Undergraduate Program
Bachelor of Science in Nutrition and Dietetics

The Department of Nutrition & Dietetics offers an undergraduate program in nutrition and dietetics which culminates in a Bachelor of Science (B.S.) degree. The program, also called a Didactic Program in Dietetics (DPD), is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics (ACEND) of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, 120 South Riverside Plaza, Suite 2000, Chicago, IL 60606-6995, (312) 899-0040 or (800) 877-1600.

Important Policy Change

Effective for the Fall 2013 catalog all nutrition majors must earn a "B" grade or higher in the following prerequisite courses:

• BSC2085C Anatomy & Physiology I with Lab
• BSC2086C Anatomy & Physiology II with Lab
• HUN2201 Basic Principles of Nutrition

If nutrition majors do not meet this requirement they must retake the course and earn the required “B” grade or higher. They will not be allowed to start the upper level sequence until the prerequisite requirements are met. However, students who have completed all prerequisites for the Nutrition program and are ready to start the Nutrition sequence Fall 2013 will be exempt from this change.

  
The undergraduate nutrition program is a rigorous science-based program. Students learn how to interpret and translate nutrition research into meaningful recommendations for consumers. Most of our program graduates pursue the registered dietitian (RD) credential. There are typically three required steps:

1. Complete an ACEND-accredited undergraduate nutrition /DPD program.
2. Complete an ACEND-accredited dietetic internship (also called supervised practice).
3. Pass the national RD examination.

Dietetic internships are competitive and graduates from our program are not guaranteed placement in an internship. Students can improve their chances of matching to an internship by earning good grades (A’s and B’s), displaying outstanding character at all times, obtaining relevant work and volunteer experience, and developing leadership skills. Students typically apply for internships during the senior year and if accepted, they start the internship in August following graduation.

UNF faculty work closely with students and alumni to assist them with the internship application process. If a student is accepted to an internship he/she is responsible for the internship tuition and all other associated expenses. After completing the internship and passing the RD examination, alumni may apply for Florida licensure through the Department of Health, Division of Medical Quality Assurance.

Students who complete the 120 credit hour B.S. degree in nutrition and dietetics, and obtain the registered dietitian (RD) credential are qualified to work in a variety of settings. Hospitals, wellness centers, clinics, food companies, health departments, health agencies,  nursing homes, school districts, universities, and mental health centers all employ RD’s. Many RD’s have their own businesses as well. Program graduates who do not obtain the RD credential most often seek employment in the areas of food service management, nutrition education, community health, and medical sales.

Program of Study