Bachelor of Science
Human Nutrition and Foods
The Bachelor of Science in Human Nutrition and Foods provides students with a strong foundation in nutrition science, food systems, and human health. This degree equips graduates with the knowledge and skills needed to promote health, prevent disease, and apply evidence-based nutrition practices across a variety of settings.
All students enter the program under the standard degree plan, which is designed to build core competencies in nutrition, biology, chemistry, and health sciences. Coursework includes topics such as advanced nutrition, nutritional pathophysiology, community nutrition, and nutrition assessment and planning, along with foundational science courses in physiology, microbiology, and chemistry.
This flexible degree allows students to explore diverse interests while preparing for a wide range of careers or advanced study.
Career Opportunities
Graduates of the Human Nutrition and Foods program are well-prepared for careers in:
- Health and wellness coaching
- Community and public health programs
- Food and nutrition industry
- Corporate wellness and employee health programs
- Health education and outreach
- Research support and program coordination
Students also develop a strong foundation for graduate or professional study in health-related fields.
As students progress through the program (typically around the junior year), they have the opportunity to tailor their academic path by selecting one of the following options:
ACEND Subplan (Registered Dietitian/Nutritionist Pathway)
Students interested in becoming a Registered Dietitian/Nutritionist may apply to transition into the ACEND-accredited subplan. This pathway provides the specialized coursework and preparation required for supervised practice and future credentialing as a Registered Dietitian.
The Human Nutrition and Foods program at The University of Houston is currently 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, Illinois 60606-6995 (Phone: 800/877-1600 ext 5400). Upon completion of this degree, also called the Didactic Program in Dietetics, students are eligible to apply for entry into a supervised practice program which will make them eligible to take the Registration Examination for dietitians. At the undergraduate level, this degree emphasizes the knowledge and skills essential for competent entry-level dietetics practice.
Supervised practice programs, which include dietetic internships are available across the United States. Completion of one of these programs is required to become eligible to take the Registration Examination for Dietitians. To become a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RD/N), students must:
- Earn a Bachelor of Science degree in Human Nutrition and Foods which includes a Didactic Program in Dietetics. At that time, students are provided with a verification statement that allows them to apply for entry into a supervised practice program.
- Complete a Masters degree program.
- Successfully complete a ACEND accredited supervised practice program (dietetic internship).
- Pass the CDR credentialing exam for Registered Dietitian Nutritionists.
Students may not apply for entry into a dietetic internship until the Didactic Program in Dietetics has been successfully completed and they have earned or are enrolled in a masters program. Likewise, students are not eligible to sit for the CDR credentialing exam until they have successfully completed their supervised practice program.
Effective January 1, 2024, the Commission on Dietetic Registration (CDR) will require a minimum of a master’s degree to be eligible to take the credentialing exam to become a registered dietitian nutritionist (RDN). In order to be approved for registration examination eligibility with a bachelor’s degree, an individual must meet all eligibility requirements and be submitted into CDR’s Registration Eligibility Processing System (REPS) before 12:00 midnight Central Time, December 31, 2023. For more information about this requirement visit CDR’s website: https://www.cdrnet.org/graduatedegree. In addition, CDR requires that individuals complete coursework and supervised practice in program(s) accredited by the Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics (ACEND). Graduates who successfully complete the ACEND-accredited DPD program at The University of Houston are eligible to apply to an ACEND-accredited supervised practice program.
For more information about educational pathways to become a RDN please click here.
Nutritional Sciences Subplan (Pre-Professional Pathway)
The Nutritional Sciences subplan is designed for students seeking a flexible, science-focused pathway toward a variety of health professions. Built upon the program’s foundational degree plan, this option allows students to tailor their coursework to meet the prerequisites of their chosen pre-professional track while earning a degree in Human Nutrition and Foods.
Students in this subplan complete rigorous, advanced science coursework—including chemistry, physiology, microbiology, physics, and biochemistry—providing a strong academic foundation for professional school admission.
This pathway prepares students for application to a wide range of graduate and professional programs, including:
- Medical school
- Dental school
- Physician assistant programs
- Nursing programs
- Occupational therapy (OT) programs
- Physical therapy (PT) programs
Because admission requirements vary across professions, students are responsible for completing both the degree requirements and the specific prerequisite courses required by their intended professional program. The structure of the degree plan is intentionally flexible, allowing students to incorporate these prerequisites into their academic course of study.
Graduates of the Nutritional Sciences subplan leave the program with:
- An in-depth understanding of the science of human nutrition
- A strong foundation in the biological and physical sciences
- The academic preparation necessary for competitive application to health professional schools
Important Note: The Nutritional Sciences subplan is not a pathway to becoming a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RDN). Students interested in pursuing the RDN credential must apply to and complete the ACEND-accredited pathway within the program.
Flexibility and Customization
The program includes opportunities for a minor or double major, as well as advanced nutrition electives, allowing students to customize their academic experience based on their career goals. Students interested in specialized pathways (ACEND or Nutritional Sciences) are encouraged to complete specific prerequisite courses early in the program to remain eligible.
Why This Degree Stands Out
✅ Start with a strong foundation
✅ Customize your path by junior year
✅ Align coursework with your career goals
✅ Seamlessly transition to specialized tracks
The Human Nutrition and Foods degree is intentionally designed to give students maximum flexibility—allowing you to pursue a wide range of health careers within a single, cohesive program.
Note: Nutritionist (RD/N), students wishing to pursue the RDN credential must complete the ACEND Accredited Track.