What to Expect in the Nutrition Coordinated Program

Thinking about joining our program? Here's what you can expect at UIC

Goals and objectives of the coordinated program can be found here.

We assume that all our students will choose the coursework-only option. If you’re considering doing a project or thesis, make sure you reach out to a faculty member to see if they’re willing to act as your advisor.

Our program must be completed on a full-time basis. This usually takes two and a half to three years. (If you choose to do a project or thesis, you’ll likely take longer.)

We require a minimum of 36 credits at a 400 or 500 level. You must take at least 9 hours of 500 level HN courses, excluding independent study, project, and thesis courses.

This is an example of a typical program of study. Our 500 level courses are only offered every other year, so when they’re offered will depend on when you begin the program. Your advisor will work with you to design a schedule that will ensure you complete all of the required courses.

Program data regarding goals and objectives of our programs and RD exam pass results are available upon request from the program director.

Accreditation

The UIC coordinated program and the nutrition science program 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
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Chicago, IL 60606-6995
800-877-1600

Each semester’s course work builds upon that of the previous semester, so all of our courses must be completed in the order in which they’re listed in this sample. That will enable you to reach the supervised practice portion at the planned time.

Courses

HN 190 Introduction to Dietetics 1 hour
HN 200 Nutritional Assessment 3 hours
HN 202 Culture and Food 2 hours
HN 308 Nutrition Science I 3 hours
HN 440 The Research Process 3 hours

Courses

HN 309 Nutrition Science II 3 hours
HN 330 Quantity Food Production 3 hours
HN 313 Intro to Community Nutrition 3 hours
HN 318 Genetic, Molecular, and Cellular Mechanisms of Chronic Disease 3 hours
HN elective 3 hours

Does this all seem like a heavy course load? It is.

What’s here is the fastest way to complete the program, but we strong encourage you to consider going into the spring of your third year to ease the pressure. Plan for that now and spread your courses out!

Courses

HN 300 Science of Food4 hours
HN 311 Nutrition During the Life Cycle 3 hours
HN 320 Clinical Nutrition I 4 hours
HN 332 Food Service Management 2 hours
HN elective 3 hours

Courses

HN 306 Nutrition Education 4 hours
HN 355 Supervised Practice I 4 hours
HN 420 Clinical Nutrition II 2 hours
HN 422 Clinical Nutrition III 2 hours
HN elective 3 hours

Courses

HN 355 Supervised Practice I 2 hours
HN 455 Supervised Practice II 4 hours

Courses

HN 355 Supervised Practice I 2 hours
HN 455 Supervised Practice II 11 hours
HN elective 3 hours

Verification

Congratulations! Once you complete your coursework and supervised practice this semester, you’ll be issued a verification statement. That confers your eligibility to take the registration exam to become a registered dietitian.