Human Nutrition and Dietetics Concentration, B.S.

The B.S. in Nutrition with a Human Nutrition and Dietetics concentration applies nutrition, biochemistry, physiology, management, and behavioral sciences to promote optimal health.

Our program offers:

• A low student-to-faculty ratio for personalized teaching, advising, and mentoring
• Service-learning opportunities in many courses for hands-on application of coursework

This concentration is designed for students aiming to become a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RDN). It is an Accredited Didactic Program in Dietetics (DPD) recognized by the Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics.

Students are automatically enrolled in the DPD program at UNCG and complete the coursework needed to apply for a supervised practice . Graduates are prepared for careers as nutritionists and entry into RDN-required supervised practice.

The Student Experience

• All nutrition students have the opportunity to engage in undergraduate research with faculty and participate in community nutrition activities requested by the surrounding community.
• Eligible students can conduct disciplinary honors projects.
• Many undergraduate courses have a community engagement component that affords students the opportunity to gain valuable experience.
• Human nutrition and dietetics graduates are eligible to apply for acceptance into a supervised practice program.
• Students may participate in the UNCG Nutrition Club, Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, NC Dietetic Association, and the NC Academy of Science.
• Our program has an active research focus which includes opportunities for undergraduate students to participate. Key areas of research are obesity, energy balance, and chronic disease; bioactive food component effects on cell function and prevention of disease processes; and nutrition risks and needs of underserved/limited-resource populations.
• The Human Nutrition Research Labs include anthropometric equipment available for field research, exercise testing equipment, phlebotomy, and anthropometric measurement room, dual-energy X-ray absorptiometer (DEXA) bone density unit, and Nutrition Data System for Research software for dietary intake analysis.

Undergraduate Minor

A Minor in Nutrition can be beneficial to students pursuing an undergraduate degree in a scientific, clinical, or medical based field such as Kinesiology, Nursing, Public Health, etc.

After Graduation

Potential career paths include:

• Chief Dietitians plan and oversee meals and nutritional programs, and direct staff employed in organizations such as hospitals, universities, corporations, retirement homes, and military bases
• Clinical Dietitians work as part of the health care team in hospitals and other healthcare institutions to meet the special dietary needs of clients such as those with diabetes or cancer, premature infants, and the elderly.
• Consultant Dietitians in private practice advise corporations, conduct wellness programs and seminars, counsel groups such as athletes, and promote nutrition through articles and books.
• Cooperative Extension Agents translate research findings in food and nutrition into consumer education.
• Patient Food Services Managers plan and oversee meals and nutritional programs and direct staff employed in organizations such as hospitals and retirement communities.
• Product Representatives for pharmaceutical companies advise and educate health professionals.
• Public Health Nutritionists are employed in community agencies whose missions are to promote health, prevent disease, and provide primary health care.