The undergraduate Foods and Nutrition Program is designed to provide students with the knowledge and skills for entry into foods, nutrition and dietetics-related professions or advanced study and offers two concentrations. The Nutrition and Dietetics (ND) concentration, also known as the Didactic Program in Dietetics (DPD) is designed for students who wish to enter the profession of dietetics with the goal of becoming a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RDN). The General Studies in Foods and Nutrition (GSFN) concentration is designed to allow students more flexibility in planning their career path. Students are encouraged to combine their FN studies with a minor, offering the opportunity for students to expand their personal interests in other health-related areas such as fitness and wellness, nutrition research, public health or opportunities within the food and pharmaceutical industries.
Additional offerings through the ND concentration: the FN Program offers a combined degree B.S./M.S. program. For returning students, the ND concentration also offers two routes for candidates to earn an ACEND DPD Verification Statement. Students may fall under one of the two options: Second degree option for the ND concentration or the Special Conditions – Didactic Program in Dietetics Verification Statement (non-degree).
Application to the major FN major requirements: Student application generally takes place between the second and third year or upon completion of the following courses for both tracks: Professional Preparation, Intro Food Science, Basic Human Nutrition, Human Physiology (or Anatomy & Physiology I and II), Introductory Chemistry, Introductory Organic Chemistry and Statistics. Acceptance to the Nutrition and Dietetics concentration requires a minimum GPA of 2.8 (3.0 or higher is preferred to be considered competitive for acceptance to a supervised practice program). Applicants wishing to enter ND concentration beginning fall 2018 must also complete a minimum of 50 hours in dietetics-related work or volunteer experiences as a condition for acceptance. Acceptance to the General Studies in Foods and Nutrition concentration requires a minimum GPA of 2.5.
Concentration in Didactic Program in Nutrition and Dietetics
The Nutrition and Dietetics (ND) concentration is designed for students who wish to enter the profession of dietetics with the goal of becoming a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RDN). Students who successfully meet degree and ND concentration requirements receive a Didactic Program in Nutrition and Dietetics (DPND or DPD) verification statement. Qualified students in the ND concentration are eligible to apply to either the CSE combined degree program BS/MS or apply pre-select to the CSE combined MS/DI program.
The ND concentration provides the core educational knowledge of the RDN. The curriculum design follows the standards established by the Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics (ACEND) of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics. Application to the FN major takes place between the second and third year. Students must apply directly to the FN program and complete a required acceptance form in addition to completing the College’s application process. Students must have a minimum GPA of 2.8 to be accepted in the ND concentration. Beginning fall 2018, students must have completed a minimum of 50 hours in dietetics-related work or volunteer experience as part of the acceptance criteria.
Students wishing to transfer to the ND concentration from another institution may require six semesters to complete all program requirements based on course offerings and individualized transfer needs. Please review our current course sequence below.
RDN Professional Requirements: The issuing of a DPD statement establishes student eligibility to apply to an accredited supervised practice/dietetic internship program of the Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics (ACEND) of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics. Upon successful completion of the supervised practice, students are eligible to sit for the national credentialing examination to become RDN. Acceptance to supervised practice programs is highly competitive with the approximate national placement about fifty percent yearly.
Please note that beginning 2024, the professional educational standard will require that new RDNs hold a master's degree. Therefore, students entering nutrition and dietetics programs after 2017 will need to plan accordingly. Visit the Academy's website to learn about the profession of nutrition and dietetics education at http://www.eatrightpro.org/resources/career/become-an-rdn-or-dtr.
Mission and Goals
The mission of the Didactic Program in Nutrition and Dietetics is to prepare graduates for a professional career in or related to nutrition and dietetics through a student-focused approach rooted in the Catholic liberal arts tradition.
- Prepare graduates for the professional practice of dietetics through a program that meets ACEND Core Knowledge Requirements for the RDN.
- Prepare qualified, well-informed and diverse graduates with values in personal and professional ethics, social responsibility and leadership essential for nutrition and dietetics practice.
Program objectives and outcomes are available upon request from the DPD Director.
Required Courses (85 credits)
Core Requirements (53 credits)
| FN100 | Professional Preparation | 1 |
| FN200 | Intro Food Science w/Lab | 4 |
| FN210 | Basic Human Nutrition* | 4 |
| FN235 | Methods of Nutrition Education | 4 |
| FN300 | Food Production Systems w/Lab* | 4 |
| FN320 | Nutritional Biochemistry I | 4 |
| FN323 | Nutrition in the Life Cycle | 4 |
| FN325 | Nutritional BioChemistry II | 4 |
| FN400 | Prof Practice Dietetics,Food & Nutrition | 1 |
| FN405 | Food Science &Experimental Foods w/Lab | 4 |
| FN435 | Management in Dietetics Practice | 4 |
| FN463 | Nutrition Research Communication Seminar | 2 |
| FN490 | Capstone in Food and Nutrition | 1 |
| FN500 | Community Nutrition | 3 |
| FN501 | Medical Nutrition Therapy I | 3 |
| FN502 | Medical Nutrition Practice I | 1 |
| FN503 | Med Nutr Therapy II | 3 |
| FN504 | Medical Nutrion Practice II | 1 |
| FN507 | Service Learning in Community Nutrition | 1 |
Related Requirements (32 credits)
| BIO117 | Human Physiology | 4 |
| BIO209 | Microbiology | 4 |
| CHEM121 | Intro to Chemistry | 4 |
| CHEM123 | Intro to Organic Chemistry | 4 |
| BUS245 | Accounting for Health Care Professionals | 4 |
| MATH119 | Elementary Statistics | 4 |
SOC
| Sociology Elective | 4 |
PSY
| Psychology Elective | 4 |
A grade of "C" or better is required in all major core courses and in the sciences and related requirements. *FN320 may be taught through the Chemistry program. Students may complete the higher level chemistries: CHEM151, CHEM153 and CHEM211, CHEM213 as substitution for CHEM121 and CHEM123. Students may also elect to complete BIO121, BIO123 as substitution for BIO117. Students planning to make modifications to the either the chemistry or biology requirements must meet with the DPD Director to carefully plan their course sequencing.
Preset Freshmen and Sophomore Pathways
First Year
Fall Semester (14-18 Credits)
| Element I Core Classes | 6 |
| Pre-Major Gateway Class | 1-4 |
| Preset General Education Elective | 1-4 |
| Outside General Education Elective | 1-4 |
| Developmental Math (if needed) | 0-1.5 |
| EOF or CAPs (if needed) | P/F |
Spring Semester (14-18 Credits)
| Element I Core Classes | 6 |
| Pre-Major Gateway Class | 1-4 |
| Preset General Education Elective | 1-4 |
| Outside General Education Elective | 1-4 |
| Developmental Math (if needed) | 0-1.5 |
Second Year
Fall Semester (14-18 Credits)
| Element I or II Core Classes | 4-8 |
| Pre-Major Milestone Class | 1-4 |
| Preset General Education Elective | 1-4 |
| Outside General Education Elective | 1-4 |
| Developmental Math (if needed) | 0-1.5 |
| EOF or CAPs (if needed) | P/F |
Spring Semester (14-18 Credits)
| Element II or III Core Classes | 4-8 |
| Pre-Major Milestone Class | 1-4 |
| Preset General Education Elective | 1-4 |
| Outside General Education Elective | 1-4 |
| Developmental Math (if needed) | 0-1.5 |
| EOF or CAPs (if needed) | P/F |
Recommended Course Sequence
First Year
Fall Semester (First Semester) (14-18 Credits)
| Element I Gen Ed | 6 |
| PSY100 | General Psychology* | 4 |
| Elective (1-2) | 4-8 |
PSY100: or equivalent. Recommend: BIO111 Fundamentals of Biology.
Spring Semester (Second Semester) (14-18 Credits)
| Element I Gen Ed | 6 |
| MATH119 | Elementary Statistics | 4 |
SOC
| SOC100 | 4 |
| Element II Gen Ed | 4 |
| or | |
| Elective (2-4) | 2-4 |
Second Year
Fall Semester (First Semester) (16-17 Credits)
| FN200 | Intro Food Science w/Lab | 4 |
| BIO209 | Microbiology | 4 |
| CHEM121 | Intro to Chemistry | 4 |
| Element II Gen Ed | 4 |
| FN100 | Professional Preparation | 1 |
BIO209: Option: students may take fall of junior year.
CHEM121: Is a sequence courses for the sciences and MNT. Other prerequisites may apply.
FN100: May take either fall or spring.
Students may elect to take BIO121 Anatomy & Physiology I. See spring semester for BIO123.
Spring Semester (Second Semester) (16-17 Credits)
| FN210 | Basic Human Nutrition* | 4 |
| CHEM123 | Intro to Organic Chemistry | 4 |
| BIO117 | Human Physiology | 4 |
| Element II Gen Ed | 4 |
| FN100 | Professional Preparation | 1 |
CHEM123: Sequence course for the sciences and MNT. Other prerequisites may apply.
BIO117: May be substitute for BIO123 Anatomy & Physiology II. (Students must take BIO121 and BIO123)
Third Year
Note: Application to major required. Please review all acceptance criteria.
Fall Semester (First Semester) (16 Credits)
| FN235 | Methods of Nutrition Education | 4 |
| FN320 | Nutritional Biochemistry I | 4 |
| FN300 | Food Production Systems w/Lab* | 4 |
| Element II Gen Ed | 4 |
| or | |
| Elective | 4 |
FN320: Sequence courses for the sciences and MNT. Note: Complete BIO209 Microbiology if not already taken.
Spring Semester (Second Semester) (16 Credits)
| FN323 | Nutrition in the Life Cycle | 4 |
| FN325 | Nutritional BioChemistry II | 4 |
| BUS245 | Accounting for Health Care Professionals | 4 |
| Element II Gen Ed | 4 |
| or | |
| Element III Gen Ed | 4 |
FN325: Sequence courses for the sciences and MNT.
Fourth Year
Note: Application to the BS/MS program is early fall. Application for the pre-select acceptance to the Combined MS/DI also early fall.
Fall Semester (First Semester) (12-15 Credits)
| FN400 | Prof Practice Dietetics,Food & Nutrition | 1 |
| FN500 | Community Nutrition | 3 |
| FN501 | Medical Nutrition Therapy I | 3 |
| FN502 | Medical Nutrition Practice I | 1 |
| FN507 | Service Learning in Community Nutrition | 1 |
| FN463 | Nutrition Research Communication Seminar | 2 |
| Element IV Gen Ed | 4 |
FN501, FN502: Sequence courses for the sciences and MNT.
Spring Semester (Second Semester) (13-17 Credits)
| FN435 | Management in Dietetics Practice | 4 |
| FN503 | Med Nutr Therapy II | 3 |
| FN504 | Medical Nutrion Practice II | 1 |
| FN405 | Food Science &Experimental Foods w/Lab | 4 |
| FN490 | Capstone in Food and Nutrition | 1 |
| Element IV Gen Ed Capstone or Elective | 4 |
FN503, FN504: Sequence courses for the sciences and MNT.
Concentration in General Studies in Foods and Nutrition
The General Studies in Foods and Nutrition (GSFN) concentration is designed to allow students more flexibility in planning their career paths. Students are encouraged to combine their FN studies with a minor, offering the opportunity for students to expand their personal interests in other health-related areas such as fitness and wellness, nutrition research, public health or opportunities within the food and pharmaceutical industries.
Students are encouraged to plan for a minor early in their academic career. Please speak to your advisor. Commonly selected minors include Chemistry, Business and Psychology.
Mission and Goals
The mission of the General Studies in Foods and Nutrition Track is to provide students with broad foundational knowledge of food and nutrition principles and practices leading to future studies through a student-centered multidisciplinary approach rooted in the Catholic liberal arts tradition.
- Prepare students in general studies in foods and nutrition which may be combined with another area of study (i.e., business, communication, allied health, or as entry to pre-medical studies, etc.) for a special career in foods and nutrition, and preparation for graduate studies.
- Integrate foods and nutrition-related learning opportunities for students to develop qualities of personal and professional ethics, social responsibility, service, leadership and an appreciation for lifelong learning.
Required Courses (73 credits)
Core Requirements (41 credits)
| FN100 | Professional Preparation | 1 |
| FN200 | Intro Food Science w/Lab | 4 |
| FN210 | Basic Human Nutrition* | 4 |
| FN235 | Methods of Nutrition Education | 4 |
| FN300 | Food Production Systems w/Lab* | 4 |
| FN320 | Nutritional Biochemistry I | 4 |
| FN323 | Nutrition in the Life Cycle | 4 |
| FN325 | Nutritional BioChemistry II | 4 |
| FN400 | Prof Practice Dietetics,Food & Nutrition | 1 |
| FN405 | Food Science &Experimental Foods w/Lab | 4 |
| FN463 | Nutrition Research Communication Seminar | 2 |
| FN490 | Capstone in Food and Nutrition | 1 |
| FN500 | Community Nutrition | 3 |
| FN507 | Service Learning in Community Nutrition | 1 |
Related Requirements (32 credits)
| BIO117 | Human Physiology | 4 |
| CHEM121 | Intro to Chemistry | 4 |
| CHEM123 | Intro to Organic Chemistry | 4 |
| BUS200 | Principles of Mgmt&Mgmt Skills | 4 |
| BUS245 | Accounting for Health Care Professionals | 4 |
| MATH119 | Elementary Statistics | 4 |
SOC
| Sociology Elective | 4 |
PSY
| Psychology Elective | 4 |
A grade of "C" or better is required in all major core courses and in the sciences and related courses. *FN320 may be taught through the Chemistry program. Students may complete the higher level chemistries: CHEM151, CHEM153 and CHEM211, CHEM213 as substitution for CHEM121 and CHEM123. Students may also elect to complete BIO121, BIO123 as substitution for BIO117. Students must work with a FN advisor in planning their course sequence.
Preset Freshmen and Sophomore Pathways
First Year
Fall Semester (14-18 Credits)
| Element I Core Classes | 6 |
| Pre-Major Gateway Class | 1-4 |
| Preset General Education Elective | 1-4 |
| Outside General Education Elective | 1-4 |
| Developmental Math (if needed) | 0-1.5 |
| EOF or CAPs (if needed) | P/F |
Spring Semester (14-18 Credits)
| Element I Core Classes | 6 |
| Pre-Major Gateway Class | 1-4 |
| Preset General Education Elective | 1-4 |
| Outside General Education Elective | 1-4 |
| Developmental Math (if needed) | 0-1.5 |
Second Year
Fall Semester (14-18 Credits)
| Element I or II Core Classes | 4-8 |
| Pre-Major Milestone Class | 1-4 |
| Preset General Education Elective | 1-4 |
| Outside General Education Elective | 1-4 |
| Developmental Math (if needed) | 0-1.5 |
| EOF or CAPs (if needed) | P/F |
Spring Semester (14-18 Credits)
| Element II or III Core Classes | 4-8 |
| Pre-Major Milestone Class | 1-4 |
| Preset General Education Elective | 1-4 |
| Outside General Education Elective | 1-4 |
| Developmental Math (if needed) | 0-1.5 |
| EOF or CAPs (if needed) | P/F |
Recommended Course Sequence
First Year
Fall Semester (First Semester) (14-18 Credits)
| BUS200 | Principles of Mgmt&Mgmt Skills | 4 |
| PSY100 | General Psychology* | 4 |
| Element I Gen Ed | 6 |
| Elective | 4 |
Spring Semester (Second Semester) (14-18 Credits)
| MATH119 | Elementary Statistics | 4 |
SOC
| SOC100 | 4 |
| Element I Gen Ed | 6 |
| Element II Gen Ed | 4 |
| or | |
| Elective | 4 |
Second Year
Fall Semester (First Semester) (16-17 Credits)
| FN200 | Intro Food Science w/Lab | 4 |
| CHEM121 | Intro to Chemistry | 4 |
| Element II Gen Ed and/or Elective | 4-8 |
| FN100 | Professional Preparation | 1 |
CHEM121: sequence course for the sciences. Other prerequisites may apply.
Spring Semester (Second Semester) (16-17 Credits)
| FN210 | Basic Human Nutrition* | 4 |
| CHEM123 | Intro to Organic Chemistry | 4 |
| BIO117 | Human Physiology | 4 |
| Element II Gen Ed | 4 |
| or | |
| Elective | 4 |
| FN100 | Professional Preparation | 1 |
CHEM123: sequence course for the sciences. Other prerequisites may apply.
Third Year
Note: Application to the major is required.
Fall Semester (First Semester) (16 Credits)
| FN235 | Methods of Nutrition Education | 4 |
| FN320 | Nutritional Biochemistry I | 4 |
| FN300 | Food Production Systems w/Lab* | 4 |
| Element II Gen Ed | 4 |
| or | |
| Elective | 4 |
FN320: sequence courses for the sciences. Other prerequisites may apply.
Spring Semester (Second Semester) (16 Credits)
| FN323 | Nutrition in the Life Cycle | 4 |
| FN325 | Nutritional BioChemistry II | 4 |
| BUS245 | Accounting for Health Care Professionals | 4 |
| | |
| Element II Gen Ed | 4 |
| or | |
| Element III Gen Ed | 4 |
FN325: sequence course for the sciences.
Fourth Year
Fall Semester (First Semester) (12-15 Credits)
| FN400 | Prof Practice Dietetics,Food & Nutrition | 1 |
| FN500 | Community Nutrition | 3 |
| FN507 | Service Learning in Community Nutrition | 1 |
| FN463 | Nutrition Research Communication Seminar | 2 |
| Element IV Gen Ed Capstone or Electives | |
Spring Semester (Second Semester) (13-17 Credits)
| FN405 | Food Science &Experimental Foods w/Lab | 4 |
| FN490 | Capstone in Food and Nutrition | 1 |
| Element IV Gen Ed or Electives (2-3) | 8-12 |
Second Degree in Nutrition and Dietetics
The second degree option is designed for the student who holds a B.A. or a B.S. degree in a non-related field, and requires a minimum of 32 credits to complete the degree and Nutrition and Dietetics coursework to meet ACEND Didactic Program in Dietetics verification requirements. Students earn a B.S. in Foods and Nutrition and a DPD verification statement. (Please review the College's policy on Second Baccalaureate Degree.) Applicants entering the program through the second degree option are required to formally apply to the major meeting all the established criteria described for the Nutrition and Dietetics concentration.
Interested students must:
- Apply through the Office of Admissions under the Continuing Studies Program/Transfer. Admission requires a 3.0 cumulative grade point average in past college-level studies. Prospective students not meeting this standard should submit a letter discussing past academic performance. Applications will be reviewed and recommendations made on an individual basis for admission.
- Second degree applicants must provide a letter to the DPD Director discussing their goals and objectives for wishing to pursue Nutrition and Dietetics Credentialing (submit with application).
- Meet the College's requirements for a second degree and enroll as a matriculated student.
- Complete one four-credit course under the CSE Essentials general education requirements, Element III.
- Students who have completed their degree requirements outside of the United States must submit TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) scores and an original educational services transcript that states U.S. degree equivalency. On occasion a copy of the foreign degree may be requested.
- Have a transcript evaluation of all past colleges attended to determine what courses a prospective student must take, and approximately how long it will take the student to complete the degree requirements. Students completing the program on a part-time basis must plan carefully to ensure prerequisites are met.
- Coursework requirements towards the ND Concentration will be determined on an individual basis, but must meet a minimum of 24 credits towards the major.
- Please note that only coursework with a grade of "B" or better for the ND Concentration requirements and related courses will be accepted for initial transfer. Nutrition courses completed at another institution must have been completed within the past five years in order to transfer to the major. FN320 and FN325 (Nutritional Biochemistry I and II) and all courses with specific ACEND Didactic Program in Dietetics student learning outcomes must be completed at the College unless specific permission has been provided by the Didactic Program in Dietetics Director or the FN Program Chair.
- Interested students should apply by July 15 for consideration of a Fall admission and by November 15 for consideration of a January admission.
Special Conditions - Didactic Program in Dietetics Verification Statement
The Didactic Program in Dietetics (DPD) Verification Statement option meets the needs of students who already hold a B.A. or B.S. degree in foods, nutrition, or dietetics, and who wish to complete Didactic Program in Dietetics coursework to meet ACEND DPD verification statement requirements. Upon final completion of coursework, a DPD Verification Statement is issued to the candidate by the DPD Director. This is a non-degree option and is only available to qualified candidates. CSE students who finished their first degree under the General Studies in Foods and Nutrition concentration and who qualify, may apply.
Qualified applicants must:
- Apply through the Office of Admissions.
- Must have a B.A. or B.S. degree in foods, nutrition, dietetics, or related area of study. (If no, please see Second Degree option.)
- Have a 3.0 cumulative grade point average in past college-level studies.
- Provide a letter to the DPD Director discussing their goals and objectives for wishing to pursue Nutrition and Dietetics Credentialing (submit with application).
- Submit all transcripts of past college coursework. Following an evaluation of transcripts, the Program Director will determine what courses a prospective student must take, and approximately how long it will take the student to complete the verification requirements. Students who have completed their degree requirements outside of the United States must submit a TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) score and an original educational services transcript that states U.S. degree equivalency. On occasion a copy of the foreign degree may be requested.
If accepted:
- Enroll as non-matriculated visiting student and maintain continuous enrollment until DPD verification coursework is completed. This is not a degree-bearing program.
- Complete a minimum of 12 credits in DPD core concentration coursework at the College of Saint Elizabeth for the verification statement to be granted. The specific courses that individual students must take will vary according to their past coursework. In some cases, students will be required to exceed the minimum 12-credit standard. All professional concentration coursework must be completed at CSE unless otherwise approved by the Didactic Program in Dietetics Director.
- Maintain academic and pre-professional standards as outlined for students enrolled in the ND concentration.
- Please note, the DPD Director maintains the right to withhold verification or dismiss any student in the special considerations option who fails to meet established standards.