About the Nutritional Sciences and Dietetics Bachelor’s Program
The Nutritional Sciences and Dietetics (NSCD) degree provides a provides a rigorous scientific foundation with comprehensive, competency-based application in nutrition science and applied professional dietetics practice consistent with Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics (ACEND) standards. The curriculum emphasizes evidence-based practice, nutrition assessment, medical nutrition therapy, clinical decision-making, community and food systems, research methods, and professional ethics. Students develop critical thinking, communication, and individualized patient care skills across clinical, community, and food system settings. A strong science background supports the program, including coursework in chemistry, biochemistry, and human anatomy and physiology.
The Didactic Program in Dietetics (DPD) at Texas Tech University is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, 120 South Riverside Plaza, Suite 2190, Chicago, IL 60606-6995. Additional information may be obtained by visiting www.eatrightpro.org/acend or calling 800.877.1600 ext. 5400. The DPD curriculum is designed to achieve the core knowledge and competencies necessary to prepare graduates for supervised practice and future careers in nutrition, food, wellness, and health-related industries.
Admission to the Didactic Program in Dietetics is competitive and occurs after completion of 60 credit hours. Eligibility requirements include a minimum overall GPA of 3.0, an average GPA of 3.0 in the first three Nutritional Sciences courses, and a C or better in the first three required chemistry courses as well as human physiology. Specific admission criteria and required coursework are available on the Texas Tech Nutritional Sciences and Dietetics website. Once admitted to the DPD, students are eligible to enroll in upper-level Nutritional Sciences courses. Students who complete the program with a grade of C or better in all major and supporting coursework receive a verification statement, qualifying them to apply for a dietetic internship.
Dietetic Internship. Dietetic internships consist of a minimum of 1,000 hours of supervised practice designed to develop the competencies required for entry-level dietetics practice. Upon completion of an ACEND-accredited internship and a graduate degree, graduates are eligible to take the national Registration Examination for Dietitians administered by the Commission on Dietetic Registration (CDR) to earn the Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RDN) credential. The Nutritional Sciences department contains an eight-month post-baccalaureate dietetic internship that is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics (ACEND) of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics and meets the Commission on Dietetic Registration (CDR) eligibility requirements for dietetic registration. Admittance to this internship is not guaranteed to graduates of our DPD program. For more information, see the dietetic internship webpage.
Students must earn a grade of C or better in all major and supporting coursework; any exceptions require departmental approval.
Communication Literacy (CL) Requirement. Communication literacy in Nutritional Sciences is demonstrated through students’ ability to effectively access, evaluate, synthesize, and communicate nutrition and food-related information across diverse contexts and audiences. Students develop communication competencies through written, oral, and digital formats, as well as through interpersonal and professional communication experiences. Emphasis is placed on interpreting scientific evidence, translating technical information for varied audiences, and using appropriate communication strategies to promote understanding and informed decision-making in nutrition-related settings. These competencies are developed and assessed through critical analysis of scientific and popular literature, preparation of professional and public-facing materials, presentations, and collaborative activities. Communication literacy skills are measured across three required courses in the major. Courses in the CL plan are NS 2380 , NS 4330 , and NS 4350 .
Return to: