Nutritional Sciences

Undergraduate Programs

Nutritional Sciences offers four academic tracks and a minor in nutrition.

Bachelor of Science in Nutritional Sciences and Dietetics

Didactic Program in Dietetics (DPD)

The Didactic Program in Dietetics at Texas Tech is approved by the Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics (ACEND), 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, (800) 877-1600 ext 5400, http://www.eatright.org/ACEND. The curriculum is designed to achieve the core knowledge and competencies necessary to prepare graduates for an internship program or to pursue careers in the food, wellness and health, nutrition, or foodservice industry.

Overview of the Degree

The degree plan has a strong focus in the sciences with support courses in chemistry, physiology, mathematics, food microbiology/sanitation and safety. Career courses include nutritional sciences, food preparation, biochemistry, phusiology, foodservice systems management, medical nutrition therapy 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, long term care, extension services, foodservice operations, and corporate wellness or fitness centers.

Degree Plans

University Course Catalog

Bachelor of Science in Nutritional Sciences Degree Plans:

Admission Information and Application

Acceptance into the Didactic Program in Dietetics at Texas Tech University is granted after completing 60 hours and is based on overall 3.0 GPA, an average of a 3.0 GPA after the first three NS courses and a minimum of a 2.0 GPA in the first three chemistry courses as well as human physiology. Click here for a list of the exact courses and criteria for acceptance. Transfers into this program must have a minimum GPA of 3.0. Once accepted into the DPD program, students are eligible to complete upper level NS courses.

Upon completion of the undergraduate DPD coursework from an ACEND accredited program, such as the DPD Program at Texas Tech University, students will receive a Verification Statement of Completion. This document verifies that a student has completed the DPD requirements to apply for a position in a dietetic internship program (such as the post-baccalaureate internship offered at Texas Tech University).

*NOTE* Effective January 1, 2024, a graduate degree will be required to be eligible to take the Commission on Dietetic Registration (CDR).

Most dietetic internships participate in a DICAS (Dietetic Internship Centralized Application) computer matching process. Dietetic Internships consist of a minimum of 1200 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 the CDR's registration exam in order to become a registered dietitian/registered dietitian nutritionist (RD/RDN).

Application Form & Requirements

Mission, Goals and Objectives

The mission of the DPD Program is to prepare graduates for careers in dietetics and related fields by offering core knowledge and skills through quality education, for the purpose of improving and enhancing the human condition.

Goal 1: To prepare students with a broad-based education to successfully complete a dietetic internship or pursue a career in a food, nutrition, or related field.

Objectives

Over a five year period, at least 60% of the qualified graduates will apply for dietetic internships within 12 months of graduation
Over a five year period, at least 80% of the graduates applying for dietetic internships will be accepted into a dietetic internship within 12 months of graduation.
Over a five year period, at least 80% of the DPD graduates who take the Registration Exam for Dietitian will pass it in the first attempt.
When surveyed, 80% of the responding internship directors agree that TTU graduates were able to perform the responsibilities of the internship program
At least 80% of the alumni that complete a dietetic internship agree that the program prepared them well for a dietetic internship
At least 50% of the alumni who do not enter an internship will pursue post-graduate education or secure employment in the food, nutrition or related field, within a year of program completion

Goal 2: The program will graduate high quality students

At least 80% of students accepted into the DPD program will complete the program within three (3) years of acceptance (150% of the usual time expected to complete the program after acceptance)
Over a five year period, at least 80% of the DPD graduates who take the Registration Exam for Dietitian will pass it in the first attempt.
When surveyed, 80% of responding internship directors rate DPD graduates as good or excellent on demonstrated knowledge and skills and competencies
When surveyed, 80% of the responding internship directors agree that TTU graduates were able to perform the responsibilities of the internship program
When surveyed, 80% of responding internship directors states they would accept another Texas Tech graduate into their dietetic internship.

***Outcomes of Objectives available upon request

Verification Statement - Didactic Program in Dietetics

Upon completion of the undergraduate DPD coursework from an ACEND accredited program, such as the DPD Program at Texas Tech University, students will receive a Verification Statement of Completion. This document verifies that a student has completed the DPD requirements to apply for a position in a dietetic internship program or to apply to take the national exam for Dietetic Technicians, Registered (DTR).

DPD Student Handbook

DPD Student Handbook PDF

Bachelor of Science in Nutrition: Emphasis on Pre-Professional Health Careers

Overview of the Degree

This degree requires a strong science background supported with courses in chemistry, biochemistry, human anatomy and physiology, and food microbiology/sanitation and safety. Students will study food preparation, science of nutrition, nutrition in the life cycle, medical nutrition therapy, community nutrition, and experimental methods in food preparation. Depending on your post graduate plans, your degree plan may vary to ensure you have completed all courses required for entrance into your chosen post-graduate program. Transfers into this program must have a minimum GPA of 3.0. Students may visit with their academic Adviser for details.

This option offers an academic path for individuals interested in medicine, optometry, pharmacy, dental, physical therapy, physician assistant and other allied health options.

Admission Information

University Course Catalog

Bachelor of Science in Nutrition - Specialization in Pre-Professional Health Careers Degree Plans: (pdf format)

Bachelor of Science in Nutrition: Emphasis on Health & Wellness

Overview of the Degree

This degree track is designed for those students interested in a career in nutrition, but outside of the clinical setting. Students in this degree will study food preparation, science of nutrition, nutrition in the life cycle, sports nutrition, nutrition education, health coaching, nutrition and chronic disease, community nutrition, emerging issues in nutrition and experimental methods in food preparation. The degree also includes courses in chemistry, human physiology, food sanitation, exercise physiology, hospitality management, fundamentals of marketing, and writing for the medial. This track may also be an excellent track for pre-nursing, optometry, and other pre-professional areas.

Employment opportunities from this degree are more diverse. Potential jobs would range from nutritional entrepreneurship to corporate wellness, sales of pharmaceuticals and nutritional formulas, health reporting and media, personal trainer, AgriLife Extension Service, government programs (ex: Women, Infant, and Children), and various food companies.

Admission Information

University Course Catalog

Bachelor of Science in Nutrition with a Concentration in Nutrition, Health, and Wellness Degree Plans: (pdf format)

Bachelor of Science in Nutrition with Secondary Teacher Certification in Hospitality, Nutrition & Food Science (8th-12th Grade)

Overview of the Degree

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.

Admission Information

University Course Catalog

Bachelor of Science in Nutritional Sciences with Secondary Teacher Certification in Hospitality, Nutrition & Food Science (8th-12th Grade) Degree Plans: (pdf format)