B.S. in Nutrition Science
The Bachelor of Science in Nutrition Science prepares graduates for a career in healthcare or community nutrition education and emphasizes:
- Health, wellness, and lifestyle 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 Didactic Program in Dietetics (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 a dietetic internship in preparation to become a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RDN).
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.
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:
- 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
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
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?
Registered Dietitian Nutritionists are needed to provide care for patients with various medical conditions, including diabetes. The Texas Workforce Commission projects 437 job openings annually through 2026 with an average annual income of $56,547.00. The U.S. Department of Labor projects 5,500 jo openings annually through 2026 with an average income of $61,270.
The Tarleton Didactic Program in Dietetics (DPD) was developed to meet the growing demand for registered dietitian nutritionists. DPD graduates will receive a verification statement allowing them to apply to an accredited graduate and supervised practice program. Students are also eligible to take the exam to become a dietetic technician registered (DTR).
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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