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Nutrition and Food Science – Dietetics Specialization
Dietetics offers a wide variety of jobs in hospitals, health promotion programs, nursing homes, public health agencies, industries, schools, universities, the armed services, and state, national and international organizations. Governmental regulations require the services of dietitians in federally supported programs. The consulting services of a dietitian are often sought by architects and hospital administrators in planning and equipping food preparation and services facilities. A dietitian must have a good background in the basic and behavioral sciences to apply the science of nutrition for the promotion of health and the prevention of disease.
A dietitian is essential to the total care of a patient in a healthcare facility, giving nutritional guidance and instruction. Dietitians also work in clinical research units. The role of a dietitian is changing with changes in health care and has become more involved in preventive health care and in community nutrition programs.
Through the program in dietetics, students develop an understanding and competency in food, nutrition, and management. South Dakota State University’s dietetics program is developmentally accredited by the Commission on Accreditation for Dietetics Education of the American Dietetics Association (120 South Riverside Plaza, Suite 2000, Chicago, IL 60606-6995, 312-899-0040 ext 5400) as a Didactic Program in Dietetics (DPD). Students enrolled in the dietetics program who have completed 45 credit hours are assessed a discipline fee each semester until graduation. Upon completion of the program and Bachelors of Science requirements, the student will receive a verification statement from the program director and are then eligible to apply for the supervised practice experience (dietetic internship). To become a registered dietitian, one must satisfactorily complete the South Dakota State University’s dietetics program, apply, be accepted and complete an accredited dietetic internship and pass the national registration examination for registered dietitians. The dietetic internships are post-graduation, require additional fees, and are competitive.
Nutrition and Food Science – Food Science Specialization
Food Science prepares students for professional positions in the food manufacturing industry or for graduate study in Food Science.
Food Science is the discipline in which the biological and physical sciences and engineering are used to study the nature of foods, the causes of food deterioration, and principles of food preservation. Creative approaches are employed to develop new food products for the rapidly changing consumer who desires good taste and good nutrition at a good price. Food scientists apply science to the selection, preservation, processing, packaging, and distribution of food. Students with a background in the many science areas during the first two years in college may transfer into the program with minimal credit loss. The program offers attractive internship opportunities within the food industry including international experiences.
Numerous high-paying employment opportunities exist for food science graduates who are searching for fulfilling careers in the national and international food industry. The food industry is searching for individuals interested in product development, technical sales, quality control and research. Additional career experiences exist in both government and regulatory agencies.
Nutrition and Food Science – Nutritional Sciences Specialization
This specialization focuses on the field of human nutrition and provides students with the background necessary to understand the function and metabolism of nutrients. This program also provides the background for those students interested in pursuing advanced degrees in nutrition or professional degrees in other health professions such as medicine, dentistry, chiropractics, and public health. The curriculum is designed to meet admission requirements of medical and dental schools.
Job opportunities exist in areas such as food and pharmaceutical sales, government agencies, and laboratory research in industry, academia, and government. Students interested in a career in nutrition education and counseling in a clinical setting should choose the dietetics specialization.
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