Bachelor’s in nutrition and dietetics

A bachelor’s degree in nutrition and dietetics gives you the expertise to understand dietary choices and how food affects health. One of the most exciting aspects of this degree is its breadth. Students majoring in nutrition and dietetics learn about biology, chemistry, psychology, and sociology to understand what causes people to eat the way they do.

Completing a bachelor’s in nutrition and dietetics prepares you for a variety of careers. People who complete this major often go on to become dietitians or nutritionists, although careers in public health, education, or food science are also possible. A bachelor’s degree in nutrition and dietetics is the entry-level degree for a career in nutrition. Students often major in nutrition and dietetics on a pre-med track, and then decide afterwards whether to continue to earn a earn a master’s or doctorate to advance in nutrition and dietetics or go on to medical school.

What is a bachelor’s degree in nutrition and dietetics?

A bachelor’s in nutrition and dietetics is the introductory degree for someone who wants to become a dietitian or nutritionist. It provides the scientific foundation for understanding food and its impact on the human body. Someone seeking this degree should have a strong interest in biology and chemistry.

Typical coursework

Many bachelor’s in nutrition and dietetics programs offer multiple tracks or concentrations. Students can choose to specialize in general nutrition, public health or community nutrition, dietetics, pre-medicine, or other areas depending on their interests. More information on coursework is covered later in this article.

» Read: Useful tests to direct your choice of a college major and career

What can you do with a bachelor’s in nutrition and dietetics?

There are many possible career paths for someone with a bachelor’s in nutrition and dietetics. Two of the most popular careers are nutritionist or dietitian. People with a bachelor’s in nutrition and dietetics work in a variety of settings, including schools, childcare centers, nursing homes, residential care facilities, hospitals, outpatient treatment facilities, food companies, and public health agencies.

Earnings with a bachelor’s in nutrition and dietetics

Below you can view short and long-term salary data for this field.

The relatively lower salary for a bachelor’s in nutrition and dietetics may be due to the fact that many people with this degree complete internships or other post-graduate experiences in order to become licensed. Indeed, salaries improve several years after a degree is conferred once most people have completed their training and licensure requirements.

» Read: Calculating ROI – or the earning potential of a degree

The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects an 11% growth in employment of nutritionists and dietitians between 2020 and 2030. This makes it a high-demand field. Nutritionists and dietitians also report high job satisfaction, particularly due to the flexibility they often find in their careers.

The following table looks at earnings comparisons over a working lifetime. It appears that from the age of 45, earning potential decreases, which could indicate people leaving the profession and changing careers or even returning to school to study further.

What is the cost of a bachelor’s in nutrition and dietetics?

Below, we provide data on the comparative earnings, costs, and payback rates of different bachelor’s in nutrition and dietetics programs. For information on the metrics we base our calculations on, visit our methodology page.

» Read: Alternative ways to pay for college

Financial aid and scholarships

The first step to applying for student financial aid is to fill out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) which determines your eligibility. Learn as much as you can about the different types of aid that are available so that you are fully aware of your options.

Another recommendation is to make an appointment with the student financial aid office at your chosen school. Typically, there are scholarships, grants, or other forms of need-based and merit-based aid available. These vary according to program and school.

» Read: Student loan repayment options

If you take on debt for your education, there are options for loan forgiveness. The most prominent of these is the Public Service Loan Forgiveness program, which forgives your loans after you make 10 years worth of qualifying payments. To be eligible, you need to work in the public service sector, which can include a VA hospital, public school, or non-profit organization.

You can also use a scholarship database like the one below to find scholarships relevant to you and your circumstances.

How to pick a bachelor’s in nutrition and dietetics program

The majority of bachelor’s degree programs in nutrition and dietetics are bachelor of science (B.S.) degrees. While some colleges may offer a bachelor of arts (B.A.), this is much less common. A B.S. degree includes general education classes as well as courses in chemistry, biology, and nutritional science. Below are some important points to consider when choosing a program.

» Read: What is the difference between a BA and BS?

Admission requirements

The admissions requirements include a high school diploma or equivalent (GED). The admissions department assesses your high school grades, especially for science coursework. Some programs may also consider extracurricular activities, leadership skills, and other experiences when making admission decisions.

How long is the bachelor’s in nutrition and dietetics program?

Full-time students can expect to complete this program in 4 years.

 Accreditation

Students who aspire to become dietitians should pay close attention to a program’s accreditation status. This is because to become a registered dietitian, you need to complete a degree program accredited by the Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics. Checking that your program is currently accredited and in good standing helps ensure your eligibility to become a registered dietitian.

 Can you study nutrition and dietetics online?

The majority of bachelor’s degree programs in nutrition and dietetics require in-person learning. Compared to the average bachelor’s degree, far fewer programs offer fully online degrees in nutrition and dietetics. This is likely related to the fact that some foundational coursework, such as biology or chemistry laboratory classes, do not translate easily to an online format.

» Read: Online vs. on-campus courses

What can I expect from a bachelor’s in nutrition and dietetics program?

In general, a bachelor’s in nutrition and dietetics teaches you about food, dietary choices, and the impact of nutrition on health. Some programs are specifically designed to train students to become registered dietitians. Others may focus more broadly on public policy, public health, or macro-focused topics related to nutrition. Regardless of the type of program you choose, courses in biology, physiology, and biochemistry are typically incorporated.

Are there internship requirements for a bachelor’s degree in nutrition and dietetics?

It depends. Some bachelor’s in nutrition and dietetics include a practicum or internship to get real-world experience working in the field. An internship is required to become a registered dietitian, but this does not have to be part of your regular coursework. Other career paths may not require any practicum or internship before graduation.

» Read: 5 ways to get the most out of your college years

Are there special credentials sought by graduates of bachelor’s in nutrition and dietetics programs?

The most common credential people with a bachelor’s in nutrition and dietetics seek is to become a Registered Dietitian (RD), sometimes called a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RDN). Others seek to become a Certified Nutrition Specialist (CNS), which is a specialty that focuses on integrative and community health.

Coursework

Coursework for a bachelor’s in nutrition and dietetics covers chemistry, biology, and related disciplines. While the specific courses may differ by program, following are some foundational courses common to many bachelor’s programs:

• general chemistry
• general biology
• biochemistry
• food science and nutrition
• dietetics
• science of food preparation
• nutritional physiology
• organic chemistry
• human physiology
• microbiology
• social and behavioral sciences
• nutrition assessment and therapy
• nutritional aspects of disease
• community nutrition

What careers can I have with a bachelor’s in nutrition and dietetics?

A bachelor’s degree in nutrition and dietetics prepares students for a variety of career options. Many are interested in working with patients and clients to improve their health by making dietary changes. A career as a registered dietitian or nutritionist can be a good fit if nutrition and health are your passion. Below we cover and compare 2 careers that this degree typically leads to.

Difference between dietitian and nutritionist

Students often wonder what the difference is between a career as a dietitian versus a nutritionist. The table below compares these 2 job titles and their related career requirements.

Additional degrees

For individuals interested in pursuing graduate training in nutrition, the M.S. in nutrition and dietetics is the most common option. A master’s degree is increasingly seen as a necessary credential for people interested in becoming a registered dietitian. Indeed, the Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics is planning to implement the requirement for a graduate degree to register for the examination for registered dietitians from January 2024.

Following a master’s degree, it is also possible to obtain a Ph.D. in nutrition. This degree is most suitable for someone who wants to perform academic research in nutritional science or those who wish to teach at the college level.

Should you get a bachelor’s in nutrition and dietetics?

A bachelor’s in nutrition and dietetics is a great choice for someone passionate about food and healthy behaviors. Many people enter the field because they want to help people change their lives by making more nutritious dietary choices. The reward of watching people make progress toward their health goals is a big motivator for many students who choose this major.

Certain skills help people succeed in a bachelor’s degree in nutrition and dietetics. Students interested in this degree should have exceptional active listening skills, strong critical thinking abilities, outstanding communication skills, and good judgment. Social perceptiveness is also a major strength. Dietary choices are very personal and may be an area of vulnerability for many people. Learning to navigate conversations about diet while respecting religious, racial/ethnic, cultural, and personal values is an important skill for someone seeking a bachelor’s in nutrition and dietetics.