Nutrition and Dietetics, BS

Program Coordinators:

Didactic Program in Dietetics Concentration: Kate Willson (2435-E Health Sciences Building; 252-744-6042; willsonka@ecu.edu)
Nutrition with Science Concentration: Michael Wheeler (2435-F Health Science Building; 252-744-1027; wheelerm@ecu.edu)

Nutrition is an integrative discipline that involves chemistry, biology, physiology, pharmacology, medicine, behavior science and other disciplines. In addition to preparing graduates to become registered, licensed dietitians, nutrition science is a great pre-professional major for careers in medicine, dentistry, veterinary science and the allied health professions. There are two concentrations within the bachelor of science in nutrition and dietetics: the didactic program (DP) in dietetics concentration and the nutrition with science (NS) concentration. Both options are primarily on-campus, face-to-face programs that provide many opportunities for students throughout their course of study.

Minimum degree requirement is 120 s.h. of credit as follows:

1. General education requirements including those listed below - 40 s.h.

(For information about courses that carry general education credit see General Education Program.)

2. Core - 14 s.h.

3. Cognates - 21-26 s.h.

4. Concentrations - 21-40 s.h.

Didactic program in dietetics concentration (40 s.h.)

The dietetics program (DP) in dietetics is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics (ACEND) of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics (AND). Admission requires a minimum cumulative 3.0 grade point average (GPA) and a submitted application after all prerequisites have been completed. The application can be found on the Department of Nutrition Science website. Students in the DP must maintain a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0. Graduates of the DP will be eligible to apply for a supervised practice/dietetic internship. Completion of the DP does not guarantee admission into a supervised practice/dietetic internship. Students who complete this concentration and a supervised practice/dietetic internship can take the National Registration Examination for Dietitians and become a registered dietitian.

Nutrition with science concentration (21 s.h.)

This concentration allows flexibility to support a variety of professional goals and is well suited for pre-professional programs in occupational therapy, physician assistant studies, physical therapy, dentistry, medicine, optometry, pharmacy and veterinary medicine. Students should consider minors in areas that complement their career goals. Suggested minors include public health, business, psychology, exercise science, or health promotion. A minimum 3.0 cumulative GPA is required for admission to the nutrition with science concentration, which consists of NUTR 3000 and 4000 level classes. A student earning less than a 3.0 cumulative GPA while taking NUTR 3000 and/or 4000 level courses must petition the Department of Nutrition Science for probationary continuation.