Applied Nutrition Major (B.S.F.N.S.)

Major code BS6470

College of Health Sciences and Professions
School of Applied Health Sciences and Wellness
Grover Center E160
Athens, OH 45701
Phone: 740.566.0470
Fax: 740.593.0289
www.ohio.edu/chsp/ahsw/food-nutrition/undergraduate

Division of Food and Nutrition Sciences
Jana Hovland, contact person
hovland@ohio.edu

Program Overview

Applied nutrition has three concentrations: dietetics, culinary nutrition, and environmental nutrition. To remain active in the program, students must:

maintain an overall GPA of 2.0 (C) or better in all hours attempted at Ohio University;
earn at least a 2.0 (C) or better in all major and related required courses.

To complete the degree, students must also successfully earn a (C) or better in all required courses within the retake limit specified by the offering department.

Applied Nutrition Dietetics Concentration

The dietetics concentration is for those interested in dietetics, nutrition counseling, public health nutrition, community nutrition, wellness, food, and food service management careers. The program (dietetics concentration) is currently accredited by the Accreditation Council for Education Nutrition and Dietetics (ACEND), the accrediting agency for the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics (AND), 120 South Riverside Plaza, Suite 2190, Chicago, IL 60606-6995, 312.899.0040 extension 5400.

Completing the dietetics concentration of the applied nutrition program qualifies the student to sit for the examination to become a Nutrition and Dietetics Technician, Registered (NDTR). The examination is offered by the Commission on Dietetic Registration (CDR), the credentialing agency for the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, 120 South Riverside Plaza, Suite 2190, Chicago, IL 60606-6995, 312.899.0040 extension 5500.

Completion of the dietetics concentration is the first step to becoming a Registered Dietitian (RD)/Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RDN). Effective January 1, 2024, the Commission on Dietetic Registration (CDR) will require a nimimum of a master’s degree to be eligible to take the credentialing exam to become a registered dietitian nutritionist (RDN). In addition to the graduate degree, CDR requires individuals to complete coursework and supervised practice in program(s) accredited by the Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics (ACEND). Graduates who successfully complete the ACEND-accredited dietetics concentration at Ohio University are eligible to apply to the combined Master of Science and Dietetic Internship program at Ohio University or other ACEND-accredited supervised practice programs. Completion of the master’s degree and Dietetic Internship experience will enable them to apply to take the national credentialing exam administered by CDR to become an RDN. More information about the field of dietetics, AND, ACEND, and CDR can be found at https://www.eatrightpro.org/about-us.

Note. Admission to post-graduation dietetics supervised practice or graduate programs can be very competitive, with most programs requiring a minimum accumulative GPA of 3.0 (B) or better. Completing the graduation requirements of Ohio University and the applied nutrition program (dietetics concentration) does not guarantee that the student will be accepted into post-baccalaureate programs for professional experience after graduation. The student must apply to and be granted acceptance into such programs.

Applied Nutrition Culinary Nutrition Concentration

The culinary nutrition concentration is for students interested in culinary nutrition, school nutrition, child nutrition, institutional wellness, and food service management careers. Completion of the culinary nutrition concentration allows the student to complete a variety of School Nutrition Association (SNA) certifications and partially fulfills the SNA credentialing program requirements to become a School Nutrition Specialist (SNS). Students must complete additional field experience hours to become eligible for the School Nutrition Specialist (SNS) credential. More information about the field of school nutrition and SNA can be found at http://www.schoolnutrition.org, 120 Waterfront Street, Suite 300, National Harbor, MD 20745, 301.686.3100.

Applied Nutrition Environmental Nutrition Concentration

The environmental nutrition concentration is for students interested in sustainability, agriculture, wellness, and food policy careers. Completion of the environmental nutrition concentration includes courses fulfilling the Environmental Studies, Sustainability, and Resilience Certificate (CTESRC). Graduates are prepared to pursue careers in community and government agencies, industry, and agriculture, especially in areas that focus on sustainability and the environment. Graduates are also prepared for graduate study in a wide range of fields.

Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of the program:

Students will be able to integrate nutrition-related information and research into nutrition-related practice.
Students will be able to integrate food-related information and research into food-related practice.
Students will be able to demonstrate effective written communication through portfolio development for professional level practice.
Students will be able to develop and implement a nutrition and wellness intervention for individuals/groups, considering the role of environment, food, nutrition, and lifestyle choices on health promotion and disease prevention.

Admissions Information

Freshman/First-Year Admission

No requirements beyond University admission requirements.

Change of Program Policy

No selective or limited admission requirements.

External Transfer Admission

No requirements beyond University admission requirements.

Opportunities Upon Graduation

Applied nutrition majors have three concentrations–dietetics, culinary nutrition, and environmental nutrition. The types of career opportunities vary by concentration area and may overlap.

Dietetics Concentration

The dietetics concentration is for those interested in dietetics, nutrition counseling, public health nutrition, community nutrition, wellness, food, and food service management careers. Health-care facilities, community agencies, schools, and food service operations all employ those with a dietetics background. This concentration allows graduates to pursue the DTR and RD/RDN credentials. Graduates are also prepared for graduate study in dietetics, nutrition, some professional schools, and other areas.

Culinary Nutrition Concentration

The culinary nutrition concentration is for students interested in culinary nutrition, school nutrition, child nutrition, institutional wellness, and food service management careers. Schools and universities employ those with a school nutrition background. The culinary nutrition concentration provides required coursework that is foundational for the School Nutrition Association (SNA) certificates. Graduates are also prepared to work in large scale food service operations in the hospitality and corrections work setting and to pursue careers in the food service industry. Graduates are prepared for graduate study in nutrition, food service management, and other areas.

Environmental Nutrition Concentration

The environmental nutrition concentration is for students interested in sustainability, agriculture, wellness, and food policy careers. Completion of the environmental nutrition concentration has a built-in Environmental Studies, Sustainability, and Resilience Certificate (CTESRC). Graduates with the environmental nutrition concentration seek careers in nutrition, food policy and agriculture, government and non-government organizations that impact health and sustainability.