BS in Nutrition

Experts in nutritional care for life

UIC’s Bachelor of Science in nutrition focuses on intensive study in biological and physical sciences to understand the relationships between nutrients and human health.

There are two tracks for students in the nutrition programs at UIC. One is to pursue a career as a registered dietitian. The other is to pursue an undergraduate degree in nutrition as a foundation for a professional health degree, or for careers in research, industry and community settings.

Registered dietitians have a significant impact on the health of our nation. Dietitians provide nutritional care to people of all ages, in health and in illness. They are knowledgeable about psychology, sociology, education and management. They’re experts in food habits, food composition, food service, and energy and nutrient needs.

Choose your path

Stats and Facts

16%
increase in demand for registered dietitians projected for 2014-2024 by the U.S. Bureau of Labor and Statistics
Jean Ragalie-Carr head shot
2013 AHS Distinguished Alumni Achievement Award recipient Jean Ragalie-Carr '83 leads the National Dairy Council
Three nutition students are eating freshly picked garlic mustard
Into the wild
Nutrition students leave civilization for a survivalist weekend
76%
of our nutrition science graduates are offered dietetic internships, compared to a national average of 50%
Fresh produce on shelves at grocery store
Going to market
Nutrition students conduct grocery store tours to inspire healthier purchasing and more produce consumption
98%
of our bachelor’s coordinated program graduates pass the registered dietitian examination within one year of graduation, compared to a national average of 80%

Your career

Registered dietitians are in demand because of a growing and aging population, increased public interest in nutrition and consumer demands for more nutritious products.

According to the U.S. Department of Labor Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment of dietitians and nutritionists is projected to grow 16 percent from 2014 to 2024, faster than the average for all occupations.

Career opportunities include community and public health, food service management, public relations, consumer affairs and marketing. Registered dietitians often work in clinical dietetics, government agencies, consulting and private practice.

Learn from the best

  • Angela Kong

    Angela Kong

    Studying the role of environment and culture in the causes, prevention and treatment of obesity

  • Angela Odoms-Young headshot

    Angela Odoms-Young

    Understanding social, cultural, and environmental determinants of dietary behaviors and diet-related diseases in low-income and minority populations

  • Krista Varady

    Krista Varady

    Investigating diet and exercise regimens for weight loss and decreased risk of cardiovascular disease

Understanding by doing

The path to a career in nutrition and dietetics expands far beyond the classroom.

In our coordinated program, classroom learning is combined with a supervised practice experience starting in the spring semester of your second year. These rotations are spent with registered dietitians and other food and nutrition professionals at a variety of practice sites. Locations include hospitals, clinics, research facilities, community sites and Chicago-area businesses.

In the first semester of your rotation, you’ll spend two days a week at your practice site and three days in class. In the next two semesters, you’ll be at practice sites 40 hours a week, giving you the full experience of working full time in a professional setting.

Since it qualifies you to sit for the RD exam right after graduation, this seamless program has proven to be an ideal option for many students.

While it’s not integrated into their curriculum, most students in our nutrition science program successfully apply to internships in their last semester, which helps fulfill requirements to take the examination for registered dietitian.

Questions?

Still wondering what a BS in nutrition can do for you? We’re here to answer your questions.

Carol Braunschweig head shot

Coordinated Program

You can contact Carol Braunschweig at:

Kristen Straughan head shot

Nutrition Science Program

You can contact Kristen Straughan at:

Accreditation

The UIC coordinated program and nutrition science program in dietetics are accredited by the Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics for the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics.

Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics
120 S. Riverside Plaza
Suite 2190
Chicago, IL 60606-6995
800-877-1600