Undergraduate Studies
The Nutritional Sciences program emphasizes the role of nutrition in the health and wellbeing of people. The major prepares competent professionals for nutrition and dietetic careers in hospitals, schools, colleges, food service, business, and government agencies. Completion of courses for the Specialized certificate in Hospitality, Nutrition, and Food Science offers students the opportunity to secure a family and consumer sciences teacher certification to teach nutrition in secondary schools.
Nutritional Sciences offers three academic tracks and a minor in nutrition.
DPD Degree Plans: (pdf format)
Registration Guidelines (course sequence): Spring 06 (pdf format)
Application Form & Requirements
PPHC Degree Plans: (pdf format)
Registration Guidelines (course sequence): Spring 06 (pdf format)
Admission Information
- University Degree Plan Catalog
- Bachelor of Science in Nutritional Sciences Degree Plan
- Nutritional Sciences Curriculum
Bachelor of Science in Nutritional Sciences
with Specialization in General Dietetics
Description of the Didactic Program in Dietetics (DPD)
The Didactic Program in Dietetics at Texas Tech is approved by the American Dietetic Association (ADA). The curriculum is designed to achieve the foundation knowledge and skills necessary to prepare graduates for an internship program or to pursue careers in the food, wellness and health, nutrition, or foodservice operations.
Students who successfully complete the academic program receive a verification statement that enables them to apply for a dietetic internship (such as the post-baccalaureate internship offered at Texas Tech University). The dietetic internship consists of a minimum 900 hours of supervised practice to gain the competencies needed to practice as an entry-level dietitian. Upon completion of the internship, graduates are eligible to take a national examination to become registered dietitian (RD).
Mission of the Didactic Program in Dietetics
To prepare graduates for careers in dietetics and related fields by offering foundation knowledge and skills through quality education, research and service.
Goal 1
To prepare students with a broad-based education to successfully complete a dietetic internship or pursued a career in a food, nutrition, or related field.
Outcome Measures
- At least 80% of the graduates will enter an internship, secure employment, or pursue post-graduate education within a year of program completion.
- At least 75% of the graduates applying for dietetic internships will be accepted into a program.
- Students receiving a DPD verification will achieve a grade of C or better in all the NS and support courses.
- At least 80% of the students declaring a dietetics major as a junior will complete the DPD program.
Goal 2
To expose students to a variety of experiences leading to life-long learning as a professional.
Outcome Measures
- Graduates of the DPD will achieve an 80% passing rate on the RD exam as first-time takers over a five-year period.
- Graduates of the DPD will achieve an average score within 5% of the national score on the RD exam over a five-year period
- At least 80% of the graduates agree that the program prepared them well for an internship or a job in the field.
- At least 80% of the graduates agree that the program helped them attain skills in oral and written communication, problem solving, critical thinking and leadership.
- When surveyed, 80% of the responding internship directors agree that TTU graduates were able to perform the responsibilities of program.
- When surveyed, 80% of the responding internship directors rate DPD graduates as good or excellent on demonstrated knowledge, skills and competencies, and personal qualifications.
- All DPD students will meet CADE foundation Knowledge and skills and will receive a verification statement of program completion.
- When surveyed, 90% of the responding alumni will agree the DPD Program offered a good foundation for their professional career.
- When surveyed, 50% of the responding alumni will indicate membership and participation in professional organizations.
Overview of the Degree
The degree plan has a strong focus in the sciences with support courses in chemistry, anatomy and physiology, mathematics, and food microbiology/sanitation and safety. Career courses include nutritional sciences, biochemistry, human nutrition, food preparation, experimental foods, foodservice systems management, clinical dietetics, and community nutrition.
The program is designed for students who have an interest in food, nutrition, and dietetics, and enjoy working with people. Employment opportunities include positions in hospitals, clinics, community agencies, private consulting, nursing homes, extension service, foodservice operations, business, industry, wellness or fitness centers.
Our program is supported by excellent facilities and the presence of on-going nutrition research and graduate programs. You will be prepared to compete for an accredited dietetic internship. Texas Tech graduates in dietetics have a strong academic preparation and are recognized as leaders in the profession. The demand for informed professionals has created many exciting careers for Registered Dietitians.
For more information please see University Catalog
Bachelor of Science in Nutritional Sciences with
Specialization in Pre-professional Health Careers
This degree option offers a career path for individuals interested in medicine, optometry, pharmacy, physical therapy and other allied health professions. The degree plan has a strong focus in the sciences including courses in biology, microbiology, chemistry, anatomy and physiology, physics and mathematics. Students are encouraged to consult with the advising office on the specific course requirements for entering post-graduate work in health careers. The degree plan does not meet DPD requirements to apply for a dietetic internship. Additional courses are required to fulfill DPD requirements.
For more information please see University Catalog
Bachelor of Science in Nutritional Sciences with Teaching Certification
This option offers a career path for those interested in teaching nutrition at the junior high school and high school levels. Students complete a broad base of nutrition courses along with those that lead to teacher certification. Graduates will be eligible for a Specialized Certificate in Hospitality, Nutrition, and Food Science. Students seeking certification must meet all requirements outlined in the College of Education section of this catalog. Admission requirements for the teaching program include the completion of approximately 60 hours with an overall 2.5 GPA or better and a satisfactory level of performance on the THEA test or equivalent. Other requirements include a 2.5 GPA or better in professional education courses and the teaching field and a grade of C or better in all required concentration and support courses. To be recommended for certification, graduates must achieve a satisfactory level of performance on the TExES examination prescribed by the State Board of Education.
Program Information
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about the Program
Nutritional Sciences Minor
A student may minor in nutritional sciences by completing a minimum of 18 hours of selected course work. Specific courses for the nutritional sciences minor are finalized and approved by the student in conjunction with the major and minor advisors. Required courses include: NS 1301, NS 2310, NS 2420 and three additional courses from the following: NS 3325, NS 3340, NS 4330, 4350, or NS 4380.