B.S. in Nutrition Science
The Bachelor of Science in Nutrition Science prepares graduates for a career in health care or community nutrition education and emphasizes:
- Health, wellness, and life style habits related to food choices
- Nutrients required by the body, their food source, functions, deficiencies and toxicities
- Evidence-based medical nutrition therapy practices for disease prevention and treatment
This degree has two different concentration areas requiring 42 general credit hours and a 41-hour required program core.
Nutrition Science Concentrations
The Dietetics concentration is an Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics (ACEND) accredited Nutrition and Dietetics Didactic Program (DPD) program. This program prepares highly qualified graduates for supervised practice leading to eligibility for the CDR credentialing exam to become registered dietitian nutritionists (RDN). Dietetics track graduates will receive a verification statement at the end of the program indicating that they have met the requirements to apply for dietetic internship in preparation to become a Registered Dietitian.
The Food and Nutrition concentration incorporates food, nutrition, life science, public health, social science and social work courses to equip students with the knowledge and skills needed to educate various populations in the area of health and wellness. This track also provides a pathway for pre-nursing and pre-health students a way to complete a degree and enter a career in nutrition and health promotion in a timely manner.
What Can You Do With Your B.S. in Nutrition Science?
Registered Dietitians, nutritionists, and nutrition educators serve a wide variety of employment opportunities to work in a variety of settings including:
Estimated Completion
120 Credit Hours (4 years)
Application Process
Cost
Locations Available
- Stephenville
- Fort Worth (*Food and Nutrition concentration only)
- Online (*Select courses offered online)
College
- Hospitals
- Outpatient Centers
- Woman, Infant, Children Program (WIC)
- State Agencies such as AgriLife Extension
- Corporate wellness program
- Food Service Industries
- Private and Public Universities
- Grocery stores and niche markets
Some careers require additional certification and/or graduate study.
Marketable Skills in Nutrition Science
Students completing the B.S. in Nutrition Science will have the skills required to promote health through nutrition by designing, implementing, and teaching nutrition techniques and programs designed to improve the overall health and wellness of individuals, families, and communities. Specific skills include:
- Multi-Tasking
- Effective and professional oral and written communication and documentation
- Leadership and Initiative
- Flexibility/Adaptability
- Professional Ethics
- Problem-Solving Skills
- Cultural competency and sensitivity
How Much Do Nutrition Science Graduates Make?
Dietitians and nutritionists are needed to provide care for patients with various medical conditions, including diabetes. The Texas Workforce Commission projects 437 annual openings through 2026 with an average annual income of $56,547.00. The U.S. Department of Labor projects 5,500 annual openings through 2026 with an average income of $61,270.
Tarleton has developed a consortium with Stephen F. Austin State University (ACEND accredited program) to address the growing demand for registered dietitians. The dietetics concentration will meet ACEND accreditation standards through the approved consortium
The Dick Smith Library supports curricular offerings by providing all students and faculty with resources through monographic and journal collections, media collections, and research databases. The most relevant databases include:
Gale Health & Wellness
Academic Search Complete (EBSCO)
ScienceDirect
Cambridge Core
ProQuest Agriculture Collection
Gale Culinary Arts Collection
Wiley Online Library
As part of the College of Health Sciences nutrition faculty and students will collaborate with the School of Nursing to allow access to classrooms with clinical simulation labs and interdisciplinary learning experiences with nursing and other allied health students. The program’s foods lab meets a fundamental facility need and contains six full kitchens featuring a commercial grade refrigerator and freezer.
What Classes Will You Take as a Nutrition Science Major?
| Class | Number | Class Name |
|---|---|---|
| NUTR | 1307 | Concepts and Controversies in Food and Nutrition |
| NUTR | 1316 | Principles of Food Preparation |
| NUTR | 3325 | Advanced Meal Management |
| NUTR | 3339 | Introduction to Medical Nutrition Therapy |
| NUTR | 4335 | Food and Culture |
How Do You Get Started on Your Bachelor’s Degree in Nutrition Science?
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