NUTRITION AND DIETETICS
About the program
The Nutrition and Dietetics major is the first step leading to the credential of the Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RDN). At the University of Delaware, a student enrolled in the Nutrition and Dietetics major is completing the requirements for a Bachelor of Science degree and the Didactic Program in Dietetics (DPD) accredited by the Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics (ACEND).
The University of Delaware’s DPD is currently granted accreditation status by the Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics (120 South Riverside Plaza, Suite 2190, Chicago IL 60606-6995, (800) 877-1600 ext 5400). ACEND is the accrediting agency for education programs preparing students for careers as Registered Dietitian Nutritionists (RDN or RD) or Nutrition and Dietetics Technicians, Registered (NDTR).
After completing the DPD, a master's degree and ACEND-accredited supervised practice program is required to become a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist. At the University of Delaware, students may complete an accelerated master’s degree:
- by enrolling in the BS in Nutrition and Dietetics/MS in Human Nutrition 4+1 program followed by an ACEND-accredited dietetic internship, such as UD’s Dietetic Internship, or:
- by enrolling in the combined MS in Nutrition and Dietetics/Dietetic Internship (MS/DI) which fulfills the master’s degree and ACEND-accredited supervised practice requirement, after completing the DPD.
What is Nutrition and Dietetics?
The Nutrition and Dietetics major is a great for students who are passionate about food, health, fitness, and helping others live healthier lives.
Whether your goal is to become a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RDN) or explore careers in healthcare, wellness, sports nutrition, public health, or the food industry, you'll build a strong foundation in nutrition science and human health.
Along the way, you'll take courses in topics such as nutrition, metabolism, food science, and nutrition counseling, while gaining hands-on experiences that help you apply what you learn in real-world settings.
What Can I Do with a Degree in Nutrition and Dietetics?
A degree in Nutrition and Dietetics can open the door to a wide range of career opportunities. Graduates go on to work in hospitals, healthcare systems, community and public health programs, sports and wellness organizations, food and nutrition companies, and research settings. For students who want to become Registered Dietitian Nutritionists (RDNs), the program provides the coursework needed to continue on to supervised practice and the next steps toward earning the RDN credential.
View videos featuring recent graduates Abigail Malle and Katie Rippon.
Students in Nutrition and Dietetics take foundational sciences like biology, chemistry and physiology early in their academic careers. In Junior and Senior year, there is a greater focus on nutrition-specific courses including Health and Nutrition Assessment, Nutrition Counseling, Medical Nutrition Therapy and Quantity Food Production. To earn a Bachelor of Science degree, students must complete 120 credits and meet specific requirements, as outlined in the University of Delaware Catalog. Each semesters’ courses will vary, depending on the student’s background and academic preparation.
The average number of credits per semester ranges from 12 to 17. Winter and summer sessions can help lighten the load of regular semesters. For more information regarding Nutrition and Dietetics major requirements and suggested course sequence, please click here.
Katherine Rippon, a senior nutrition and dietetics major at the University of Delaware, spent the summer examining the effects of wild blueberry consumption on cardiovascular health and cognitive function in the older adult population.: youtube.com/watch?v=1uwYvWsC7so
ADDITIONAL LINKS
Connect
Tower at STAR: 100 Discovery Blvd, Newark, DE 19713 | Health Sciences Complex: 540 S. College Ave, Newark, DE 19713 chs-info@udel.edu Phone: 302-831-1060