University of Southern Indiana

Dietetics Specialty

The baccalaureate in Food and Nutrition with a specialty in Dietetics is designed to provide educational opportunities for students to examine nutrition and its relation to disease prevention, treatment, and health promotion. Dietetics is the science of managing food and nutrition to promote health. The registered dietitian (R.D.) credential is nationally recognized and considered the nutrition expert.

*Note the dietetics program is not accepting applicants at this time.  Please continue to check this website for more information as to when applications will be taken.

Course of Study
To become a registered dietitian the student must complete a minimum of a bachelor’s degree with course work approved by the Commission on Accreditation for Dietetics Education (CADE) of the American Dietetic Association (ADA), a supervised practice program, and pass a national exam. The academic program specialty in dietetics at USI has begun the initial steps in approval and/or accreditation by the accrediting agency. 

At the completion of the approved/accredited baccalaureate specialty in dietetics, the student will be eligible to apply for a CADE approved/accredited supervised practice program within the United States. The practice program can be typically completed within 6-12 months. After completion of the supervised practice program, the student is eligible to take the national registration exam to become a registered dietitian (R.D.).

The baccalaureate degree starts with a strong foundation in the biological sciences. All food and nutrition majors are exposed to a strong grounding in both food and nutrition courses. Students who specialize in dietetics will focus on: 

• Nutrition and Health Assessment                                             
• Health Education Methods 
• Human Metabolism                                                                 
• Nutritional Counseling 
• Research                                                                               
• Medical Nutrition Therapy
 

Market Demand for Graduates
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics and American Dietetic Association, employment of dietitians and nutritionists is expected to grow because of the emphasis on disease prevention, a growing and aging population, and public interest in nutrition. 

Career Opportunities
Registered dietitians work in a variety of settings including health care, business and industry, public health, education, research and private practice. Many work environments, particularly those in medical and health care settings, require that an individual be credentialed as an R.D. In addition to RD credentialing, many states have regulatory laws for dietitians and nutrition practitioners. Frequently these state requirements are met through the same education and training required to become an RD. Work settings may include:

Food Service Management Specialty

Course of Study
The baccalaureate in Food and Nutrition with a specialty in Food Service Management is designed to prepare students for entry level responsibilities of managing the daily operations of restaurants and other establishments.  Students develop problem solving and creative thinking skills to oversee safe and efficient food service operations.

All food and nutrition majors are exposed to a strong grounding in both food and nutrition  courses. Food service managers need to be exposed to consumer demands for healthier meal  alternatives. This food and nutrition core is supplemented by several additional courses focusing on:

Market Demand for Graduates
By 2014, restaurant and food service employment will total 13.5 million—an increase of 1.5  million jobs over the next 10 years. The National Restaurant Association expects restaurant  sales growth in all nine U.S. regions next year. There will be a demand for graduates who possess professional skills and certifications.

Career Opportunities
Graduates are prepared for a variety of bachelor’s degree required positions in the health care delivery system. Work settings may include:

• Hotels   • Restaurants    • Food Companies    • Catering Services   • Clubs and Resorts   • Correctional Facilities  • Institutional Food Service  • Food and Equipment Manufacturers and Distributors • Airlines and Cruise Ships  • Contract Food Companies

Link to sample course sequence

***  See Food and Nutrition advisor for possible changes to curriculum found in Supplemental Information

Nutrition and Wellness Specialty

The baccalaureate degree in Food and Nutrition with a specialty in Nutrition and Wellness is designed to provide students with an understanding of the role of food and nutrition in overall wellness. The road to maintaining wellness includes both physical activity and nutrition. A foundation in nutrition and food is supplemented with a variety of courses in exercise, health education and behavior, and health promotion.

Course of Study
All food and nutrition majors are exposed to a strong grounding in both food and nutrition courses. This food and nutrition core is supplemented by several additional courses focusing on:

Market Demand for Graduates
Demand for graduates who understand how nutrition and physical activity both play a part in overall wellness is a growing field. With the epidemic growth of obesity and related illnesses and the desire to understand how to age healthy, the graduates of this specialty will have many new employment opportunities. The Food and Nutrition Program is dedicated to preparing students for these new challenges.

Career Opportunities
Graduates are prepared for a variety of bachelor’s degree required positions in the health promotion field. Work settings may include: