NUTRITION AND DIETETICS

Registered Dietitian Nutritionists work in a wide variety of practice settings. Some graduates use their nutrition major as preparation for innovative careers. RDNs work in:

• Health-care and medical settings such as hospitals and clinics as part of the interprofessional health-care team.
• Communities and public health to help Americans achieve and maintain good health; they may also advise government on population-wide initiatives to improve the health of the public.
• Hospital foodservice departments and/or run and manage kitchen staff and foodservice production in schools, nursing homes, restaurants, industrial plants, military bases, and other institutions.
• Private practice, operating their own consulting businesses. They may work with a variety of clients or focus on a specific group such as athletes, those with eating disorders, or children.
• Collaboration with private companies like supermarkets, food manufacturers or pharmaceutical industries.
• Media and communication, including vlogs, social media and print/web-based journalism like magazines.
• Universities and research areas, teaching students about nutrition or conducting research to answer important scientific, clinical and policy questions. Many Dietitians continue their education by going to graduate school for nutrition, public health or other allied advanced degrees.
• Some graduates use their nutrition major as preparation for innovative careers.

Students in Nutrition and Dietetics take foundational sciences like biology, chemistry and physiology early in their academic careers. In Junior and Senior year, there is a greater focus on nutrition-specific courses including Nutritional Assessment, Nutrition Counseling, Medical Nutrition Therapy and Quantity Food Production. To earn a Bachelor of Science degree, students must complete 120 credits and meet specific requirements, as outlined in the University of Delaware Catalog. Each semesters’ courses will vary, depending on the student’s background and academic preparation.

The average number of credits per semester ranges from 12 to 17. Winter and summer sessions can help lighten the load of regular semesters. For more information regarding Nutrition and Dietetics major requirements and suggested course sequence, please click here.