The Commonwealth University – Mansfield dietetics concentration is currently accredited by the Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics (ACEND) (Formerly the Commission on Accreditation for Dietetics Education of the American Dietetic Association). The last self-study was completed in 2016 and was successfully approved for the maximum 7-year term for accreditation. The program is fully accredited through 12/31/2025.
Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics (ACEND)
120 South Riverside Dr., Plaza Suite 2000 Chicago, IL 60606
(312)-899-0040 Ext. 5400
Email: acend@eatright.org.
This program includes specialized courses in life cycle nutrition, community nutrition, advanced nutrition, medical nutrition therapy, nutrition education and counseling, food science, food service, chemistry, and biology.
Graduates of this program have two options:
- to obtain an Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics accredited internship in order to become a Registered Dietitian or
- to obtain an entry level job in the fields of nutrition or food service management.
Career opportunities in this growing field include jobs as sports nutritionists in schools or fitness facilities; food and nutrition experts for food manufacturers or grocery store chains; food service directors in institutional and commercial settings; clinical dietitians in hospitals and long term care facilities; private practice dietitians; dietitians in wellness and weight management programs; community dietitians for community programs such as the Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) program; and employment in a variety of other public and private organizations.
Nutrition and dietetics students are subject to all University academic requirements. The following academic requirements apply only to those continuing in the Nutrition and Dietetics Program.
- Courses required for the B.S. in Nutrition: Dietetics concentration may not be taken Pass/Fail.
- Nutrition and Dietetics courses may be repeated once.
- Requirements for the B.S. in Nutrition: Dietetics concentration must be completed in 7 years or the student may need to repeat certain courses.
The following academic standards stated must also be met to receive a Verification Statement. This statement is required for an Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics (ACEND) dietetic internship or supervised practice program. It may be required by Future Education Graduate Programs and Coordinated Programs in Dietetics, state licensure, and in some states for certification. It may also be required by potential employers.
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- Students must meet all DPD course KRDN learning outcomes benchmarks with a grade of 70% or higher. Failure to achieve a 70% or better will require remediation (See Remediation Policy for further details).
- Students must earn a minimum GPA of 2.7 upon graduation.
- A grade of “C” or above is required in all nutrition and dietetics (NTR) courses or the course must be repeated.
- Student must earn their bachelor's degree in nutrition with a concentration in Dietetics.
Additional information about Verification Statements is available on the ACEND website at https://www.eatrightpro.org/acend/program-directors/program-directors-faqs/faqs-about-verification-statements.
Students must meet all clinical agency health requirements. These may include background checks, specific immunizations, urine drug testing, and a respirator fit test. Students will be expected to cover the costs of background checks, immunizations, urine drug testing, and respirator fit test.
DEGREE REQUIREMENTS: Nutrition
CORE COURSES:
NUTR 200 Introduction to Nutrition 3 Credits NUTR 205 Principles of Food Science 4 Credits NUTR 310 Nutritional Assessment and Medical Terminology 3 Credits NUTR 315 Life Cycle Nutrition 3 Credits NUTR 320 Community Nutrition 3 Credits NUTR 325 Nutrition Counseling and Education 3 Credits NUTR 415 Advanced Nutrition 3 Credits NUTR 420 Nutrition Research Semina 3 Credits Total Credits 25 Credits
Nutrition: Dietetics (B.S.): 120 s.h.
The Dietetics Concentration is for students who wish to become registered dietitians and seek a varied background in nutrition.
Required Course
NUTR 300 Cultural Nutrition 3 Credits NUTR 335 Nutrition Organization and Management 3 Credits NUTR 400 Medical Nutrition Therapy I 3 Credits NUTR 405 Medical Nutrition Therapy II 3 Credits NUTR 410 Quantity of Food Production 3 Credits NUTR XXXX Choice 3 Credits HLSC 115/BIOL 180 Anatomy and Physiology I 4 Credits HLSC 120/BIOL 181 Anatomy and Physiology II 4 Credits BIOL 235 Allied Health Microbiology 4 Credits CHEM 116 Physiological Chemistry I: General Chemistry 4 Credits CHEM 117 Physiological Chemistry II: Organic and Biological 4 Credits CHEM 251 Nutritional Biochemistry 4 Credits STAT 141 Introduction to Statistics 3 Credits ACC 221 Principles of Accounting I 3 Credits Total Credits 48 credits Total Semester Hours for the major (Core plus Concentration): 73 credits
Distance education components for multimodal classes, via Zoom include access to an electronic device (laptop, computer, notepad/IPad, or phone), camera, speakers, and microphone. In addition to accessing Zoom, an electronic device that is capable of logging into an account and/or running software will be needed to access the Learning Management System – CU Brightspace, or any other software/web-based program. When logging into Learning Management System – CU Brightspace, or any other software/web-based program, you will need to use your university email and password. You may need to show your student identification card for online exams/quizzes. All students’ private information will be protected under the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act of 1974 (FERPA).