological trauma. Although a number of professions include nutrition as one area of research and/or practice interests, it is the profession of dietetics that dedicates its efforts entirely to the improvement of the nutritional status of people and the advancement of the science of nutrition. Registered Dietitian Nutritionists (RDNs) possess specialized education to provide nutritional care to people, both well and ill, by using their expertise in nutrition science, food science, psychological and social significance of eating behavior management, food economics, budgeting, counseling, and education, and research methodology. Registered Dietitian Nutritionists practice in a variety of settings. These include hospitals and other health care institutions, industry, wellness and community programs, government, research, and private practice.

Preparation for a career as a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist requires the completion of:

• a bachelor’s degree and coursework verified by the Accreditation Council on Education in Nutrition and Dietetics (ACEND)
• an accredited supervised practice experience
• The National Registration Examination for Dietitians.

The Nutrition and Dietetics program offers several options for meeting the eligibility requirements to take the registration examination:

• Completion of a Bachelor of Science degree in Nutrition and Dietetics. The B.S. degree is a Didactic Program in Dietetics accredited by the Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics, 120 South Riverside Plaza, Suite 2000, Chicago, IL 60606-6995. Following competition of the didactic BS degree, completion of an accredited post baccalaureate supervised practice program is required in order to be eligible for the National Registration Examination for Dietitians. The University assumes no responsibility for the placement or supervision of graduates in supervised practice programs.
• Completion of the Coordinated Master Program in Nutrition and Dietetics (CMD), which combines didactic education leading to a Master of Science degree with supervised practice. The CMD emphasis area is nutrition therapy. Admission prerequisites for the CMD are provided in the graduate bulletin or see http://www.shrs.pitt.edu/ndms/. The CMD is accredited by the Accreditation Council on Education in Nutrition and Dietetics of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, 120 South Riverside Plaza, Suite 2000, Chicago, IL 60606-6995

Application Procedures

Admission to the Nutrition and Dietetics program requires successful completion of a minimum of 60 credits including all prerequisite courses below.  The deadline for submission of an application for admission consideration is March 15^th annually.

Prerequisites for Admission

Admission Selection Criteria Include:

• A minimum cumulative GPA of 2.5
• A minimum prerequisite GPA of 2.5
• A minimum grade of C- in all courses designated as prerequisites taken at the University of Pittsburgh.  If the course is taken at another college/university, a minimum grade of C is required.
• Submission of one letter of recommendation (college instructor/professor, recent supervisor, or academic advisor preferred).
• Submission of a personal statement discussing why the applicant is interested in the program and the field of nutrition and dietetics, professional goals, and any work or volunteer experience in the field. 

Please note that admission is competitive.  Meeting the minimum admission criteria does not guarantee admission.

Curriculum Sequence

The BS degree in Nutrition and Dietetics requires the completion of a minimum of 122 credits which includes 60 credits prior to admission and 62 credits of required courses taken within the program. The program curriculum is as follows: