Guidelines for entry-level graduate program:
Registered dietitians and nutrition scientists are highly qualified professionals, widely recognized as the most reliable sources of nutrition information. Both need to have a strong background in chemistry, biology and other natural sciences. Those in applied areas also must have a fundamental knowledge of the social and behavioral sciences. There are various areas of practice of dietetic and nutrition science including:
- management – working in health care institutions, schools, restaurants; responsible for personnel management and menu planning
- health care – working in hospitals, nursing homes and other health care facilities alongside health
- professional – working in government agencies, food and pharmaceutical companies; involved in nutrition research, the study of diet and disease and the development of new food products
Bachelor of Science Degree in nutrition or dietetics is a pre-professional degree for graduate level programs. The purpose of the degree is to prepare students to enter Master's or Ph.D. level programs. Although students may become registered Dietitians by combining either a bachelor's or master's degree in dietetics with an accredited dietetics internship, most careers in nutrition science require graduate level degrees.
Upon entering graduate programs in dietetics and nutrition, students are expected to have undergraduate training in chemistry, biology, and nutrition. This training is specifically provided by undergraduate degree programs in dietetics or nutrition. ßÙßÇÂþ» does not offer these degrees. However, if you are interested in pursuing a career in dietetics or nutrition science, it is important to note that some prerequisites can be met during the first year of graduate training at most professional schools. Thus, you may enter a graduate program without having an undergraduate degree in nutrition.
The web site for the provides information on careers in dietetics and nutrition science, scientific journals and conferences, degree programs and accreditation. If you are interested in pursuing a career in dietetics or nutrition science, we recommend that you contact at least 10 graduate programs and (1) learn which course and/or degree prerequisites are necessary for admission, (2) inquire about other program requirements such as entrance examinations and (3) find out about financial aid and additional support services.
Because the requirements for dietetics and nutrition science are diverse, planning a tentative academic schedule for the remaining years at ßÙßÇÂþ» will be extremely helpful in preparing for entry to graduate programs. Be sure to consider:
- deadlines for the GRE
- undergraduate degree or course requirements
- application deadlines
ALTHOUGH PREREQUISITES VARY GREATLY BETWEEN INDIVIDUAL GRADUATE PROGRAMS THE FOLLOWING IS A LIST OF COURSES THAT ARE REQUIRED FOR MOST OF THE PROGRAMS. YOU SHOULD STILL CONTACT THE INDIVIDUAL PROGRAMS, HOWEVER, SINCE THIS LIST IS NOT EXHAUSTIVE.
Dietetics & Nutrition Graduate School Course Requirements
Subject |
Course Rubric & Number |
| Biology (1 year) | BIOL 113, BIOL 114, and BIOL 115* |
| Chemistry (1 year) |
Option A: CHEM 104, 105, & 106* Option B CHEM 107-108 Option C: CHEM 111 and 341 You must choose among options A, B, and C. You may not switch between sequences. Be sure to check with your intended major to learn if there is a preferred sequence for that major. |
| Human Anatomy & Physiology (1 Year) | BIOL 251 & BIOL 347 |
| Organic Chemistry (1 year) | CHEM 231, CHEM 332 & CHEM 335 (lab) |
| Cell Biology (1 semester) | BIOL 311 |
| Microbiology (1 semester) |
BIOL 314 (lecture) & BIOL 421 (lab) - Offered in Fall |
| Nutrition (1 semester) | HWS 332 |
| Statistics (1 semester) | MATH 147 or PSYC 243 or BME 340 (only available to students in the Biomedical Engineering Program) |
*Notes:
- BIOL 115 or its FRI equivalent.
- CHEM 106 or its FRI equivalent.
Additional requirements/recommendations may include:
Subject |
Course Rubric and Number |
| Physics (1 semester) | PHYS 121 or PHYS 131 |
| Calculus (1 semester) | MATH 224 & 225 |
| Genetics (1 semester) | BIOL / BCHM 401 or BIOL 332 |
| English (1 semester) | Any two courses in the following departments: English (ENG), Rhetoric (RHET), Writing (WRIT), Creative Writing (CW) or Comparative Literature (COLI). |
For more information about dietetics and nutrition science programs contact:
120 South Riverside Plaza, Suite 2000
Chicago, IL 60606-6995
(800) 877-1600