Nutrition and Wellness (BS)
The requirements for the Nutrition and Wellness major are shown below. Please note, this major does not fulfill the DPD requirements for becoming a Registered Dietitian.
The Nutrition and Wellness major within the Department of Nutrition will lead the student to a Bachelor of Science degree in Nutrition and Wellness. This major draws across disciplines with courses predominantly from the Nutrition Department but also from the departments of: biology, chemistry, communication, and management.
Students will gain an appreciation for communicating sound information to targeted populations and communities to encourage individuals to make healthy decisions. The curriculum prepares students to: 1) provide nutrition education in a variety of settings for health promotion and disease prevention, 2) use advanced skills in nutrition counseling to facilitate behavior change, 3) create and evaluate a nutrition intervention for the purpose of health promotion in community settings, 4) be critical consumers of health information.
The Nutrition, and Wellness track is for the student who is interested in communicating nutrition information through social media, is interested in exercise as part of a holistic approach, and has an entrepreneurial spirit.
In addition to the core courses listed above for the Nutrition and Wellness major, the following courses are also required for this major. This major includes a total of 70 credits of required courses This does not include all electives and PLAN requirements.
Program Requirements
Science/Math Requirements
Nutrition Requirements
Required Communication/Management Core Courses
Three 100- level course in Communications and Business. At least one in each department.
One 200- level course in either Communications or Business.
Electives
Consult with your adviser to choose electives in psychology and/sociology or possible other courses that fit with your career goals.
Capstone Course(s) or Independent Learning for Nutrition and Wellness Majors
For those students entering as freshman in fall 2015 or later, there is a Capstone course requirement under the PLAN. This requirement is met by taking Advanced Applications in Community Nutrition (NUTR 381) and Selected Topics in Nutrition (NUTR 390). For those entering as a freshman prior to the fall 2015, there is an 8-credit all-University of independent learning; four semester hours must be fulfilled by enrolling in Advanced Applications in Community Nutrition (NUTR 381) and the remaining four semester hours are met by NUTR 390.
Certificate of Didactic Program in Dietetics (DPD)
The Didactic Program in Dietetics (DPD) fulfills one of the requirements for becoming a registered dietitian. The courses required for this program can be completed within the context of the Simmons University curriculum either as a part of a bachelor’s degree or in addition to an already completed bachelor’s degree through the DPD Certificate. For those who already have a baccalaureate please see the graduate catalogue for information on this option for completing the academic requirements towards becoming a registered dietitian.