Dietetics and Nutrition Degree Online

What is Dietetics?

Students who major in Dietetics study nutrition and learn how to create and manage meal plans for individuals with different health needs. Dietetics can be a 2-year degree, which prepares students to work as Dietitian Technicians (DTR) or a 4-year degree, which prepares students to work as Registered Dietitians (RD). One must pass a test and be certified by the Commission on Dietetic Registration (CDR) in order to have either of these titles. This process is sometimes included in a degree program, and sometimes graduates have to take their tests after graduation.

Although most of the information here is about the Dietetics degree program, we included the Nutrition degree information as it often goes hand in hand with Dietetics.

Is Dietetics & Nutrition a Good Major / Degree for Me?

Are you passionate about health and fitness? Do you enjoy cooking? Do you like to read the newest health news? Do you enjoy your science classes? Are you a strong communicator? Do you like to help people? If you’ve answered yes to some of these questions, then a degree in Dietetics might be for you!

High School Classes Needed for a Dietetics & Nutrition Degree in College:

• 4 English Credits
• 3 Math Credits
• 4 Science Credits
• 3 Social Studies Credits
• 2 Foreign Language Credits
• If your high school offers the following courses, take advantage!
  • AP Biology
  • AP Chemistry
• If your high school offers the following co-curricular activities, take advantage!
  • Wellness Team

Common Dietetics Courses in College:

• Anatomy and Physiology
• Biochemistry
• Biology
• Chemistry
• Community Nutrition
• Food Science
• Food Service Management
• Geriatric Nutrition
• Introduction to Nutrition
• Maternal and Child Nutrition
• Medical Nutrition Intervention
• Medical Terminology
• Microbiology
• Nutrition Assessment and Intervention
• Organic Chemistry
• Psychology

Similar Degree Programs You Might Want to Explore:

• Agriculture: the study of the science and business of producing crops and raising livestock
• Consumer Science (sometimes called Home Economics): the study of how to provide for the well being of individuals and families and of how consumers are influenced by culture and community
• Culinary Arts: the study of preparing, cooking, and presenting food
• Food Science: a course of study that explores the planting and harvesting, the raising and slaughtering, and the processing, packaging, and shipping of foods
• Health Care Administration: a program that prepares students to manage the business aspects of the health care industry
• Hospitality Management: a course of study that prepares students for professional careers in the lodging, dining, travel, and tourism industries
• Nutrition: the study of food science and how that food nourishes humans
• Sustainable Agriculture: a branch of agriculture study that focuses on conserving and protecting natural resources while producing healthy food

Dietetics Careers:

Registered Dieticians and Dietitian Technicians can work in a variety of settings, including: nursing homes, assisted living facilities, schools, private practices, hospitals, and even restaurants. Some go into diet research, and some go into sales in the food and supplement industries. Job prospects for Dietician majors look good.