Launch your future in nutrition. The Bachelor of Science in Nutrition at the School of Mathematics, Science and Engineering provides a strong, scientific foundation and real-world perspective to help you succeed in graduate nutrition programs, securing a competitive Dietetic Internship Program and building a meaningful career, improving how people and communities experience food, health and well-being.
Why Nutrition?
As global demand for health and wellness continues to grow, skilled nutrition professionals who are grounded in both science and holistic practice are essential to lead the way. Organizations and individuals alike are looking to food and diet as their prescription for good health and a healthy workforce. Healthcare systems incorporate nutrition into treatment and rehabilitation. Educational institutions at all levels use nutrition professionals to inform communities of their dining programs and food offerings. Communities integrate nutrition into local programs to promote health, sustainability and food access.
Nutrition Curriculum
The Bachelor of Science degree in Nutrition offers a broad curriculum that includes human nutrition, food science, community nutrition and nutritional biochemistry. Coursework examines how nutrients and dietary patterns influence growth, development, metabolism and overall health, as well as how food systems and environmental factors shape nutrition at individual and population levels. By selecting a concentration, students of UIW's undergraduate nutrition program can tailor their program to support their goals in nutrition education.
The Nutrition Pre-Medicine concentration is designed for students preparing for professional health programs such as medical school, physician assistant programs, dentistry or other clinical health careers.
Focus:
Emphasis on human physiology, biochemistry, and disease prevention
Strong alignment with pre-medical science prerequisites
Less emphasis on food systems; instead, greater focus on evidence-based nutrition in clinical and community settings
Ideal for Students Who:
Plan to pursue medical or other advanced health professional degrees
Are interested in the science of nutrition within patient care and disease treatment
Dietetics & Culinary Nutrition
The Dietetics & Culinary Nutrition concentration is designed for students pursuing careers as Registered Dietitian Nutritionists (RDN) or in food, nutrition and wellness professions.
Focus:
Integrates nutrition science with food systems, culinary skills and applied dietetics practice
Prepares students for dietetic internships and credentialing pathways
Ideal for Students Who:
Want to become a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist
Are passionate about food, cooking and translating nutrition science into practical applications
Are interested in careers in clinical dietetics, community nutrition, food service management or wellness
Careers in Nutrition
Graduates of the University of the Incarnate Word's Nutrition programs have been placed in many positions related to food and nutrition, including:
Clinical Dietitian
Diabetes Educator
Nonprofit Founder and CEO
Clinical Nutrition Manager
Director of Food and Nutrition Services
School Dietitian
Director of Community Outreach
Nutrition Business Manager
Health Coaching
Food Scientist
“I found my passion for healthcare and foodservice through UIW's Dietetic Nutrition program. Since I started, I have learned the skills and knowledge to become an aspiring Registered Dietitian for hospital patients. Whatever your goals are, the faculty at UIW Nutrition coaches you, supports you, and leads you through engaging classes and thought-provoking discussions. Thankful to have UIW as my learning support for my professional career goals.”
- Carolina Geyer, May 2024 Bachelor of Science in Nutrition graduate, DPD graduate
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is the Bachelor of Science in Nutrition with a Dietetics and Culinary Nutrition concentration?
This program combines foundational nutrition science, accredited dietetics coursework, and hands-on culinary training. Students learn how food, culture, health and behavior intersect, preparing them for careers in dietetics, food systems, wellness, culinary nutrition or graduate study.
Key takeaways of the Dietetics and Culinary Nutrition concentration:
In addition to core nutrition science, this concentration emphasizes:
Culinary skills and food preparation
Food systems and foodservice operations
Practical application of nutrition in real-world settings
The dietetics coursework also positions qualified students for advanced education and supervised practice toward becoming a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RDN)
Does this program prepare students to become a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RDN)?
Yes, this degree is part of the RDN pathway, but it is not the final step. To become an RDN, students must:
Complete this bachelor’s degree
Meet all requirements to earn the Didactic Program in Dietetics Verification Statement
Complete a graduate degree (such as the MS in Nutrition)
Complete supervised practice (through an accredited program)
Pass the national RDN examination
What career paths are available if I do not pursue the RDN credential?
Graduates pursue careers in areas such as:
Community and public health nutrition
Wellness coaching and health promotion
Culinary nutrition and food education
Corporate wellness
Foodservice management
Am I automatically enrolled in the Didactic Program in Dietetics if I choose the Dietetics and Culinary Nutrition concentration?
No. Selecting the Dietetics and Culinary Nutrition concentration does not automatically place you in the Didactic Program in Dietetics (DPD). The concentration includes the option to complete the DPD, but students are recognized as DPD students only after they have met all DPD entrance requirements (such as required coursework and minimum GPA). There is no formal admission process. Once the requirements are fulfilled and verified, students are accepted into the DPD. The DPD Director works closely with students to track progress and confirm DPD status.
Will I gain hands-on experience in this program?
Yes. Students engage in:
Culinary labs and applied food preparation
Case-based nutrition coursework
Community and experiential service opportunities
Do I need prior culinary experience to succeed in the Dietetics and Culinary Nutrition concentration?
No. Culinary coursework is designed for students with no prior professional culinary training.
Nutrition as a Competitive Edge Across Health Careers
Develop a strong, professional-school–ready foundation in the biomedical sciences while gaining specialized expertise in nutrition, an increasingly valued component of preventive, integrative and personalized healthcare across medicine, dentistry and allied health fields.
Real-World Experience
Engage in hands-on learning across clinical, community, research, and wellness settings. Students gain firsthand exposure to how nutrition influences patient care, treatment planning, oral and systemic health, chronic disease management and long-term health outcomes.
