University of Southern Indiana

The College of Nursing and Health Professions offers a Bachelor of Science or Bachelor of Art degree in Food and Nutrition.  Students choosing this degree must specialize in Dietetics, Nutrition and Wellness, or Food Service Management.  The Food and Nutrition Program intends to seek accreditation from the Commission on Accreditation for Dietetics Education (CADE) for the Dietetics specialty.  CADE is recognized as the accrediting agency for bachelor level dietetic programs in the United States.  Until this approval is obtained, applications cannot be taken for our new dietetics program.  If interested in this program and have more questions, please contact Dr. Julie McCullough 812-461-5213 for information.

The Food and Nutrition program prepares students for a variety of positions in the Food and Nutrition field including health care, business and industry, public health, education, research, and private practice.  For more information about where to work within a specialty area see Specialty Options.

The mission of the Food and Nutrition program is supported by the following goals. 

The graduate at the completion of the program will be able to:

1. evaluate the role of nutrition in optimizing health throughout the lifecycle and respond to harmful nutrition practices.
2. demonstrate knowledge of nutrition as it applies to food service, dietetics and wellness.
3. demonstrate the knowledge and ability to apply management principles to nutrition and food service.
4. present and evaluate food and nutrition education programs to a variety of audiences.
5. assess the role that behavior, economics, and dietary supplements have on planning and eating healthy diets.
6. demonstrate basic food preparation and presentation skills. 
7. apply food science knowledge. 
8. demonstrate problem-solving skills in food service, dietetics and wellness.

All persons who are interested in pursuing the Bachelor of Science or Bachelor of Art degree in Food and Nutrition must submit an information application, along with transcripts to the attention of Dr. Julie McCullough, Food and Nutrition Program Director at the College of Nursing and Health Professions.  Continuing students with at least a 2.0 grade point average may apply for this major and will need to complete the Change of Academic Program form.  Applicants who have not been admitted to the University of Southern Indiana also must submit an application and transcripts to the University's Office of Admission.

To be eligible to graduate, a student must complete a minimum of 124 credit hours.  At least 30 hour of the 124 hours must be completed at USI, including the last five hours immediately prior to graduation.  A full-time undergraduate load is a minimum of 12 hours per semester; however, to graduate within four years, the student must average between 15-16 hours.

Also, included as part of the 124 credit hours requirement, a student must complete a 50 credit hour Core Curriculum designed to provide a broad exposure to knowledge and abilities that all educated people share (University Core Curriculum, 2007).  Core curriculum requirements are usually completed in the freshmen and sophomore years.

In addition to the University's overall requirements, a student pursuing a Food and Nutrition degree must complete 59-61 hours of the major's curriculum, which 29 credit hours are required foundational courses in Food and Nutrition that all specialities take and 30-32 hours of Food and Nutrition specialty courses.  Students will need to choose one of the following specialty areas dietetics, nutrition and wellness, or food service management early in their curriculum.  The Food and Nutrition program also requires a minimum of 39 hours be take at the 300/400 level.  The 39 credit hours can be met within the 59-61 credit hours for the major.  A description of the courses can be found under Courses.

A minor in nutrition is available to any student who is seeking a baccalaureate degree expect by majors in Food and Nutrition.  The 18-19 credit hour minor includes the requirement for one biology or chemistry course and 15 hours of nutrition courses.  The nutrition courses are available both as internet-based and complete distance education.

Please contact Dr. Julie McCullough using the information above, if you are interested in this degree.

The University is an Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action employer and does not discriminate based on color, creed, handicap, or ethinic background at any time in its education programs, activities, or policies.