About Dietetics and Nutrition
A dietitian is essentially a consultant who advises others about food, nutrition, and wellness. Dietitians may advise individuals who have special dietary needs; doctors and nurses who need a specialist’s opinion on how to help a patient; governments and nonprofit organizations who work to feed large groups; and companies who want to offer healthy choices to their employees, clients, or target market.
Degree Information
The program provides students with the academic requirements established by the Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics (ACEND) for entry-level dietitians/nutritionists.
Graduates are then eligible to apply for an ACEND-accredited supervised practice program via dietetic internships or individualized supervised practice pathways that are available throughout the country. After completing the supervised practice requirements, individuals may take the registration examination administered by the Commission on Dietetic Registration (CDR). Passing the registration examination earns the credentials of registered dietitian nutritionist (RDN). Some individuals use this program to prepare for graduate study in nutrition-related areas. As a registered dietitian, you may advise any of the following:
- Diabetes Treatment Centers
- Food Companies (ex. Kraft)
- Government Agencies (ex. FDA)
- Health/Spa Retreats
- Homeless Shelters/Food Banks
- Hospitals
- Individuals--Celiac Disease Management
- Individuals--Diabetes Management
- Individuals--Eating Disorders
- Individuals--Sports Nutrition
- Individuals--Weight Management
- International Food Organizations
- Long-Term Care Facilities
- Media Programs
- NGOs, like CARE
- Outpatient Facilities
- Pediatric Healthcare Specialists
- Pharmaceutical Companies
- Public Health Agencies (State/County)
- Rehabilitation Facilities
- Restaurants
- Schools/Boards of Education
- Senior Care Facilities
- Trade Associations (ex. Dairy Council)
- University Dining Facilities
Health and Fitness Organization: This student-run organization is open to all Health, Nutrition, and Dietetics majors. Students design and implement health programs on campus and in their local community. They also have opportunities to intern or shadow a fitness industry professional, attend conferences, and participate in field research.
Nutrition Club: A student-run organization that enables students to listen to and meet dietitians in the Buffalo community, host nutrition education projects for the college and community, and participate in community service activities.
Phi Upsilon Omicron Mu Chapter: This is the oldest national family-and-consumer-sciences honor society in the U.S. Accepted students will participate in disease awareness events, fundraisers, and events related to nutrition and health awareness.
Health and Wellness Student Association: This campus group educates students through lectures, guest speakers, attending conferences, and field trips on ways to achieve a healthier lifestyle.
Internships allow students to obtain relevant professional experience and to prepare for employment. The department offers more than 38 health and wellness internship sites for students.
Accreditation
Our program is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics.
Accelerated Option
We offer the Dietetics and Nutrition/Adult Education 4+1 Accelerated Pathway, which enables undergraduates in health, nutrition, and dietetics, to apply for conditional admission to graduate studies and complete nine hours of graduate coursework in the master of science in adult education degree program.
Dietetics and Nutrition/Adult Education 4+1 Accelerated Pathway