Bachelor Degree in Dietetics and Nutrition

Bachelor of Science degree in Dietetics and Nutrition

Bachelor of Science degree in Dietetics and Nutrition combines clinical evaluation, community concerns, and food service management into a profession long valued for its service to individuals and the community at large and focused on proper nutrition and the prevention of chronic diseases. The Coordinated Program in Dietetics is unique since the didactic instruction is integrated with the supervised practice.  Following graduation, students are   eligible to take the Registered Dietitian/Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RD/RDN) examination.  Upon successful completion of this exam, the RD/RDN is eligible for licensure in Florida or any other state that licenses dietitians/nutritionists.

Program Mission

The mission of the Dietetics and Nutrition program is to provide a comprehensive baccalaureate program, inclusive of a high quality didactic curriculum and supervised practice, preparing students for entry-level practice as Registered Dietitians/Registered Dietitian Nutritionists in a diverse environment demonstrating integrity, leadership, excellence, and a commitment to serve the needs of the community population.

Program Goals

Recruit, retain, and prepare diverse population of students for successful careers as Registered Dietitians/Registered Dietitian Nutritionists in a variety of settings.

Instill graduates with a commitment to integrity, leadership, excellence, and service to the community while working as Registered Dietitians/Registered Dietitian Nutritionists.

Program Objectives

The following objectives are designed to meet BSU mission and its goals:

• Over a 5 year period, an average of 80% of graduates will have passed the RD exam on their first attempt.
• 80% of students will graduate within 3 years of their first upper division major course.
• 80% of graduates responding to the alumni survey will be employed in an entry-level RD/RDN position within 12 months of graduation.
• Over a 5 year period, 80% of employers reporting will indicate via the employer survey, graduates first year performance rate “average (3) to excellent (5)”.
• 20% of graduates who respond to an alumni survey will report involvement in leadership and/or community activities.
• 80% of students will have participated in at least one volunteer or paid work experiences in food and nutrition, community service and/or campus organization membership.

Programmatic Outcomes Results are available upon request.

Prerequisites for Major Courses

• Background check and drug screening when applicable.
• Minimum grade of “C” for general education courses.
• Successful completion of:  ENC 1101,  ENC 2102,  ECO 1023 or 2013, MAT 1033, SPC 1017, CGS 1000C, CHM 2045 with Lab, CHM 2046 with Lab, BSC2085C, BSC2086C, MCB 2000C, STA 2023, BSC 1010, HUN 2201, BCH 1020C, PSY 1012 or SYG 1000, and HUN 2201
• Minimum cumulative grade average of 3.0 on a scale of 4.0.
• BSDN Students must successfully complete the didactic core courses in order to enter the supervised practice phase.

Alternate Pathways:

Graduates of an ACEND-accredited Didactic Program in Dietetics (DPD) who meet the following requirements may apply for the Alternate Pathway Option. Graduates of this alternate pathway option receive a BS in Dietetics and Nutrition, completing the supervised practice and three courses to establish residency (DIE 4246C Clinical Nutrition, DIE 4365 Dietetics Management of Nutrition Program, and DIE 4506 Seminar in Dietetics and Nutrition). These graduates are also eligible to sit for the RD/RDN exam.

• Submit an original copy of a Verification Statement.
• Achieve a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale
• Provide two letters of reference
• Submit a one page letter of applications that includes, but is not limited to work and volunteer experience, projected focus in the field of dietetics and an overview of the applicant’s desire to become a practicing Registered Dietitian/Registered Dietitian Nutritionist.
• Complete an interview with the Program Coordinator or Program Director
• Take take a pretest to establish placement in a cohort

Graduates of the alternate pathway option receive a BS in Dietetics and Nutrition. Requirements for graduation from the alternate pathway option include the successful completion of three core courses and the supervised practice.

Other Considerations:

• Criminal Background Checks, both Level 1 and Level 2 are required at various stages of the program, and are at the student’s expense.
• 10-panel drug testing is required before supervised practice and at the discretion of the supervised practice site, and is at the student’s expense.
• Uniforms and lab coats are required during core classes and supervised practice, and are at the student’s expense.
• Travel to and from supervised practice sites is at the student’s expense.

Program Outline

To receive a Bachelor of Science degree in Dietetics and Nutrition, students must earn 137.0 credit hours. Program requirements are as follows:

*The above supervised practice rotations consist of a variety of sites including foodservice management, community and clinical nutrition.  More information about supervised practice is available upon request.