← Back to Program ListDietetics
Dietetics is a profession firmly based in the biological and behavioral sciences. Majors in this area will develop competency in translating the science of nutrition into practical and appropriate dietary recommendations for individuals and groups of all ages and states of health. The curriculum provides a foundation in nutrition, food science, medical nutrition therapy, counseling, health promotion and wellness. Students that choose the concentration in Sports Nutrition will gain knowledge in nutrition and exercise. The dietetics major meets the academic requirements set forth by the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics’s Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics (ACEND). The courses necessary to complete these requirements are referred to as the Didactic Program in Dietetics (DPD) requirements.
Admission Requirements
It is recommended that students entering from high school have a high school GPA of at least 3.0 and an ACT score of 21 math and 22 composite. UC admits students based on academic and non-academic factors. For more information please visit the UC Admission Requirements website.
Career Possibilities
Nutrition professionals work in a variety of settings, which include centers for the prevention and treatment of disease, often in hospitals, HMOs, and private practice or other health care facilities. In addition, a large number of nutrition professionals work in community and public health settings, academia and research. They also work in the food and nutrition industry, business, journalism, sports nutrition, corporate wellness, and other non-traditional work settings.
An individual who wishes to become a:
Registered dietitian must complete a post-baccalaureate internship (after graduation and completion of DPD requirements) before sitting for the national registration examination. This credential enables the RD to perform nutrition risk assessments and prescribe medical nutrition therapy to remediate or prevent disease.
Dietetic technician registered (DTR) can sit for the national registration examination after completion of their bachelor's degree and DPD requirements. This credential enables a DTR to work in partnership with the RD to screen, evaluate and educate patients. The DTR can work independently or as a team member in settings such as hospitals and clinics, extended-care facilities, home health care programs, schools, correctional facilities, restaurants, and food companies, foodservice providers, public health agencies, government and community programs such as Meals on Wheels, health clubs, weight management clinics and wellness centers.
Certified Dietary Manager, Certified Food Protection Professional (CDM) can sit for the national credentialing examination after completion of their bachelor's degree. The CDM is a nationally recognized expert at managing dietary operations.They work in healthcare, correctional facilities, schools, corporations, and the military.
An individual who is not registered or credentialed may work in all of the aforementioned careers with the exception of individualized medical nutrition therapy.
Additional career options are listed on the Career Development Center's Web site.
Special Opportunities
The program offers the opportunity for students with a BS/BA degree in any field to complete the DPD requirements through the certificate of didactic program in dietetics (DPD certificate). Students who choose this pathway will still need to complete a post-baccalaureate internship before sitting for the national registration examination.
The certificate of supervised practice in dietetics (supervised practice certificate) offers individuals the opportunity to complete the supervised practice (internship) component of the ACEND requirements to become a RD. Upon successful completion of the supervised practice certificate, students are immediately eligible to take the national registration examination.
Contact
Email: emily.vanwalleghen@uc.edu
Phone: 513-558-2024
PO Box 670394
3202 Eden Ave
Cincinnati,OH 45267-0394
