Nutrition Programs - Bachelor of Science, Nutrition
The Nutrition programs offer four concentration areas for the Bachelor of Science in Nutrition degree: Dietetics, Food and Nutrition Management, Human Nutrition, and Nutrition Communication.
Major Maps for each of the Nutrition BS degrees
Dietetics
Interested in becoming a Registered Dietitian (RD)? A registered dietitian is a food and nutrition expert who has met the minimum academic and professional requirements to qualify for the "RD" credential. ASU’s Dietetics program provides all of the academic coursework you’ll need to qualify to become an RD.
RDs work in a variety of settings. Based on statistics from the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics (formerly known as the American Dietetic Association, 33% of RDs work as medical nutrition therapists in hospitals. There are also opportunities for RDs in school food service, public health agencies, food and beverage industries, outpatient and long-term care facilities, and even spas!
Coursework in Dietetics includes medical nutrition therapy, food management, public health, along with physiology, biochemistry and microbiology.
Students who complete a BS degree in Dietetics at ASU can apply to complete a dietetic internship, which will further prepare them to take the exam to become an RD. ASU’s program in Dietetics is accredited as a Didactic Program in Dietetics (DPD) by the Commission on Accreditation for Dietetics Education of the American Dietetic Association (ADA), 120 South Riverside Plaza, Suite 2000, Chicago, IL 60606-6995. See Steps to Becoming a Registered Dietitian.
Curriculum Information: All degrees require 120 total semester hours, of which 45 must be at the 300- and 400-level.
Food and Nutrition Management
The Food and Nutrition Management degree concentration is designed to provide students with an understanding of the food industry and the ability to apply nutrition principles to food production. Students will be able to manage and market food, along with the ability to develop a food or menu that meets a specific nutrition guideline. This degree prepares students to become food service directors at schools, healthcare facilities and corporate food service operations. Our graduates aspire to own restaurants or nutrition-related businesses, work in supplement or pharmaceutical sales, or work in food marketing and distribution.
Coursework in Food and Nutrition Management focuses on a strong foundation in nutrition, food purchasing, production, and planning. Additional coursework in management and marketing prepares students for a variety of food service positions. According to the National Restaurant Association, the number of food service managers is projected to increase by 15% in the next 10 years. Graduates can also pursue the credentials of certified dietary managers and school food service and nutrition specialists.
Curriculum Information: All degrees require 120 total semester hours, of which 45 must be at the 300- and 400-level.
Human Nutrition
Did you know that many ASU students have graduated from the Nutrition program to go on to medical school?
We’ve also had students from the Human Nutrition program go on to study dentistry, podiatry, osteopathic medicine, naturopathic medicine, optometry, or to be a physician assistant. Focusing on Human Nutrition gives students the science coursework they’ll need to succeed in their later education. At the same time, students will have a strong foundation in nutrition that health professionals sometimes lack.
If you have an interest in research, then Human Nutrition is a good fit as well. Several outstanding scientists earned their bachelor’s degrees in Human Nutrition from the ASU Nutrition program; followed by a master’s degree and a PhD - the opportunities in research are unlimited.
Students who concentrate in Human Nutrition will take coursework in nutrition in addition to physiology, chemistry, and microbiology.
This program is offered to students planning not to continue in the field of dietetics. This bachelor's degree will not meet the requirements to apply to a dietetic internship.
Curriculum Information: All degrees require 120 total semester hours, of which 45 must be at the 300- and 400-level.
Nutrition Communication
If you are media savvy and stay up to date on nutrition controversies, then consider studying Nutrition Communication at ASU. The Nutrition Communication degree was developed in collaboration with ASU’s Walter Cronkite School of Journalism and Mass Communication.
By focusing on Nutrition Communication, you will take classes to be an expert communicator on issues related to food and nutrition. In the ASU Nutrition program, you will participate in classes that will provide content for articles you’ll write in your communication courses. You will have a strong understanding of the scientific method and statistics that many traditional writers and journalists don’t have. Plus, our expert faculty will share how to avoid sensationalism and not sacrifice reality to get a better news angle.
With a concentration in Nutrition Communication, you could have a career as an author, freelance writing for magazines and newspapers, public relations for food and beverage companies, or consulting in program or product development.
Curriculum Information: All degrees require 120 total semester hours, of which 45 must be at the 300- and 400-level.
