Overview
Nutrition at SIUE
The Bachelor of Science in nutrition from the School of Education, Health and Human Behavior focuses on the study of foods and nutrients and their effect on the health of individuals. Housed in the Department of Applied Health, the program combines coursework in both the basic sciences and nutritional sciences to provide students with the preparation needed to excel in a variety of professional nutrition and health settings. An intensive study in biological and physical sciences is emphasized as a basis for understanding the science of nutrition and the relationships between nutrients and human health. Core course requirements focus on human nutrition with areas of study in energy metabolism, proteins, vitamins, minerals, community nutrition, and diet in the prevention and treatment of diseases. At SIUE, the major in nutrition is designed to meet the admission requirements for post-graduate programs in dietetics, as well as admission requirements of most colleges of medicine, nursing, dentistry, optometry, pharmacy and other health care professions.
Career Opportunities
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, national job growth for dietitians and nutritionists is expected to be 15 percent through 2026. At SIUE, we provide the curriculum and pre-professional training for students wishing to enter graduate school to pursue programs in nutrition/dietetics on their way to careers as registered dietitians. Students must complete graduate training and 1,200 hours of internship to begin a career as a registered dietitian (RD). The role of nutritionists and dietitians will continue to be important as the understanding of food in preventing and treating illnesses becomes more prevalent.
This major is an excellent fit for many pre-health students, as it is designed to meet the admission requirements of most colleges of medicine, nursing, dental medicine, optometry, pharmacy, occupational or physical therapy, and other post-graduate programs in dietetics and health care.
The major also prepares students to enter graduate school programs in nutrition and other life sciences. Graduates in nutritional sciences qualify for positions in the food industry, corporate wellness and health promotion programs, public health programs, pharmaceutical sales, and similar occupations. Other career opportunities are also available for students with a bachelor’s degree in nutrition in areas such as community and public health, consulting, the food/nutrition business industry, food service management, research and education, sports and wellness nutrition, or corporate wellness.
