The nutrition track allows you to plan a degree program based upon career goals other than becoming a registered dietitian. This track is desgined to help you develop a basic knowledge in nutrition and allows you to select a related discipline as a subject minor or core concentration. Some of the career opportunities include public health, food service administration, culinary arts, journalism, communications, business, and gerontology.
Students who wish to pursue preparation for a master's level education in food and nutrition research, with the selection of the Natural Science Option II plus the nutrition track, would acquire a background in the basic sciences that give a solid foundation for theoretical and applied food science and nutrition.
Graduates of both the Dietetics and Nutrition tracks will
- Have an in-depth knowledge of food, nutrition, behavioral sciences, and management theory
- Acquire the ability to apply these theories utilizing problem-solving and critical-thinking skills to improve the quantity and quality of food and nutrition for people now and in the future
- Understand relationships among academic disciplines (i.e., the natural sciences, including chemistry, physiology, and biochemistry) and apply these scientific principles to the practice of nutrition and dietetics
- Translate the role of nutrients and healthy food preparation for health and well-being
- Provide effective nutrition education to individuals and groups
- Manage and supervise in the context of dietetic practice
- Know the roles, responsibilities, and competencies needed by therapeutic, administrative, and community dietitians
- Exhibit leadership and team-building skills
- Understand science and technology in order to perform effectively in the workplace and as citizens in a world increasingly shaped by technology and faced with social dilemmas stemming from scientific advances
- Utilize appropriate technologies within the discipline
- Think critically, communicate effectively both orally and in writing, analyze information, make decisions, and solve problems in a rapidly changing nation and world
- Be able to work with diverse populations in a global economy
- Continue in lifelong learning
- Meet the basic requirements for graduate study in nutrition and related areas
For more information, see the undergraduate catalog.
