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Dietetics



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Major Related
Resources

Department of
Applied Health Science

HPER 116
Phone: 812-855-3627

Career Related
Resources

AHS Placement
and Career Services

[Click on Career Development
under Student Life]
309 North Woodlawn Avenue
Phone: 812-855-2462

IUB Libraries Career Resources
Healthcare Careers
10th Street & Jordan Avenue
Phone: 812-855-0100



Description of Major

Students in the Didactic Program in Dietetics learn and apply principles of nutrition, medical nutrition therapy, food science, food management, and counseling to health promotion and disease prevention and treatment in clinical and community settings. The program, approved by the American Dietetic Association (ADA), fulfills educational competencies for students pursuing the Registered Dietetian (R.D.) professional credential.

Skills & Knowledge Developed in this Field of Study

Knowledge of food and its use in the body; ability to interpret and apply scientific and educational research to lifestyle choices; ability to apply knowledge to effective education of the public; skills in counseling, management, teamwork, and grant writing; skills in food preparation and meal planning.

Minors and Second Majors that Expand Career Options with this Major

Biology, chemistry, exercise science, psychology.

Career Options

Careers Specific to the Bachelor's Degree

Dietetics majors with a B.S. degree can work in public health agencies, the Cooperative Extension Service, and food service institutions as educators and food safety experts. Registered Dietitians (RDs) can also work in hospitals, extended care facilities, clinics, private practice, home health care, health clubs, industry, schools, and foodservice institutions. Many RDs eventually become private consultants.

Other Career Possibilities with a Bachelor's Degree

Food service manager, health educator, curriculum developer, author/editor.

Careers that Normally Require a Graduate Degree

With advanced degrees one can enter research careers and higher education.

Employment Opportunities

Job Outlook

With the changes in health care, the number of positions in hospitals will grow slowly. However, positions in public health, extended care, food service, social service agencies, and physicians' offices will increase.

Salary Information

The salary for graduates typically starts in the range of $30,000-$32,000.

Potential Career Growth

Excellent! Dietetics graduates can move to management or nutrition care specialist through work experience and focus of efforts. Graduate education provides opportunities in research, teaching, and administration.

Placement Statistics for IU Graduates with this Major

Ninety-seven percent of graduates pass the National Registered Dietitian (R.D.) Exam on their first try. All of graduates find employment within six months after completing their internship.

High School Preparation

In addition to meeting basic admission standards of the university, we recommend additional courses in chemistry, biology, math, home economics, and health.

Special Opportunities

IU’s School of Health, Physical Education, and Recreation (HPER) is internationally recognized as a leader in human development, public health, nutrition, sport management, physical education teacher preparation, exercise science, athletic training, therapeutic recreation, and outdoor resource management. HPER’s three accredited departments all offer innovative and highly respected programs of study. Few institutions can compete with HPER’s educational, athletic, and professional service facilities. The Student Recreational Sports Center offers Olympic_size swimming and diving pools, an elevated indoor jogging track, three multipurpose gyms, and racquetball and squash courts. The extensive strength and conditioning rooms are staffed with consultants who orient students to the equipment and provide fitness tips and guidance. Other facilities include research laboratories, a library, seminar rooms, gardens, outdoor centers, sports fields, an 18_hole golf course, a driving range, and tennis courts. Undergraduate students in HPER have the opportunity to be involved in advanced research, which may be funded via a competitive research grant administered by the HPER Research Council. A new food research laboratory is also available. The IU Dietetics and Nutrition Club provides students with an opportunity to meet other students with similar educational interests. The club provides an informal setting where students can discuss their programs of study and career or internship plans. Activities include National Nutrition Month, community nutrition education projects, the annual Health Fair sponsored by the Student Health Center, and writing newsletters.

Noted Alumni

Not Available
Majors and Careers Series Spring 2000

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Comments: explore@indiana.edu
Created by Brian Smith, Dawn Bourbina, Ben Tesnar, and Stephen Grogg
Copyright 2000, The Trustees of Indiana University