The major focus of the Bachelor of Science degree program in Dietetics is in the field of health. It is a useful and practical area of study for students interested in health maintenance and rehabilitation through the science of nutrition. Physiological, biological, and behavioral sciences provide the foundation for a wide range of studies applicable to community, clinical, private practice, and management aspects of nutrition in health care.
This program is designed for the undergraduate who would like to pursue dietetic registration and/or licensure in several states. The Dietetics major offers a wide range of studies related to foods and nutrition applicable in several health care settings in the community and health care organizations as well as for food service in public, government, and private organizations. The focus of the bachelor of science degree is to prepare graduates for dietetic internships and entry-level practice. Physiological, biochemical, and behavioral sciences provide the foundation for study. Social, environmental, cultural and psychological factors affecting food accessibility and dietary intake related to health care are covered. Students also develop human relationship skills and expertise in addressing nutritional needs throughout the life cycle.
The undergraduate Dietetics Program is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation for Dietetics Education (CADE) of The American Dietetic Association, as a Didactic Program in Dietetics. At the senior level, students are eligible to apply for CADE accredited dietetic internships. With successful completion of the B.S. Dietetics degree at UNC and completion of an accredited internship, the graduate is eligible to take the registration exam to become a Registered Dietician.
Students interested in dietetics are accepted as pre- dietetics majors if they meet the general admission requirements of the University. Students in the pre-dietetics major will receive academic advisement from members of the Dietetics Program faculty. Formal application to the Dietetics Program should be made by the student at the end of the sophomore year through their advisor. Prior to application to the Program, students must complete BIO 110 and CHEM 111 with grades of C- or better, have a cumulative GPA of > 2.8, and have been advised by a Dietetics faculty member.