How to Get a Degree in Nutrition

If your career goals include becoming a registered dietitian or nutritionist, you'll want to get a degree in nutrition. Getting a degree in nutrition involves learning human anatomy and physiology, chemistry and plenty of nutrition courses. Here's how to get a degree in nutrition to eventually become a registered dietitian or dietetic technician.

Things You'll Need

• A high school diploma
• Enrollment at a university that offers nutrition as a degree

Instructions

1. Complete high school and get a diploma. If you were unable to complete high school, get your GED. The goal here is to become a nutrition professional or dietitian, so make sure to get the basics done first.

2. Enroll in an accredited university that offers Dietetics or Nutrition Science as a major. It is crucial to locate a university that is accredited. Failure to do so could mean that you will not be able to become a registered dietitian, the nation's nutrition expert. Check with the department head to ensure that the program is fully accredited.

3. Once you've been accepted to the accredited university, complete the pre-professional program requirements. To find out what these requirements are, make sure to meet with your academic advisor immediately upon arrival at the college. This is important so that you do not waste precious time and money taking courses that do not apply to the nutrition or dietetics degree. Usually, this pre-professional program phase lasts 2 years. The remaining 2 years is devoted to the professional program.

4. Apply to the professional dietetics program and be accepted. Competition is stiff for these programs, so make sure you do well in all of your course work leading up to application. You will also need to complete a written and oral application.

5. Complete all required course work in the professional program. This may involve concurrent practical experience or on the job training. This will be the case in a coordinated program. Other dietetic programs have you complete schooling and then do a one year internship. Either way, you must complete the practical experiences in order to become a dietitian.

6. Graduate and get your diploma. You will now have a Bachelor of Science in Dietetics or Food and Nutrition. If you desire to be a dietitian, you will now need to pass the national exam to become a Registered Dietitian.

Tips & Warnings

• Seek the advice of your academic advisor as soon as you arrive on campus.

• Get good grades!

• This degree is heavy in the sciences. Chemistry and Anatomy classes are the norm.

• Make sure that your nutrition degree will allow you to become a Registered Dietitian (the nation's food and nutrition expert). If not, find another university.

Resources

• How to Become a Registered Dietitian
• How to Become a Dietetic Technician