Minnesota Colleges for Nutrition Careers

Several colleges and universities offer both bachelor's and advanced degrees in nutrition, which is a broad field that leads graduates to careers as dietitians or nutritionists. For their majors, nutrition science students take courses in chemistry, biology and agronomy. As of February 2011, five Minnesota colleges and universities offered nutrition or closely related majors.

University of Minnesota

The University of Minnesota in Minneapolis, the largest college in the state and the second largest in the country, offers undergraduate and graduate programs in nutrition accredited by the Commission on Accreditation for Dietetics Education (CADE). The undergraduate program consists of two branches: nutrition science, a focus designed to prepare students for graduate work in nutrition-related fields, and nutrition, intended for students wishing to get entry-level nutritionists or dietitian positions after graduating with their four-year degrees. Students enrolled in the graduate program may perform research in several areas, such as phytochemicals, antioxidants or cancer.

Minnesota State University

Minnesota State University in Mankato offers a bachelor's degree program in dietetics designed to prepare students for careers as nutritionists or dietitians. Specifically, the didactic program prepares students for graduate work, entry-level careers or supervised practice leading to certification as registered dietitians. Minnesota State University students majoring in dietetics must attend two state or national dietetics meetings, and may pursue other training through the university, such as undergraduate internships and meetings with registered dietitians.

Concordia College

Concordia College in Moorhead offers a four-year program in nutrition and dietetics. The CADE-accredited didactic program consists of specialized studies in food science, dietetics and clinical experience. Concordia's program is specifically geared toward those who wish to apply after graduation for supervised preprofessional practice leading to certification as registered dietitians.

St. Catherine University

St. Catherine University in St. Paul offers a four-year didactic program in dietetics. The major prepares students to begin careers in nutrition consulting, community nutrition or education. Additionally, the program also provides a path for those wishing to move on to graduate study or pursue supervised practice leading to certification as registered dietitians. Individuals also have the option of pursuing internships while enrolled in the program.

College of St. Benedict at St. John's University

The College of St. Benedict at St. John's University, a four-year college located in St. Joseph, offers bachelor's degrees in nutrition. Students majoring in nutrition may complete a basic nutrition major or choose from several focus areas, including dietetics, nutrition science or food studies. The CADE-accredited didactic dietetics focus provides training leading to supervised practice and registered dietitian certification, while other focus areas prepare students for graduate study or entry-level nutrition careers.

References

• United States Department of Agriculture: Professional and Career Resources: College and University Nutrition Programs
• University of Minnesota: Nutrition
• Minnesota State University: Family and Consumer Science: Dietetics
• Concordia College: Nutrition and Dietetics
• St. Catherine University: Dietetics
• College of St. Benedict at St. John's University: Nutrition Department

Resources

• University of Minnesota: Nutrition: Contact Us
• Minnesota State University: Contact Us
• Concordia College: Contact Us
• St. Catherine University: Contact Us
• College of St. Benedict at St. John's University: Contact Us