Dietetics BS
- Major
- BS
- In-Person
- Online
- Greeley
- Online
4 Years
Program Overview
Turn your passion for food and health into a rewarding career with UNC’s Dietetics BS. This ACEND accredited program prepares you for the first step toward becoming a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RDN) through a strong foundation in science, hands-on learning and close faculty mentorship.
At UNC, you’ll benefit from small classes and personalized advising, starting with a dedicated faculty mentor your first year. Our program integrates biochemistry, physiology and behavioral science with practical skills in communication, counseling and management, ensuring you’re prepared for both the science and the people side of nutrition.
As the only university in Colorado offering both on-campus and online dietetics bachelor’s degrees, UNC provides flexible pathways to match your goals. You’ll also gain real-world experience through community engagement and applied learning in hospitals, schools and other health settings. With an above-average placement rate into postgraduate internships, our graduates are ready to succeed in a growing field where demand is rising nationwide.
The Dietetic BS is accredited as a Didactic Program in Dietetics (DPD) by the Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics (ACEND). Completion of UNC’s DPD is , which also requires a supervised practice program, a graduate degree ,passing the national registration exam, and meeting requirements to practice in your state.
The Dietetic BS requires at UNC requires 120 credits, including:
- Liberal Arts Curriculum (31 credits):
General education courses in writing, math, arts and humanities, social and behavioral sciences and natural sciences. Recommended courses such as PSY 120, STAT 150, SCI 291, BIO 110, CHEM 111 and FND 250 fulfill both Liberal Arts and major requirements. - Required Major Courses (75 credits):
Core courses in biology, chemistry and nutrition including Medical Nutrition Intervention, Advanced Nutrition, Community Nutrition and Foodservice Systems Management. You’ll also take professional development seminars and gain applied lab and field experience in nutrition assessment, foodservice and education strategies. - University-Wide Credits (14–30 credits):
Additional coursework to reach the 120-credit graduation requirement. Students who apply the recommended Liberal Arts courses toward major requirements will have more electives available to customize their degree.
The Dietetic BS is accredited as a Didactic Program in Dietetics (DPD) by the Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics (ACEND). Completion of UNC’s DPD is the first step toward becoming a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RDN), which also requires a supervised practice program, a graduate degree and passing the national registration exam.
Students work closely with an advisor each semester to plan coursework and ensure all requirements are met. View full degree requirements in the academic catalog button below.
This plan is a recommended schedule to complete this bachelor’s degree in 4 years. Courses are subject to availability. Students must consult with their major advisor to receive information on any additional graduation requirements and course sequence guidance.
Why UNC for Dietetics?
Beyond the Classroom
Gain hands-on academic and professional experience in one of KiND’s unique and world-renowned research institutes.
Accredited & Respected
The Dietetic BS is accredited as a Didactic Program in Dietetics (DPD) by ACEND, the first step toward becoming a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist. Employers know our graduates bring strong science knowledge, practical skills and a commitment to improving health.
Proven Success
UNC Dietetic BS students are well-prepared for the profession with above-average internship placement. You’ll graduate ready to launch a career in one of the fastest-growing health fields. Program data are available upon request.
On Campus or Online — Your Path to Becoming an RDN
Main Campus
Immerse yourself in the full college experience at UNC’s Greeley campus. Learn in small, in-person classes with dedicated faculty, build connections through the Student Nutrition and Dietetics Association and gain practical training in local hospitals, schools and community organizations.
100% Online
Designed for working adults and nontraditional learners, the Distance Dietetics Program (DDP) brings UNC’s accredited curriculum to you. Complete core dietetics courses online with UNC faculty while taking additional credits at an accredited university near you. You’ll move through the program in a supportive cohort, building community and receiving full guidance every step of the way.
Alumni
Fueling the Troops
Learning from peer-reviewed articles, my professors here and the dietitians that were part of my unit, I think those three things really helped shape me into becoming a better soldier to help people with nutrition and learn more about nutrition.
Katie Wright
B.S., Dietetics
U.S. Army Cadet
Accreditation
The Didactic Program in Dietetics (DPD) at the University of Northern Colorado is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition & Dietetics (ACEND) through 2030 and adheres to the knowledge, skills, and competencies described by the Academy of Nutrition & Dietetics.
Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition & Dietetics (ACEND)
120 South Riverside Plaza, Suite 2190
Chicago, IL 60606-6995
800-877-1600, ext. 5400
www.eatrightpro.org/acend
Have Questions? We’re Here to Help!
Kinesiology, Nutrition & Dietetics
Undergraduate and graduate programs in exercise science, physical education, athletic training, coaching, nutrition, dietetics and related disciplines.
- kind@unco.edu
- (970)351-2535
- Gunter 2590
Entry Level Requirements Update
Beginning January 1, 2024
The Commission on Dietetic Registration (CDR) has changed the degree requirement for dietitian registration eligibility from a Bachelor’s degree to a Master’s degree (in any field) in addition to the current requirement of a verification statement from an ACEND accredited dietetics program. More information: