The undergraduate degree programs in human nutrition provide graduates with the foundation, knowledge, and skills needed for entry-level positions in nutrition or food systems management; graduate study in nutrition; or acceptance into supervised practice (internship) experiences.
Didactic Program in Dietetics Eight-Semester Degree Plan (PDF - 96 KB)
Students completing Winthrop University's Didactic Program in Dietetics (DPD) meet or exceed the minimum academic requirements of the Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics (ACEND) of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics. ACEND is a specialized accrediting body recognized by the Council on Higher Education Accreditation Association and the United States Department of Education.
Students are prepared to work as entry-level dietitians after completing an accredited internship. ACEND Didactic Program in Dietetics verification from Winthrop University requires completion of the BS degree in Human Nutrition with a minimum grade of C- in all NUTR courses completed at Winthrop and a cumulative grade point average greater than or equal to 3.0 in all NUTR courses.
At least 32 semester hours of NUTR courses above the 299 level must be completed at Winthrop University. A maximum of 12 hours of NUTR-equivalent courses above the 199 level may be transferred into the major from another accredited institution with approval from the Director of the Didactic Program in Dietetics.
Chronic Disease Prevention Eight-Semester Degree Plan (PDF - 80KB)
This option's ideal student is someone who likes studying food and nutrition but is not interested in a career in dietetics. This second major option was developed for students who are interested in working in the field of nutrition and its relation to disease prevention. If you like nutrition education, foodservice management, nutrition and health, or public health nutrition, then this is an option for you. Graduates could pursue a career in the Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) program, work in USDA extension nutrition programs and initiatives, become a public health nutrition educator, or work as a foodservice supervisor or director. With the right course selections, students can also become certified dietary managers or certified health educators.
Certified Dietary Manager (CDM) Pathway II: For graduates holding a two-year, four-year, or greater, college degree in foodservice management, nutrition, culinary arts, or hotel-restaurant management. Candidates must submit a copy of their transcript with the CDM exam application. Transcript requirements must include a minimum of one course in nutrition and two courses in foodservice management. For more information about the Certified Dietary Manager certification, go to: Certifying Board for Dietary Managers
Certified Health Education Specialist: According to the World Health Organization (WHO), Health Education can be defined as any combination of learning experiences designed to help individuals and communities improve their health by increasing their knowledge or influencing their attitudes. According to the National Center for Health Education Certification (NCHEC) there are seven areas of responsibility in which health educators need to be competent. They are:
Area I: Assess Needs, Resources and Capacity for Health Education/Promotion
Area II: Plan Health Education/Promotion
Area III: Implement Health Education/Promotion
Area IV: Conduct Evaluation and Research Related to Health Education/Promotion
Area V: Administer and Manage Health Education/Promotion
Area VI: Serve as a Health Education/Promotion Resource Person
Area VII. Communicate, Promote, and Advocate for Health, Health Education/Promotion,
and the Profession
For more information on the health education specialist certification, go to: National Commission for Health Education Credentialing, Inc.