Dietetics

Course descriptions

The Dietetics major leads to a Bachelor of Science degree.

4+1 FastTrack Dietetics B.S./Health Promotion Sciences M.S.

Dietetics is able to provide undergraduate students a FastTrack (4+1) B.S. in Dietetics and M.S. in Health Promotion Sciences. The FastTrack allows students accepted into the Undergraduate Coordinated Dietetics Program in Allied Health Sciences at UConn to complete the baccalaureate degree in Dietetics, the Plan B M.S. degree in Health Promotion Sciences, and the hours of supervised practice approved by the Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics (ACEND), 120 South Riverside Plaza, Suite 2190, Chicago, IL 60606-6695, (800) 877-1600, all within five years plus an externship. When all requirements are successfully completed the student may sit for the Commission on Dietetics Registration national registration examination.

Students are accepted into the program as early as their 5th semester of undergraduate study based on their academic performance and the completion of prerequisite courses, as well as personal background and/or experiences revealing a commitment to dietetics and health promotion sciences.

The program combines theory in the classroom with supervised practice in clinical dietetics, community nutrition, and food service sites off campus to prepare students to sit for the National Registration Examination for Dietetics and earn the credential of Registered Dietitian Nutritionist. In 2024, entrance into the profession will be at the Master’s level. A minimum of a Master’s degree must be earned to sit for the national examination. Dietitians assess nutritional needs, plan individualized dietary plans, provide counseling and evaluate nutritional care for individuals and groups. While fulfilling requirements of their B.S. degree, FastTrack students simultaneously complete coursework toward the M.S. in Health Promotion Sciences. Please see the Graduate Catalog for requirements.

Requirements

The course requirements listed below may also be used to satisfy the University’s General Education requirements.

Mathematics and Science Courses

BIOL 1107; CHEM 1124Q and 1125Q or CHEM 1127Q and 1128Q; CHEM 2241; MCB 2000, 2610; NUSC 1165, 1167, 2200, 3233, 3234; PNB 2264 and 2265; STAT 1000Q or 1100Q.

Social Sciences

One 1000-level or higher course in either psychology or sociology.

Professional Courses

AH 4241, 4242, 4244; undergraduate health related elective as approved by advisor; DIET 3150, 3155, 3215, 3230, 3231W, 3235, 3250, 3255, 3272, 3296 or 42964272, 4350, 4370, 4415.

Graduate Courses

AH 5005, 5351, 6305, 5319.

Writing in the Major

DIET 3231W.

Information Literacy

Competencies will be met through successful completion of program major courses.

Dietetic Internship

The Dietetic Internship is a certificate program administered by the Department of Allied Health Sciences’ Dietetics major in collaboration with Hartford Hospital. The internship provides the student with the performance requirements for entry-level dietitians through a minimum of 1200 hours of supervised practice. The Dietetic Internship is accredited by the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics Commission on Accreditation for Dietetics Education, 120 South Riverside Plaza, Suite 2190, Chicago, IL 60606-6695, (800) 877-1600. Students enrolled in this program are required to take six credits of didactic coursework at the graduate level to ensure competency. Upon completion of the Dietetic Internship, the student is eligible to take the National Registration Examination for Dietetics administered by the Commission on Dietetic Registration of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics. Students must pass this examination in order to be a Registered Dietitian. In 2024, entrance into the profession will be at the Master’s level. A minimum of a Master’s degree must be earned to sit for the national examination. For information about the graduation rates, the median debt of students who completed the program, and other important information, see the Department of Allied Health Sciences website.

Supplemental Academic Standards. The Department of Allied Health Sciences requires a cumulative grade point average of not less than 2.2 in order to gain admission to the professional majors. Thereafter, students must maintain the following standards of scholastic achievement to continue in the professional major. Students who fail to maintain the minimum grade point averages or minimum course standard in any of these areas are subject to dismissal from the professional program and in some cases the Department of Allied Health Sciences.

  1. Students must maintain a minimum semester grade point average of 2.2.
  2. Students must maintain a minimum cumulative grade point average of 2.2.
  3. Students must maintain a minimum major grade point average of 2.2. The Dietetics Major GPA includes all courses offered with the following departmental designations: AH, DIET, and the following NUSC courses: 2200, 3233, and 3234.
  4. Students must obtain a “C” or better in all courses required for graduation that are in the Department of Allied Health Sciences. Courses vary with program.
  5. No student may take a course in the Department of Allied Health Sciences for which another course in the department is a prerequisite unless that student has earned a grade of “C” or better in that prerequisite course.
  6. No course in the Department of Allied Health Sciences may be repeated more than once (for a total of two times).

For information about admission and clinical placement requirements, see Allied Health Sciences Professional Majors.

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