There has never been a more interesting time for nutrition, as people become more aware that what they eat has a significant impact on their health. If you have an interest in helping people, an appreciation for science, a love of food or simply looking for a challenge in a profession that is always changing and evolving, you should consider a career in nutrition.

The Department of Nutritional Sciences offers an exciting learning environment for its students. A state of the art assessment lab that provides hands-on training in nutrition assessment techniques is available to the students. In addition, there are opportunities to participate in ongoing research studies ranging from the DASH diet, food insecurity, the effects of diet on inflammation and mother-infant feeding practices. 

The Department also provides students with a wide range of practical experiences within the field in a variety of settings including local hospitals, schools and community health organizations. 

Whether you are interested in becoming a Registered Dietitian, exploring the field of food and nutrition, or furthering your study of nutrition with a master’s degree, the Department can provide you with the necessary education and experience.

An overview of current programs of study follows.

• Bachelor of Science in Dietetics
  The major provides a foundation in nutrition, food science, medical nutrition therapy, counseling, health promotion and wellness.  Within the Dietetics major, students can complete the Didactic Program in Dietetics (DPD) coursework, which provides students with the didactic requirements necessary to apply for a post-baccalaureate dietetic internship.
• Certificate of Didactic Program in Dietetics
  The Certificate in Dietetics is designed for students with a minimum of a baccalaureate degree in an area other than dietetics who are interested in completing the DPD requirements.  
• Bachelor of Science in Dietetics (Coordinated Program) and Certificate of Supervised Practice in Dietetics 
  • The Coordinated Program (CP) includes the DPD coursework.  Students initially enroll in the BS in Dietetics or BS in Food and Nutrition Programs.  During their second year in school, students may apply for the Coordinated Program.  If accepted, students change their major to Dietetics, and continue to take classes during their third academic year, which is Year 1 of the CP. During Year 2 of the CP, students complete their supervised practice experience.  The supervised practice is similar to a dietetic internship.  CP supervised practice and dietetic internships are required to provide a minimum of 1200 supervised practice hours.  The CP offers students the choice of two areas of concentration – pediatrics or long-term care.
    The CP offers students the option of completing their supervised practice both within and outside of the Greater Cincinnati area.  If a student completes the supervised practice outside of the Greater Cincinnati area, the student has chosen our “distance” option.  Please note that the first three years of the program are not available as a distance option
  • The Certificate of Supervised Practice in Dietetics is geared for post-graduate students who have completed their DPD requirements and have received a DPD verification statement but who have not yet completed a dietetic internship.  The Certificate Program is comprised of Year 2 of the Coordinated Program.  A description of Year 2 can be found in the preceding paragraph.
• Bachelor of Science in Food and Nutrition
  The major provides coursework in the food and nutritional sciences and depending on the interest of the individual, students can supplement the basic curriculum with courses in health and wellness and pre-medicine.  
• Masters of Science in Nutrition
  The Masters of Science in Nutrition is open to academically qualified students with undergraduate degrees in diverse fields of study so long as they can meet the science prerequisites.  This program is designed to advance knowledge in nutrition and gain skills in research. 
• Medical Degree/Masters of Science in Nutrition Dual Degree Program
  The Masters of Science in Nutrition is offered to medical students at the University of Cincinnati to provide further insight into the field of nutrition. 

Both the Didactic Program in Dietetics and the Coordinated Program in Dietetics are accredited by the Commission on Accreditation for Dietetics Education (CADE), which is the accrediting agency for the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, 120 South Riverside Plaza, Suite 2000, Chicago, IL 60606-6995, (312) 899-0040, ext.5400. www.eatright.org/cade

To obtain additional information about the listed programs continue to browse the department website.