Bachelor of Science in Human Nutrition and Foods (ACEND Accredited Track)

(ACEND Accredited Didactic Programs in Dietetics)

The Human Nutrition and Foods program at The University of Houston is currently accredited by the Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics (ACEND) of The Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, 120 South Riverside Plaza, Suite 2190, Chicago, Illinois 60606-6995 (Phone: 800/877-1600 ext 5400). Upon completion of this degree, also called the Didactic Program in Dietetics, students are eligible to apply for entry into a supervised practice program which will make them eligible to take the Registration Examination for dietitians. At the undergraduate level, this degree emphasizes the knowledge and skills essential for competent entry-level dietetics practice.

Supervised practice programs, which include dietetic internships are available across the United States. Completion of one of these programs is required to become eligible to take the Registration Examination for Dietitians. To become a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RD/N), students must:

• Earn a Bachelor of Science degree in Human Nutrition and Foods which includes a Didactic Program in Dietetics. At that time, students are provided with a verification statement that allows them to apply for entry into a supervised practice program.

• Successfully complete a ACEND accredited supervised practice program (dietetic internship).

• Pass the CDR credentialing exam for Registered Dietitian Nutritionists.

Students may not apply for entry into a dietetic internship until the Didactic Program in Dietetics has been successfully completed. Likewise, students are not eligible to sit for the CDR credentialing exam until they have successfully completed their supervised practice program.

Effective January 1, 2024, the Commission on Dietetic Registration (CDR) will require a minimum of a master’s degree to be eligible to take the credentialing exam to become a registered dietitian nutritionist (RDN). In order to be approved for registration examination eligibility with a bachelor’s degree, an individual must meet all eligibility requirements and be submitted into CDR’s Registration Eligibility Processing System (REPS) before 12:00 midnight Central Time, December 31, 2023. For more information about this requirement visit CDR’s website: https://www.cdrnet.org/graduatedegree. In addition, CDR requires that individuals complete coursework and supervised practice in program(s) accredited by the Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics (ACEND). Graduates who successfully complete the ACEND-accredited DPD program at The University of Houston are eligible to apply to an ACEND-accredited supervised practice program.

For more information about educational pathways to become a RDN please click here.

Bachelor of Science in Human Nutrition and Foods (Nutrition and Fitness Track)

The Bachelor of Science in Human Nutrition and Foods (Nutrition and Fitness Track) is a degree plan designed to emphasize the basics of nutrition and wellness.  Students will receive integrated coursework in both nutrition and kinesiology. The Nutritional Fitness Track provides a solid foundation in science, nutrition, and exercise for those looking to work in health and wellness related fields.

The Nutrition and Fitness Track is not a pathway to become a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RD/N), students wishing to pursue the RDN credential must complete the ACEND Accredited Track.

Bachelor of Science in Human Nutrition and Foods (Nutritional Sciences Track)

The Bachelor of Science in Human Nutrition and Foods (Nutritional Sciences Track) is a degree plan designed to prepare students to apply for post-graduate professional programs in medicine, dental, optometry, pharmacy and other post-graduate programs in the health care arena. Students preparing to apply for professional programs after graduation must complete the degree requirements and the prerequisites for the post-graduate health profession of their choice. Students earning a degree in the Nutritional Sciences track will have an in-depth knowledge of the science of nutrition and a solid foundation in applied science.

The Nutritional Science Track is not a pathway to become a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RD/N), students wishing to pursue the RDN credential must complete the ACEND Accredited Track.