Who doesn't love food? Do you have a passion for science, engaging in a healthy lifestyle, and interacting with people? Are you interested in understanding how nutrients and diets impact the human body? If so, then a degree in dietetics could lead to a fulfilling and meaningful career.

As you work toward your Bachelor of Science in Dietetics, you will gain in-depth knowledge of the dietetics field that will prepare you for an endless range of occupations and specializations. By studying dietetics, you will discover the nutrient needs for growth and development, learn how to evaluate patients' nutritional and health needs, and hone the ability to prevent and treat many types of conditions and diseases. You will take classes across multiple academic disciplines to understand the basics of how the body’s systems work together to maintain life. From anatomy, biochemistry, and physiology to advanced courses in nutrition, food science, community health, and more, you will develop skills to effectively assess, develop, and promote healthier lifestyle choices for clients and patients.

Each major program within the Department of Kinesiology and Health Sciences strategically combines theory with practical application centered around professional preparedness. Your studies will introduce you to the concept of vocation and living out your calling through the integration and development of your passions and talents to meet the needs of others. You will also work on developing an innovative professional portfolio and personal code of ethics, and articulating what you believe and how you want to serve. This combination of professional development and practical, experiential learning will equip you to confidently step into the changing world of tomorrow.

The dietetics degree program also prepares you to earn the needed verification to apply to an accredited dietetic internship after graduation — the next step to becoming a registered dietitian. The Department of Kinesiology and Health Sciences will provide guidance and resources to help coach you through the dietetic internship application process.

Verification Statement

International students or students already with a bachelor's degree can also earn a Verification Statement for the Dietetics program. Step-by-step information about how to apply can be found in the PLNU course catalog.

Accreditation

PLNU’s DPD program is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics (ACEND) of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, 120 South Riverside Plaza, Suite 2190, Chicago, IL 60606, (312) 899-5400. ACEND has established Standards of Education which accredited programs must meet and include knowledge, skill and competency requirements.

The Commission on Dietetic Registration will require a minimum of a master’s degree to take the credentialing exam for registered dietitians beginning on January 1, 2024.

View the Dietetics Handbook

State Authorization

In certain states outside California, PLNU is not authorized to enroll students in online courses and/or offer internships. If a student moves to another state after admission to a program or enrollment in an online course, continuation in the program/course will depend on whether PLNU is authorized within that state. Please refer to the State Authorization map to view which states allow online courses and/or internships.

Professional Licensure or Certification

This program is approved by ACEND (Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics) and meets the requirements for national verification and in the state of California, where Point Loma Nazarene University is physically located. For information about PLNU programs and out-of-state educational requirements for professional licensure or certification, please refer to our disclosures page. 

For information about the courses required for the Dietetics, B.S. program, view the PLNU Catalog. 

Course Information

Major Map

This program is approved by the Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics (ACEND), which means the program meets the requirements for graduates preparing for a dietetics credential in the state of California. However, because dietetics registration in California is earned by more than meeting the educational requirements, successful completion of this program by itself does not fulfill all of the requirements to become a registered dietitian.

Dietetics Handbook

Please note: The Department of Kinesiology and Health Sciences will notify students when changes in requirements occur in the ACEND. Although dietetics registration is national, some states will require licensure on top of registration. California does not require licensure of dietitians therefore PLNU cannot confirm whether its program meets credentialing requirements in your state of residence. Upon completion of the program, and should you earn dietetics registration, you will need to fulfill licensure requirements for states other than California. Those states that do require licensure do not transfer the license to other states where you may want to be employed.

Financial Aid Support

Want to build a career out of your love of good food and science? For all the yoga fans, vitamin-takers, and those who love a healthy lifestyle, did you know you can build a career out of your passions? Dietetics is the science and research behind health and wellness. And with a degree in dietetics, you can help others be their best selves through researching and planning the best treatment and lifestyle practices.

What can you do with a dietetics degree?

Many graduates of the dietetics program have gone on to make a difference in people’s lives by creating programs and implementing care through health plans and products. Many work in renowned hospitals such as Scripps Health and Kaiser Permanente, others have gone on to teach and conduct research at universities such as Baylor University and California State University Long Beach (CSULB). 

Some of the positions our graduates currently hold include: