Experts in nutritional care for life
Our Bachelor of Science in Nutrition focuses on intensive study in biological and physical sciences to understand the relationships between nutrients and human health.
There are two tracks for students in the nutrition programs at UIC. One is to pursue a career as a registered dietitian. The other is to pursue an undergraduate degree in nutrition as a foundation for a professional health degree, or for careers in research, industry and community settings.
Registered dietitians have a significant impact on the health of our nation. Dietitians provide nutritional care to people of all ages, in health and in illness. They are knowledgeable about psychology, sociology, education and management. They’re experts in food habits, food composition, food service, and energy and nutrient needs.
The nutrition science program is an option for students interested in medical, dental, pharmacy, or physician assistant school, or other health professions. It is also a great degree for careers in nutrition research, food industry and nutrition or other health care community settings.
This program meets pre-health requirements, as well as provides a solid nutrition science foundation that provides the major facets of chronic disease prevention and treatment.
Interested in becoming a registered dietitian? Here's where to start. Our coordinated program combines classroom education with supervised practice in a variety of settings, including clinical, community, business and food service management.
The program is an ACEND-accredited CP. After completion, you'll be eligible to take the national registration exam—and qualified for many different career paths in nutrition.
A strong science foundation and the opportunity to participate in cutting-edge clinical applications qualifies you to begin your career in dietetics or pursue advanced degrees in nutrition.
The nutrition science program is an ACEND-accredited DPD, but does not include an internship experience. Students interested in becoming registered dietitians must apply to an internship at another program after graduation.
Registered dietitians are in demand because of a growing and aging population, increased public interest in nutrition and consumer demands for more nutritious products.
According to the U.S. Department of Labor Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment of dietitians and nutritionists is projected to grow 16 percent from 2014 to 2024, faster than the average for all occupations.
Career opportunities include community and public health, food service management, public relations, consumer affairs and marketing. Registered dietitians often work in clinical dietetics, government agencies, consulting and private practice.
Read about the steps to becoming a Registered Dietitian here:
Studying the role of environment and culture in the causes, prevention and treatment of obesity
Understanding social, cultural, and environmental determinants of dietary behaviors and diet-related diseases in low-income and minority populations
Investigating diet and exercise regimens for weight loss and decreased risk of cardiovascular disease
The path to a career in nutrition and dietetics expands far beyond the classroom.
In our coordinated program, classroom learning is combined with a supervised practice experience starting in the spring semester of your second year. These rotations are spent with registered dietitians and other food and nutrition professionals at a variety of practice sites. Locations include hospitals, clinics, research facilities, community sites and Chicago-area businesses.
In the first semester of your rotation, you’ll spend two days a week at your practice site and three days in class. In the next two semesters, you’ll be at practice sites 40 hours a week, giving you the full experience of working full time in a professional setting.
Since it qualifies you to sit for the RD exam right after graduation, this seamless program has proven to be an ideal option for many students.
While it’s not integrated into their curriculum, most students in our nutrition science program successfully apply to internships in their last semester, which helps fulfill requirements to take the examination for registered dietitian.
Still wondering what a BS in nutrition can do for you? We’re here to answer your questions.
Coordinated Program
Nutrition Science and Nutrition Science/DPD Programs
The UIC coordinated program and nutrition science program in dietetics are accredited by the Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics for the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics.
Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics
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