The Dietetics option is required of all students planning to become registered dietitians. URI’s program is accredited by the American Dietetic Association. This option provides students with an academic background in clinical, community, and administrative dietetics.

The Nutrition option is for students who want to study nutrition but do not plan to become registered dietitians. Using this option, students have the opportunity to design their own programs by combining training in nutrition with other areas that interest them.

REQUIREMENTS
All students admitted to the University of Rhode Island are eligible to major in Nutrition and Dietetics.

The program requires:
Both Dietetics and Nutrition students complete general courses in nutrition and foods, including:

General and advanced nutrition
Food science
Nutrition education

Basic science requirements include:

Chemistry, Anatomy, Physiology, Microbiology

Additional Liberal arts courses include:

Psychology, Sociology, Writing, and Speech

A total of 123 credits is required for graduation.

ACADEMIC OPTIONS
Nutrition Option
In addition to courses specified for the major, students must complete a minor in their area of interest to complement their training in nutrition.

University-approved minors include health promotion, exercise science, psychology, international development, journalism, biology, and general business.

Alternatively, with approval from the department, students may complete 18 credits related to their interests or career goals selected from several disciplines.

Dietetics Option
In addition to core courses, students are required to complete specific courses in medical nutrition and therapy, food service management, and food science to meet the American Dietetic Association requirements.

After completing their B.S. requirements, students receive a verification statement that they have completed American Dietetic Association academic requirements.

Students can then qualify for the professional title of Registered Dietitian by completing supervised practice requirements and passing a national exam.

CAREER OPPORTUNITIES
Dietitians are health professionals who practice in a variety of settings including hospitals, healthcare facilities, wellness programs, schools, business and industry, government, private practice, and community agencies.

Nutritionists find employment in government feeding programs (such as WIC), health and fitness centers, research, the Peace Corps, and industry.

FURTHER STUDIES
Both options within the major provide an excellent foundation for further study at the graduate level. Students who complete this major also meet basic admission requirements for medical school.

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