The Nutrition/Food and Health, BS provides flexibility and options for students based upon their career goals or plans for a graduate education, depending upon the minor, certificate, or second major that is chosen. Students may also opt to pursue a dual degree. Students can personalize this specialization toward employment within the fitness industry, community nutrition and health education, food and nutrition management, or other specialty areas. Students who earn the BS in Nutrition (either the Dietetics or Food and Health) are able to apply for admission to the accredited IUP MS in Food and Nutrition Dietitian-Nutritionist (MS-DNP) program, which, upon completion, allows graduates to sit for the national examination to become a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RDN). If this is the student's goal, the student should work with their advisor to take the required courses for the IUP MS-DNP.
Students who minor in exercise science are prepared to take certification examinations offered by professional organizations, including the American College of Sports Medicine and the National Strength and Conditioning Association, among others. Those who graduate in the Food and Health specialization with a minor in exercise science are eligible for early admission to the Master of Science in Exercise Science and/or Food and Nutrition. Students who minor in community health are eligible to take the National Commission for Health Education Credentialing exam and be recognized as a Certified Health Education Specialist (CHES). Students in the Food and Health specialization are eligible for employment with the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC).
Students who wish to pursue graduate education in nutrition or other natural science-related programs should work carefully with their advisor so that appropriate chemistry, biology, and nutrition electives are chosen. Students receive specific academic advisement regarding science and nutrition courses needed to progress to graduation, depending upon their career plans. Faculty advisors work across disciplines to effectively mentor students toward their educational and career goals.
Students in the Nutrition/Food and Health, BS may transfer to Dietetics (accredited pathway for post-graduate dietetic programs) if their GPA is greater than or equal to a 3.0 and grades in science and food and nutrition courses are greater than or equal to a “C” or better. Students without these academic accomplishments are not competitive to receive the required post-graduate supervised practice experience to become a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RDN).
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