The Bachelor of Science in Nutrition and Food Sciences prepares students to apply their knowledge and skills for careers that require a registered dietitian nutritionist (RDN) credential, other nutrition-related careers, and careers in nutrition management.
The option in food and nutrition communication. Food impacts all of our lives in many ways, and students in this program explore the role of food in our lives, with a focus on nutrition and food to promote healthy living. Graduates develop skills in working in communication, such as public health and promotion, outreach and education, community nutrition, sports nutrition, and cultivating healthy living throughout the lifecycle. Majors can pursue specific areas of interest within the broad scope of food and nutrition. This option also serves students pursuing health care careers, including nursing and physician assistants.
The option in nutrition management. Students are prepared for exciting careers in nutrition and foodservice management in both commercial and health care settings. Graduates acquire the skills and knowledge for management of nutrition and foodservice operations, financial management, food safety and sanitation, meal planning for regular diets and various disease conditions, and marketing. This option prepares students to serve culturally diverse clientele and work with culturally diverse employees and engages students in hands-on foodservice-related experiences. Employment opportunities include but are not limited to certified dietary manager, school nutrition specialist, child nutrition director, foodservice director in a health care setting, quality assurance/food safety inspector, health inspector, food and beverage supervisor, and foodservice consultant.
The option in general dietetics. This option provides a broad educational background to develop competent and productive students in preparation for a dietetic internship (DI) leading to eligibility for the Commission on Dietetic Registration (CDR) credentialing exam to become a registered dietitian nutritionist (RDN). Students are prepared to serve a culturally diverse community by engaging in pre-professional nutrition-related activities that serve Northern California while using resources in a sustainable manner. Employment opportunities include but are not limited to hospitals or other health care facilities, sports nutrition or corporate wellness, food and nutrition-related business and industries, private practice, and community and public health settings.
Grading Requirement
All courses taken to fulfill program course requirements must be taken for a letter grade except those courses specified by the department as credit/no credit grading only.
Course Requirements for the Major: 67-75 units
Completion of the following courses, or their approved transfer equivalents, is required of all candidates for this degree. Courses in this program may complete more than one graduation requirement.
A maximum of 15 units of externship courses may be applied to a bachelor's degree at California State University, Chico.
Students are required to take one unit of externship in one of the areas of study. Please see the designated advisor of one of the core areas described below for recommendations on externship placements.
Area of Study
The following courses, or their approved transfer equivalents, are required depending upon the area of study chosen. Students must select one of the following areas of study for completion of the major course requirements.
Registered dietitians nutritionists (RDNs) are food and nutrition experts who have met these criteria to earn the RDN credential:
Completed a minimum of a bachelor's degree or master's degree at a US regionally accredited university or college and coursework approved by the Commission on Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics (ACEND) of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics (AND). Courses in the option in general dietetics meet the requirements of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics for an accredited Didactic Program in Dietetics (DPD).
Completed a post-baccalaureate ACEND accredited supervised practice program.
Pass a national registration exam.
The Commission on Dietetics Registration (CDR) has mandated that beginning January 1, 2024, a minimum of a graduate degree will be required to sit for the RDN credential exam.
It is highly recommended that CHEM 350 be in progress or completed the semester students apply for admission to the option.
Clinical Nutrition
Students preparing for advanced degrees or careers in nutrition research should complete the required units of the option in general dietetics and also complete the following courses, which include a chemistry minor.
To complete the total units required for the bachelor's degree, select additional elective courses from the total University offerings. You should consult with an advisor regarding the selection of courses which will provide breadth to your University experience and possibly apply to a supportive second major or minor.
Honors in the Major is a program of independent work in your major. It requires six units of honors coursework completed over two semesters.
The Honors in the Major program allows you to work closely with a faculty mentor in your area of interest on an original performance or research project. This year-long collaboration allows you to work in your field at a professional level and culminates in a public presentation of your work. Students sometimes take their projects beyond the University for submission in professional journals, presentation at conferences, or academic competition. Such experience is valuable for graduate school and professional life. Your honors work will be recognized at your graduation, on your permanent transcripts, and on your diploma. It is often accompanied by letters of commendation from your mentor in the department or the department chair.
Some common features of Honors in the Major program are:
You must take six units of Honors in the Major coursework. All six units are honors courses (marked by a suffix of H), and at least three of these units are independent study (399H, 499H, 599H) as specified by your department. You must complete each course with a minimum grade of B.
You must have completed 9 units of upper-division coursework or 21 overall units in your major before you can be admitted to Honors in the Major. Check the requirements for your major carefully, as there may be specific courses that must be included in these units.
Your cumulative GPA should be at least 3.5 or within the top 5% of majors in your department.
Your GPA in your major should be at least 3.5 or within the top 5% of majors in your department.
Most students apply for or are invited to participate in Honors in the Major during the second semester of their junior year. Then they complete the six units of coursework over the two semesters of their senior year.
Your honors work culminates with a public presentation of your honors project.
Honors in the Major is not part of the Honors Program. Each department administers its own program. Please contact your major department or major advisor to apply.
See Bachelor's Degree Requirements for complete details on general degree requirements. A minimum of 39 units, including those required for the major, must be upper division.
General Education Requirements: 48 units
See General Education and the Class Schedule for the most current information on General Education Requirements and course offerings.
Diversity Course Requirements: 6 units
You must complete a minimum of two courses that focus primarily on cultural diversity. At least one course must be in US Diversity (USD) and at least one in Global Cultures (GC). See Diversity Requirements for a full list of courses. Most courses taken to satisfy these requirements may also apply to General Education.
Upper-Division Writing Requirement
Writing Across the Curriculum (EM 17-009) is a graduation requirement and may be demonstrated through satisfactory completion of four Writing (W) courses, two of which are designated by the major department. See Mathematics/Quantitative Reasoning and Writing Requirements for more details on the four courses. The first of the major designated Writing (W) courses is listed below.
The Option in Food and Nutrition Communication and The Option in General Dietetics
NFSC 345W Diet Supplements and Functional Foods (W)
The Option in Nutrition Management
Any upper-division Writing (W) course.
The second major-designated Writing course is the Graduation Writing Assessment Requirement (GW) (EO 665). Students must earn a C- or higher to receive GW credit. The GE Written Communication (A2) requirement must be completed before a student is permitted to register for a GW course.
Notice to Prospective Applicants for Option in General Dietetics
A supplemental dietetics application must be submitted by March 1. A dietetics application is available from the Nutrition and Food Sciences Department office. In addition to the application, students must provide transcripts of all previous college or university level work, a resume, two letters of recommendation, and a one-page written personal statement about their career goals. Applications are reviewed by a committee that ranks all applications for placement. Students not selected for the option are encouraged to meet with an NFSC faculty advisor. Students not selected may reapply once.
Prerequisites for Admission to the Option in General Dietetics
The cumulative grade point average for all college-level work must be a minimum of 2.75.
