The Department of Nutrition, Food Science and Packaging offers a Bachelor of Science in Nutritional Science with a concentration in Dietetics. This Didactic Program in Dietetics (DPD) provides students with the competencies, knowledge and skills required of the dietetics professional for practice roles of today and the future. The program helps students to develop critical thinking skills and problem-solving ability in clinical and community nutrition and food service management. The Dietetics curriculum includes support courses from the social, physical, and life sciences. Students have the option to select elective courses outside the major and/or to complete minors in business, chemistry, education, gerontology, health science, human performance, journalism, or other areas. In addition, with the appropriate coursework, students are also prepared for advanced degrees (M.S.) and post baccalaureate education (Dietetic Internships). The dietetics concentration is appropriate for students who would like to become practicing nutritionists or dietitians.
The Didactic Program in Dietetics (DPD) transmits knowledge and skills at the undergraduate level that are needed for competent dietetics practice to improve the quality of life in diverse communities. The SJSU DPD program is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics (ACEND) of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics (120 South Riverside Plaza, Suite 2190, Chicago, IL 60606-6995; 800-877-1600, ext. 5400; www.eatrightpro.org/acend). On August 7, 2020, the program was reaccredited and received full accreditation for 8 years until December 31, 2028.
Summary of Degree Units
| University Graduation Requirements |
32 |
| Major Preparation |
32 |
| Major Core Requirements |
32 |
| Concentration Requirements |
24 |
| Total |
120 |
Program Roadmaps
The 4-Year Roadmap is available online. Roadmaps should be used in consultation with the catalog and your advisor to identify additional requirements for completing the major (for example, course grade minimums). Associate Degrees (ADT) Pathways are also available online.
Nutrition, Food Science and Packaging International Experience Requirement
To satisfy the Department of Nutrition, Food Science and Packaging international requirement, students must study abroad for at least nine days in an approved program (exemption from the study abroad portion of the requirement must be approved by the dean of the College of Health and Human Sciences based on compelling individual life experiences or physical limitations. A relevant cross-cultural experience in the U.S. will be substituted). Specific details can be found on the college website.
Return to: