Nutrition Sciences

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Purpose and Focus

The Bachelor of Science in nutrition sciences degree is designed to prepare students with an interest in human nutrition to enter the health care field. Programs within the Department of Nutrition Sciences are student-focused with contact hours provided through lecture-based courses, laboratory courses, and field experiences with practitioners. Summer and part-time work or volunteer experiences in the profession are encouraged. Students have four concentration areas to chose from in the Department of Nutrition Sciences: (1) comprehensive, (2) sports nutrition (3) preprofessional studies, and (4) nutrition and dietetics management. In addition to these concentrated areas of study, students may select from a number of nutrition specialty courses to further individualize their education.

Programs

Didactic Program in Dietetics (DPD)

Students pursuing the Registered Dietitian (RD) credential need to fulfill the requirements of the DPD. Students can simultaneously fulfill the degree requirements in nutrition sciences and the DPD requirements.

The DPD was granted initial accreditation by the Commission on Accreditation for Dietetics Education (CADE) of the American Dietetic Association in 2005. The contact information for CADE is listed below.

CADE
120 S. Riverside Plaza, Suite 2000
Chicago, IL 60606-6995
Phone: 312-899-0040, ext. 5400
E-mail: education@eatright.org
Website: http://www.eatright.org/cade

In order to become a Registered Dietitian (RD) a student must:

1. Earn the B.S. degree in Nutrition Sciences.
2. Complete the DPD course requirements.
3. Apply for, become accepted into, and complete a CADE-accredited dietetic internship.
4. Pass the National Registration Examination for Dietitians.

Nutrition Sciences Concentrations

1. Comprehensive: This general program prepares students for traditional positions in health care that utilize knowledge of nutrition for disease prevention, knowledge of medical nutrition therapy, and the ability to educate clients and patients. Students completing this program meet the minimum academic requirements for the didactic program in dietetics.
2. Sports Nutrition: This concentration is for students who have a combined interest in nutrition and exercise sciences. Students completing this program meet the minimum academic requirements for the Didactic Program in Dietetics.
3. Preprofessional: This area of specialization provides an excellent and well-rounded background for those interested in applying for graduate schools in nutrition-related fields and professional schools. Students completing this program do not meet the minimum academic requirements for the Didactic Program in Dietetics. Students may elect to complete the additional food and beverage management courses needed to fulfill the Didactic Program in Dietetics requirements.
4. Nutrition and Dietetics Management: Positions in the fields of nutrition and dietetics frequently require management expertise. Students completing this concentration have a stronger background in management than other concentra tions in the major and meet the minimum academic requirements for the Didactic Program in Dietetics.   

Program Objectives

Programs within the Department of Nutrition Sciences will:

1. Be student-focused. Experienced dietetics professionals will assist students with the acquisition of a strong foundation, knowledge base, and clinical skills and will facilitate students’ integration of this knowledge into the practice setting.
2. Include a solid curriculum for entry-level practice in nutrition and dietetics.
3. Be science-based. The curriculum will emphasize evidence-based practice.
4. Foster leadership skills through faculty mentors and professional membership participation.
5. Encourage students to assume the responsibility for life long learning and continued professional development.
6. Allow for creativity and flexibility as the profession of dietetics evolves.

Undergraduate Major

Nutrition Sciences

Admission to the Major

Minimum GPA: 2.75

Admission Policies

To be admitted into the major, students must complete the following admission requirements:

1. A cumulative high school GPA of 2.75 or higher, or
2. A cumulative GPA of 2.75 or higher in 30 transfer credits accepted by UNLV, or
3. A minimum of 24 semester credits in the core foundation courses with a minimum grade point average of 2.75.
4. Completion of an advising interview with a Division of Health Sciences academic advisor.
   

Transfer Policies

Students must meet a minimum GPA of 2.75 to transfer into the nutrition sciences major. Transfer students from an accredited institution may be granted up to 64 credits for equivalent prerequisite course work from prior programs. Course work is judged by curriculum content, not credit equivalency. Transfer students from community colleges must complete a minimum of 38 credits in upper-division courses for graduation.

Departmental Policies

Academic Policies

Upon admission to the sciences major, students must maintain a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.50 each semester and have no grades less than a C in all nutrition sciences courses.

Graduation Requirements

A minimum of 124 credit hours is required for graduation with 62 credits earned at a four-year institution. Students are required to complete all university core requirements for the baccalaureate degree. Graduates of baccalaureate degree programs from accredited colleges or universities who are seeking second baccalaureate degrees may need to fulfill some additional core education requirements.

Advisement

Newly admitted students are assigned by the Office of the Registrar & Admissions to the Division of Health Sciences Advising Center for advisement and counseling. Students should meet with their advisor each semester The advisor will assist the student in course selection and program advancement. Students will be made aware of other student services provided on campus as the need arises.

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