Nutritional Sciences, Applied Nutrition, Dietetics

The Nutritional Sciences major focuses on the science of human nutrition for those interested in an advanced degree in nutrition or physical therapy, or as the pre-professional degree program for medicine and dentistry. It is designed to prepare students for graduate programs that use nutritional science and provides a very strong background in the chemical and biological sciences.

The Applied Nutrition major provides students with the opportunity to combine nutrition with an academic concentration in health and exercise, gerontology, food service management, pediatrics or weight management. Graduates from the Applied Nutrition program are eligible for employment in nutrition education programs such as WIC (Women, Infants and Children), food services (school cafeterias, restaurants, hospitals or long-term care facilities), and fitness or health promotion programs.

The Dietetics major is an accredited program of The American Dietetic Association Commission on Accreditation for Dietetics Education. This major fulfills the academic requirements to become a Registered Dietitian (RD). To become an RD the individual must also complete a supervised practice experience following the BS degree and pass the Registration Examination. Students who wish to pursue the RD credential must be Dietetics majors. Registered Dietitians work with individuals and groups in a variety of health and living situations. Graduates are employed in health care organizations, food service operations, business and industry (product development, marketing, consulting), education and research, health promotion and private practice (counseling). Rapid growth in employment is expected in long-term care facilities, in contract providers of food services, in residential care facilities, in offices and clinics of physicians, and in social services.

Students interested in the department's majors should contact the Health, Nutrition and Exercise Science Department, 303 Willard Hall or call 831-8976.

Sample Job Titles

Enhancing Employability

Some Employers of Nutrition & Dietetics Majors

*hospitals		
*state/federal government	  
*fitness & wellness centers     
*pharmaceutical firms   
*health maintenance organizations 
*home health care
*universities           
*business and industry       	  
*drug & alcohol rehab
*cardiac rehab          
*long-term healthcare

Other Sources of Information

American Dietetic Association	    
www.eatright.org

American Hospital Association
www.aha.org

American Public Health Association
www.apha.org

America's Health Care Source
www.HealthCareSource.com

Dietetics On-Line
www.dietetics.com

Health Care Jobs
www.healthcarejobs.org/jobs.htm

NutritionistJobs.com
www.nutritionistjobs.com

The Blonz Guide, Nutrition, Food & Health Resources
http://blonz.com/

The Riley Guide
www.rileyguide.com

Resources for Finding Employment

Found at the Career Services Center's Career Library (first floor):

• Blue Hen Careers -- Internships, Part-time, Summer, and Full-time Jobs -- All in one place
• Hospital Telephone Directory (CSE 287.5)
• Hospital Phone Book (CSE 287.7)
• Directory of Hospital Personnel (CSE 287.9)
• Top 100 Health-Care Careers (CSE 288)
• Health Care Job Explosion (CSE 289)
• The Everything Guide to Careers in Health Care (CSE 289.5)
• Opportunities in Nutrition Careers (CSE 315)
• Careers for Caring People and Other Sensitive Types (CSE 323)
• Career Opportunities in Health Care (CSE 336)
• Careers for Health Nuts & Others Who Like to Stay Fit (CSE 362)
• Opportunities in Restaurant Careers (CSE 370)
• Dictionary of Occupational Titles (GE 25 & GE 30)
• www.udel.edu/CSC/netresources.html CSC's Internet Resources

Further information including: Skills to Develop, Strategies for Contacting Employers, Grad School Information and where to get assistance is available in the CAREER LIBRARY located at 401 Academy Street.

Last updated: December 15, 2011 (CH)