Bachelor's in Nutrition - Human Nutrition and Dietetics

The Human Nutrition and Dietetics (HNDI) concentration develops and educates students for clinical roles in nutrition, including as a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RDN). Coursework focuses on application of the principles of nutrition, biochemistry, physiology, management, behavioral, and social sciences to promote optimal health in individuals. This engaging program reflects the constantly changing field of nutrition and current topics, such as weight bias, intuitive eating, sports nutrition, and culinary medicine.

Upon successful completion of the Human Nutrition and Dietetics concentration, students are issued a Didactic Program in Dietetics (DPD) verification statement, which is required by the Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics (ACEND) as proof of program completion. The DPD verification statement prepares students for the next steps in the pathway to becoming a Registered Dietitian: Completion of a graduate degree, and a supervised practice program, such as UNCG’s Dietetic Internship (DI) program.

Human Nutrition and Dietetics Program Distinctions

• We provide a low student-to-faculty ratio, allowing for personal attention in teaching, advising, mentoring, and research.
• Many classes include community engagement and field experience, which gives students additional opportunities for hands-on application of their coursework.
• Our courses address contemporary issues in dietetics, including weight-bias, culinary medicine, sports nutrition, and more.
• We have modern laboratories that support learning and research related to food science, clinical assessment, dietary analysis, physical fitness, body composition, and nutritional and clinical biochemistry.
• Both the Human Nutrition and Dietetics concentration (also known as the Didactic Program in Dietetics – DPD) and the Post-B.S. Certificate-Dietetic Internship program are accredited by the Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics (ACEND).

The Human Nutrition and Dietetics Student Experience

• All nutrition students have the opportunity to engage in undergraduate research with faculty and participate in community nutrition activities requested by the surrounding community.
• Eligible students can conduct disciplinary honors projects.
• Many undergraduate courses have a community engagement component that affords students the opportunity to gain valuable experience.
• Students may participate in the UNCG Nutrition Club, Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, NC Dietetic Association, and the NC Academy of Science.
• Our program has an active research focus, which includes opportunities for undergraduate students to participate. Key areas of research are obesity, energy balance, and chronic disease; bioactive food component effects on cell function and prevention of disease processes; and nutrition risks and needs of underserved/limited-resource populations.
• Many of our students receive national awards for their research, including the Commission on Dietetic Registration Doctoral Scholarship, Patsy Jane O’Malley Memorial Scholarship, and the National Organization of Blacks in Dietetics and Nutrition (NOBIDAN) Scholarship.

After Graduating with a bachelor’s in Human Nutrition and Dietetics

Potential career paths for Registered Dietitians include:

• Clinical Dietitians work as part of the health care team in hospitals and other healthcare institutions to meet the special dietary needs of clients such as those with diabetes or cancer, premature infants, and the elderly.
• Patient Food Services Managers plan and oversee meals and nutritional programs and direct staff employed in organizations such as hospitals and retirement communities.
• Public Health Nutritionists are employed in community agencies whose missions are to promote health, prevent disease, and provide primary health care.
• Consultant Dietitians in private practice advise corporations, conduct wellness programs and seminars, counsel groups such as athletes, and promote nutrition through articles and books.
• Product Representatives for pharmaceutical companies advise and educate health professionals.
• Cooperative Extension Agents translate research findings in food and nutrition into consumer education.

Undergraduate Minor

• Nutrition Undergraduate Minor