BS in Nutrition in Dietetics

Boston University’s Bachelor of Science in Nutrition, Dietetics track, prepares students to apply nutrition science to promote health, prevent disease, and support people managing nutrition-related conditions. Designed for students interested in becoming Registered Dietitian Nutritionists (RDNs), the program combines biological sciences, food science, medical nutrition therapy, nutrition counseling, and research to build a strong foundation for professional practice.

Curriculum Structure

Year 1: Students establish a foundation in biological sciences, chemistry, psychology, and academic writing through courses such as CAS BI 107 – Biology 1, CAS CH 171 – Principles of General Chemistry, and CAS PS 101 – General Psychology. They also take CAS BI 108 – Biology 2 and CAS CH 174 – Principles of Organic Chemistry, alongside university general education requirements.

Year 2: Students develop their understanding of human health, nutrition, and food through CAS BI 211 – Human Physiology, SAR HS 251 – Human Nutrition Science, and SAR HS 230 – Food Science. Additional courses include SAR HS 281 – Nutrition Throughout the Life Cycle and statistics courses that strengthen their ability to interpret nutrition and health data.

Year 3: Students advance into clinical and applied nutrition through CAS CH 373 – Principles of Biochemistry, SAR HS 384 – Medical Nutrition Therapy 1, and SAR HS 385 – Medical Nutrition Therapy 2. They also study food and nutrition services, public health, nutrition care, and counseling through courses such as SAR HS 310 – Managing Food and Nutrition Services, SAR HS 486 – Applied Nutrition Care, and SAR HS 588 – Applied Nutrition Counseling.

Year 4: Students consolidate their professional and research knowledge through courses such as SAR HS 415 – Undergraduate Nutrition Practicum, SAR HS 467 – Research Methods in Nutrition, and SAR HP 353 – Organization and Delivery of Health Care in the US. They also complete remaining degree and BU Hub requirements, with opportunities to explore ethics, exercise physiology, and public health.

Course schedules may vary. Students should confirm the current curriculum and recommended courses with Boston University’s academic advisors.

Focus Areas

Clinical nutrition, medical nutrition therapy, nutrition counseling, human nutrition science, food science, nutrition throughout the life cycle, nutrition care, food service management, public health, nutrition research, disease prevention, evidence-based dietetics.

Learning Outcomes

Students develop an understanding of nutrient requirements throughout the human life span, the relationship between diet and disease, and the biological processes involved in digestion and metabolism. They learn to assess nutrition-related information, evaluate scientific evidence, understand the needs of diverse populations, and communicate nutrition guidance effectively. The curriculum also builds a foundation in research, nutrition care, and evidence-based approaches to promoting health.

Professional Alignment and Accreditation

Boston University’s Dietetics track includes a Didactic Program in Dietetics (DPD) accredited by the Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics (ACEND). Students who meet the program’s requirements receive a DPD Verification Statement. The undergraduate degree alone does not complete the entire RDN qualification pathway: students must also meet the applicable graduate-degree, supervised-practice, national examination, and state licensure or certification requirements.

Reputation and Employability

Boston University’s Sargent College integrates nutrition science with clinical, community, and research-focused learning. The university reports a 100% pass rate on the national CDR examination within one year of the first attempt among its DPD graduates since 2018, according to its Dietetics track information. This is a credentialing-exam outcome, not an employment rate, and it should not be interpreted as a guarantee of future results.