Dietetics
What is Dietetics?
Dietetics is the practice of integrating biochemical, physiological, social, and managerial concepts into the science of nutrition to achieve a healthy lifestyle. A degree in dietetics offers challenging and rewarding employment opportunities working in hospitals, long-term care facilities, public health agencies, food industry, research labs and more. Whether administering medical nutrition therapy in a health-care setting or directing food service operations, registered dietitian nutritionists (RDN) work toward the prevention and treatment of disease.
Is Dietetics for me?
If you are concerned with the nutrition and health of individuals and communities you should consider pursuing a degree in nutrition and dietetics. An interest in science and enjoyment in working with people will also be beneficial for those considering this degree. In many cases those with a degree in nutrition and dietetics spend much of their time working with people as patients, clients, consumers or employees. For more information watch the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics Career Video on the Eat Right Pro website.
Why Dietetics at UW-Madison?
The Didactic Program in Dietetics (DPD) is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Education and Nutrition in Dietetics (ACEND). The DPD program at UW-Madison is consistently ranked among the highest in the nation. The program is offered through the Department of Nutritional Sciences in the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences (CALS). Within the past 10 years, over 400 students have received their B.S. in Nutrition and Dietetics from UW-Madison.
What can I do with a Dietetics degree?
Depending upon your interests, you may choose to apply for a Dietetic Internship (DI) which will allow you to pursue certification as a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RDN). A RDN is the most widely recognized nutrition professional. Although it is possible to specialize in nutrition without being an RD, many nutrition-related jobs require the RDN credential because it signifies professional competence. The Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics is the professional association that establishes the criteria for becoming registered and administers the process.
How do I apply for the Dietetics Program?
Once you have decided you want to pursue a degree in Dietetics, you will need to:
- Determine if you meet the requirements for entry into the program
- Declare the major (Pre-Dietetics)
- Apply to the program (Dietetics)
Please see the Application Process page for complete details.
Please note that admission to the ‘Pre-Dietetics’ Program does not guarantee admission to the B.S. Degree in Nutrition and Dietetics Program (Dietetics Classification).
Nutritional Sciences
A Bachelors of Science degree with the Nutritional Science major focuses on how we utilize food for growth and metabolism in both disease and non-disease states. This major in nutritional sciences will help you develop a strong background in biology, chemistry, physiology and biochemistry to allow you to understand the mechanisms through which dietary factors act and are metabolized. The program offers study in zoology, microbiology, genetics, chemistry, physics, and mathematics along with classes in Nutritional Sciences.
The curriculum in Nutritional Sciences can prepare students for health graduate programs and careers. The curriculum covers many of the requirements for Medical School, Physicians Assistant programs, Dentistry School, a degree in Physical Therapy and more! In addition, Nutritional Sciences students are well prepared for health-related careers in nursing and nutrition, and graduate study in Nutritional Sciences.
The interdisciplinary nature of nutritional sciences will prepare you for graduate studies in other areas of the life sciences as well. A B.S. degree in Nutritional Sciences prepares you for work in research laboratories, clinics, or the food and nutrition industry. For further information on job possibilities, see Careers in Nutritional Sciences.
Looking to speak to someone regarding a major in Nutritional Sciences?
Find information on how to declare, curriculum, and advising here.
Careers
What does the job outlook look like for graduates of a Dietetics program?
Increased emphasis on disease prevention, a growing and aging population and public interest in nutrition are factors that are influencing the demand for dietitians. The employment rate for dietitians is expected to increase 11% by 2028. Full-time salaries for dietitians can range from ~$40,000 to >$98,000*. Variability in salary is based on many factors including scope of responsibility. For more information on employment and salary projections visit the information provided by the Academy’s Compensation and Benefits Survey of the Dietetics Profession
Professional Health Careers
A BS degree in Nutritional Sciences provides you with the required coursework for entrance to medical school or other health-related professional programs including veterinary medicine and physician assistant (PA) programs. The interdisciplinary nature of the Nutritional Sciences program will help prepare you for a profession in these fields better than many other degree programs.
Graduate Study in Biological Sciences
A BS degree in Nutritional Sciences will prepare you for graduate school in many different fields of the biological sciences including nutrition, biochemistry, physiology, genetics, microbiology, etc.
Applied
A BS degree in Nutritional Sciences will prepare you for work in a variety of employment settings, including health care, business, industry, public health, education, and research.
International Study
The opportunity to study outside of the United States can be a great part of your college experience. With careful planning, it is possible to spend a semester or more studying at a foreign university. Programs can provide you with a chance to study outside of the U.S. for shorter periods of time. The Department of Nutritional Sciences encourages all students enrolled in one of our majors (Dietetics or Nutritional Sciences) to investigate their study abroad options. Please see the CALS Study Abroad webpage for more information.