Bachelor of Science in Nutrition

The Bachelor of Science in Nutrition at the School of Mathematics, Science and Engineering prepares graduates for success in graduate nutrition programs and dietetic internships, or as professionals in many industries who are committed to improving practices, understanding and relationships with food.

 

Why Nutrition?

As awareness and interest in wellness and the diet’s impact on overall health continues to increase worldwide, so does the demand for science-backed and holistic expertise that nutrition professionals provide. Organizations and individuals alike are looking to food and diet as their prescription for good health and a healthy workforce. Healthcare systems integrate nutrition into rehabilitation and treatment programs. Insurance companies promote a healthy diet as part of preventive care. And education institutions at all levels use nutrition professionals to inform about their dining programs and food offerings. What’s more, nutrition professionals lead advancements in food science, food production and food service – directly impacting consumers. There is hardly an industry that isn’t impacted by the work of nutrition professionals.

 

Nutrition Curriculum

The B.S. in Nutrition is a comprehensive 122- to 126-hour program. The 23-hour core nutrition classes provide a deep understanding of food and nourishment on the human body at every stage of life, as well as the many applications of nutrition in communities and throughout the world. Nutrition students also complete courses in supporting disciplines, including psychology, mathematics, economics, and a few of the sciences. By selecting one of three tracks, students of UIW’s undergraduate Nutrition program can tailor their program to support their future goals in nutrition education and the food industry, to pursue further training to become a dietetic professional or registered dietitian/nutritionist, or to prepare for continuing their education in the health professions.

 

Careers in Nutrition

The Bureau of Labor Statistics expects the employment of dietitians to grow faster than average by 7% from 2022 to 2032. This is due to an increasing emphasis on disease prevention through improving dietary habits. Graduates of the University of the Incarnate Word Nutrition programs have been primarily placed in positions related to food and nutrition in San Antonio, Texas. Most program graduates pursue graduate education after receiving their bachelor's degree. Graduate education may be combined with a dietetic internship or other supervised practice experiences to prepare for a career as a registered dietitian/nutritionist.

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.

What is the Bachelor of Science in Nutrition with a 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:

  1. Complete this bachelor’s degree
  2. Meet all requirements to earn the Didactic Program in Dietetics Verification Statement
  3. Complete a graduate degree (such as the MS in Nutrition)
  4. Complete supervised practice (through an accredited program)
  5. 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 this 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 this concentration?

No. Culinary coursework is designed for students with no prior professional culinary training.

Prepare for Medical, Dental, PA, and Other Professional Health Programs with a Strong Foundation in Nutrition Science

Health professionals, including physicians, dentists, and physician assistants, play a crucial role in diagnosing, treating, and preventing disease. The BS in Nutrition – Pre-Medicine Concentration offers a competitive, science-based pathway that integrates required pre-professional coursework with an in-depth understanding of human nutrition, metabolism and health promotion.

Students can tailor this concentration toward several pre-professional tracks, including:

  • Pre-Medicine (MD/DO)
  • Pre-Dental
  • Pre-Physician Assistant (PA)
  • Pre-Chiropractic
  • Pre-Optometry
  • Pre-Pharmacy
  • Other health-related graduate programs

This pathway meets the academic expectations of leading professional schools while enriching your preparation through coursework in food science, biochemistry, clinical nutrition and evidence-based practice.

Why Choose the Nutrition Pre-Medicine Concentration?

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.

Skills for Future Health Professionals

  • Build essential, career-relevant strengths, including:
  • Critical reasoning and clinical judgment
  • Scientific and metabolic analysis
  • Patient-centered communication
  • Evidence-based decision-making
  • Understanding of nutritional biochemistry and its role in disease prevention and treatment