Human Nutrition and Dietetics Concentration
Bachelor of Science Degree in Food Science and Human Nutrition
The study of human nutrition and dietetics emphasizes the effect of nutrients on people’s health and the role of diet in the prevention or treatment of chronic diseases. Nutrition is a diverse, rewarding, and growing field that requires a strong background in science and what, how, and why people eat.
Program Learning Outcomes
By the completion of this program students will be able to:
- Describe essential knowledge for integration of scientific information and translation of research into evidence-based professional nutrition practice.
- Become proficient in the development and delivery of nutrition information, products, and services to individuals, groups, and populations.
- Use strategic application of principles of management and systems in providing nutrition-related services to individuals and organizations.
- Demonstrate critical thinking and problem-solving skills for applying nutrition knowledge to improve health and wellness.
- Develop professional practice skills and attributes for careers as dietitian nutritionists and plan for multiple pathways for nutrition-related health and wellness careers.
All students in the Human Nutrition and Dietetics concentration are in the Didactic Program in Nutrition and Dietetics (DPD). We are accredited by ACEND – the Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics. (120 South Riverside Plaza, Suite 2190, Chicago, IL 60606-6995, (800) 877-1600, ext. 5400. www.eatright.org/ACEND )
This provides students with a pathway for eligibility for credentialing as a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RDN) or Nutrition and Dietary Technician, Registered (NDTR).
The DPD program handbook contains more information and resources related to the DPD program.
There are many diverse employment options for our graduates. Employment opportunities exist in wellness and community programs; hospital dietetics; private practice; home health care; government; foodservice; food industry; health-oriented organizations and more. According to the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, the median annual salary for Registered Dietitians employed for at least one year is $65,000 and for Dietary Technicians, Registered is $45,000, depending upon geographic location. The future outlook for employment in nutrition is promising, as awareness of the role of nutrition in disease prevention and optimal health continues to grow. Some career opportunities include:
- Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RDN) and Nutrition and Dietetics, Technician, Registered (NDTR)
- Clinical dietitians in a healthcare setting
- Nutrition counselors and educators
- Public health nutritionists
- Foodservice administrators
- Nutrition consultants and entrepreneurs
- Sports dietitians
- Nutrition informatics
- Nutrition communication
- Explore a Career in Dietetics
Outstanding students are eligible for the Kappa Omicron Nu and Phi Tau Sigma honor societies.
Competitive scholarships are available within the School of Agriculture, the College of Life Sciences, Forestry and Agriculture, and through the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, the Maine Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, and the Maine Nutrition Council.
Human Nutrition and Dietetics Suggested Plan of Study
The majority of classes within this program are held as live, in-person courses on campus. A small number of required classes are offered online and occasionally as remote/synchronous classes. Access to a computer and to the internet is important for academic success as many assignments and learning resources are shared through learning management software.
The Suggested Plan of Study can be found here. Students are held to the degree requirements of their year of admission to the program. The capstone experience for the Human Nutrition and Dietetics curriculum is FSN 401 Community Nutrition. The goal of a capstone is to pull together many aspects of undergraduate training in nutrition into an experience typical of a practicing professional. FSN 401 meets this goal by providing students with experience in community nutrition through planning, implementing, and evaluating a nutrition education program.
The course requirements for the Human Nutrition and Dietetics concentration can be combined with the courses within the Minor in Pre-Medical Studies to meet the entrance requirements of professional schools and colleges offering post-baccalaureate programs in the health professions.
Students may choose other minors based on their interests, or take electives in exercise science, business administration, psychology, sustainable food systems, or other areas in preparation for future careers. Students may be involved in research or teaching by taking credits for special projects, or through work-study and/or work-merit positions. The Nutrition Club sponsors guest speakers and community nutrition education projects.
Transfer students from other institutions should consult the Undergraduate Program Coordinator (below) prior to applying for a consultation about how previous coursework would match the degree requirements. Students who wish to transfer to the concentration in Human Nutrition and Dietetics from another major at the University of Maine must have a grade point average of at least 2.5, and contact the Undergraduate Program Coordinator to initiate the transfer process.
Inquiries:
Eileen Molloy MS, RDN, LD
Food Science and Human Nutrition
Undergraduate Coordinator
Director of the Didactic Program in Dietetics
111 Hitchner Hall
(207) 581-3121
UM Nutrition and Dietetics