Nutrition and Foods (BS) - Dietetics

About

Dietitians and nutritionists are experts in food and nutrition. Appalachian State University’s Nutrition and Foods (BS) - Dietetics degree prepares entry-level professionals to serve as competent experts in translating the science of food and nutrition to the enhancement of the health and well-being of individuals and groups and to the development of food consumer products and services for the public.

The dietetics concentration meets the requirements to prepare students for entrance into a Dietetic Internship, which is a major step toward becoming a Registered Dietitian.

The U.S. Department of Labor Bureau of Labor Statistics projects employment in this career field to grow 15% by 2026, faster than average for all occupations.

According to the Commission on Dietetic Registration (CDR), as of January 1, 2024, to sit for the Registered Dietitian credentialing exam one will have to have completed a Dietetic Internship and hold a Master’s degree. While there are a variety of programs available across the country, Appalachian offers a convenient combined Masters/Dietetic Internship program.

After Graduation

Employment: Most students will pursue their Registered Dietitian license and go to work in hospitals, private medical practices or health departments. Some may choose to specialize in particular medical issues, such as cancer or diabetes, and align themselves with clinics focused on those areas.

Students not choosing to pursue the Registered Dietitian credential find work in public health, such as WIC or SNAP programs, or in community organizations such as the YMCA. The Dietetic Technician Registered (DTR) is a credential that all graduates are eligible to obtain and may be of interest for these areas of practice. Appalachian dietetics graduates have also worked for many third-party companies that provide nutrition and dietetics services to hospital systems, such as Morrison or Sodexo. Many students have also been interested in sustainability and whole foods, which has led to employment with local food cooperatives and sustainable “farm to table” organizations.

Graduate School: Graduates with this major may choose to pursue advanced study to become a registered dietitian or obtain a graduate degree in business or hospitality management. Many undergraduates also pursue master’s degrees in related fields, such as public health, nursing or physician assistant programs. Appalachian offers a master’s degree in Nutrition.

Career Exploration website

Professional Licensure

This is a program that can lead to licensure or certification in North Carolina. Appalachian State University cannot confirm whether this program will meet the requirements for professional licensure in other states or territories.

If this applies to you, check the Professional Licensure webpage for information on licensure requirements and licensing agencies in other states. Or, you may address questions to State Authorization at App State at stateauthorization@cjpk.net or 828-262-7559.

People

Student Profile: Kali Cannon

“I feel as though every experience I have had at App State has prepared me for the next steps, which is to attend graduate school at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill’s School of Global Public Health.”
– Kali Cannon ’21, nutrition and foods major with a concentration in dietetics
Faculty Profile: Dr. Melissa Gutschall
“I love it when I see a student’s eyes light up about something I’ve taught that they can realistically change to improve their diet and health.”

– Dr. Melissa Gutschall

Meet more faculty
Alumna Profile: Monica Smith '94

Chef Monica Smith has appeared in national cooking competitions and cooked for celebrities, yet she remembers well the university labs where she had so much fun learning.

Courses

Program of Study
Four Year Guide

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NCCC Transfer Four Year Guide

Related Programs

Minors

A minor is not required.

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Engagement Outside the Classroom

Appalachian Student Dietetics Association (ASDA) - an active professional and academic organization that focuses on promoting nutrition and health within the community and on campus.

Global Learning

Appalachian is committed to introducing students to different cultures and teaching them how to live and interact in a global society.

Admission Requirements

A 2.8 cumulative GPA is required for declaration and retention. A 2.5 cumulative GPA and 2.0 major GPA is required for graduation.

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Costs and Aid

Why Appalachian?

Since the beginning of the dietetics program at Appalachian, the emphasis has been on general dietetics in order to meet the needs of the region.
Appalachian’s program requires a 200 hour undergraduate internship, depending on plan of study, in dietetics before graduation.
The average match rate for students wishing to pursue a Dietetic Internship in 2018 was 79% (well above the national average). The first-time pass rate for the Registered Dietitian exam is 92% for Appalachian graduates.
The program is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics of The Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics.
Alumni support the program by providing training opportunities for students in the undergraduate internship and serving as guest speakers on campus. In fact, nearly every Registered Dietitian in the local district has a relationship or connection with the Nutrition and Foods program at Appalachian.
This program is housed in the Department of Nutrition and Health Care Management.

Location

Boone and Hickory

Contacts

Beaver College of Health Sciences

Department of Nutrition and Health Care Management

Melissa Bryan
Program Director
bryanmm@cjpk.net
828-262-8619

Department of Nutrition and Health Care Management
The Department of Nutrition and Health Care Management in Appalachian State University’s Beaver College of Health Sciences provides graduate and undergraduate programs. The undergraduate health care management program prepares students for entry-level management positions, while the online Master of Health Administration degree is designed for working professionals who desire to advance their careers. The undergraduate nutrition and foods program prepares students for careers in dietetics or food systems management in a variety of settings, including schools, hospitals, nursing homes and food banks. The highly competitive master’s degree in nutrition provides a pathway for students to become registered dietitians. Learn more at http://nhm.cjpk.net.

Beaver College of Health Sciences
The Beaver College of Health Sciences opened in 2010 as the result of an Appalachian commitment to significantly enhance the health and quality of life for individuals, families and communities in North Carolina and beyond.

Exciting, Growing Career Fields
- Nearly all undergraduate and graduate programs are in fields recognized as growing “faster than average for all occupations” by the U.S. Department of Labor Bureau of Labor Statistics
- Currently over 3,700 students pursue degrees in 16 undergraduate and graduate programs
- Students who graduate are successfully prepared for a variety of general and advanced careers in health care
Real-World Training and Experience
- Programs emphasize coursework, research and clinical outreach with a dedication to cultivating life-long learners and practical skills for the field
- Internships, field experiences and clinical placements in real-world settings in the community and surrounding areas ensure students are prepared to meet existing and future health-related workforce needs, particularly in rural areas
- Interprofessional and collaborative research between students and faculty gives students unparalleled experience in working together with other health and wellness professionals
- Research opportunities alongside over 150 nationally and internationally trained faculty mean students have opportunities to contribute to finding innovative solutions to regional and national problems in their field
Advanced Laboratories and Facilities
- Over 20 laboratories and additional locations for simulated research and applied laboratory training experience
- Partnerships and opportunities with the Wake Forest Physician Assistant Program
- The new Leon Levine Hall of Health Sciences that opened in the fall 2018 with innovative classrooms and state-of-the-art labs
- Continued main campus connection through the Holmes Convocation Center, which houses the RMPE Department and the Advising Satellite Office