Nutrition Sciences

Chair: Mark G. Kacerik, R.D.H., M.S., Associate Professor; Chair, Allied Health Departmen; Interim Chair, Nutrition Sciences Department
Director, Nutrition and Dietetics: Donald Stankus, M.S., R.D.N., University of New Haven; University of St. Joseph
Director, Dietetic Internship: Georgia Chavent, M.S., R.D.N., Columbia University; Medical College of Virginia
Assistant Professor: Anne M. Davis, Ph.D., R.D.N., FAND, Temple University; Saint Louis University
Lecturer: Rosa A. Mo, Ed.D., R.D.N., Columbia University; Yale-New Haven Hospital
Practitioner-in-Residence: Patricia Grace-Farfaglia, Ph.D., R.D.N., Rocky Mountain University of Health Professions; Columbia University

The undergraduate Nutrition and Dietetics Program is an accredited Didactic Program in Dietetics (DPD) by the Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics (ACEND) of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics. The recently revised curriculum prepares students for a career as a registered dietitian. Coursework includes a strong foundation in math and science. Nutrition and dietetics courses meet all competency areas established by ACEND. University and School of Health Sciences core course requirements are included in the curriculum, as well as the required Academic Service Learning or S-designated experiential nutrition coursework in the community and the Writing or W-designated course. Upon successful completion of the program, students receive a signed Verification Statement from the Program Director enabling them to enter post graduate 1) dietetic internship programs (supervised practice), 2) coordinated graduate programs (includes supervised practice), 3) future education graduate model programs, or 4) eligibility to sit for the national registration exam. As of January 1, 2024, all students will be required to complete a graduate degree in addition or combined with supervised practice to qualify them for the national registration exam and the registered dietitian (RD) or registered dietitian nutritionist (RDN) credential. Students usually apply for a match to post graduate dietetic internship programs during their final year of study. Accredited dietetic internship programs provide at approximately 1200 hours of supervised practice to prepare students for the national registration exam and the registered dietitian (RD) or registered dietitian nutritionist (RDN) credential.

The Nutrition and Dietetics program attracts many students who already hold undergraduate degrees in another field and are seeking a career as a registered dietitian nutritionist. Concurrent study at the graduate level is also possible enabling students who hold baccalaureate degrees to complete the undergraduate didactic requirements, along with graduate coursework in the Human Nutrition graduate program, once they have met prerequisite course requirements.

Graduates of the Nutrition and Dietetics program are working in community health centers, fitness facilities, obesity treatment centers, Women, Infants, and Children Nutrition Education Programs, nutrition centers for senior citizens, eating disorder residential treatment settings, and in acute and long term care settings. Graduates who have gone on to become registered dietitians are working as specialized clinical dietitians in the areas of food allergies, pediatrics, renal disease, care of individuals with severe burns, oncology, cardiac disease, and gastrointestinal diseases. Other areas of employment include school lunch programs, specialized nutrition catering, supermarket chains, and private practice.

The field of nutrition and dietetics offers a variety of career opportunities in every health care or wellness setting with the need for the registered dietitian nutritionist expected to grow over 20% in the next 8 years.

Professional Accreditation

As stated above, the undergraduate Nutrition and Dietetics Program is accredited as a Didactic Program in Dietetics (DPD) by the Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics (ACEND) of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics.