Program Overview

Nutrition & Dietetics Bachelor's Degree

The Nutrition and Dietetics degree serves as the foundation for the Master of Dietetics Studies (MDS) and is the first step to becoming a registered dietitian. As students work toward earning their BS, they will attend classes and acquire off-site practicum hours consisting of community dietetics, clinical dietetics, and food service management.

Why Pursue a Bachelor's Degree in Nutrition & Dietetics

UT San Antonio's Nutrition and Dietetics degree is a unique program that offers a three-year joint degree, both a Bachelor of Science (BS) in Dietetics and Nutrition and a Master of Dietetic Studies (MDS). The combined degrees offer over 1,000 clock hours of supervised experiences equivalent to an internship. Upon successful completion of the three-year professional program, students will receive a verification statement that certifies their eligibility to take the Commission on Dietetics Registration national examination to become a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RDN/RD).

Program Accreditation

The Coordinated Program in Dietetics is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics (ACEND) of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics. The program is fully accredited through June 30, 2033.

Degree Options

• Joint Bachelor & Master 3-Year Option: The BS in Nutrition and Dietetics offers the initial phase of the professional program, known as the Coordinated Program in Dietetics (CPD). Didactic and introductory supervised experiences are part of the curriculum and serve as a foundation for the Master of Dietetic Studies (MDS).
• Master of Dietetic Students Advanced Standing Option: Students seeking the Master of Dietetic studies -Advanced Standing option must hold a Bachelor in Dietetics or nutrition-related field and a verification statement from an accredited Didactic Program in Dietetics (DPD) or an equivalent baccalaureate degree in nutrition and dietetics from an accredited college or university in the United States or have proof of equivalent training at a foreign institution.

Admission Requirements

When applying to UT San Antonio, students select the major they'd like to study. The choice of major will not impact admission to the University; however, some majors will require additional admission requirements to declare the major as a freshman.

• First-time students cannot declare this major as a new student (freshman or transfer).
• All applicants who meet UT San Antonio's general admission requirements will be admitted into Life and Health Science Studies until all program requirements for the Coordinated Program in Dietetics (CPD) can be met when enrolled at UT San Antonio.
• To gain admission into the Coordinated Program in Dietetics (CPD), students must meet specific criteria, including:
  • Submitting a program application with the Department of Nutrition and Dietetics
  • Completing all support courses and most of the Texas Core requirements
  • Having a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 and being in good standing with the University
  • Completing all prerequisite courses with a grade of "C-" or better
  • Completing NDT 2043 Introduction to Nutritional Sciences with a grade of "B-" or better

Application Pathways for the Coordinated Program in Dietetics

I Am a Freshman Pursuing a Bachelor's Degree

1. Apply to UT San Antonio using ApplyTexas or CommonApp, and select Nutrition and Dietetics as the major.
2. All applicants accepted to UT San Antonio will be admitted into Life and Health Science Studies until all program requirements for the Coordinated Program in Dietetics (CPD) can be met when enrolled at the university.
3. Meet with an advisor during the first two years to ensure all program requirements are being met.
4. By the junior year, or when all pre-requisites and program requirements are met, submit a program application with the Department of Nutrition and Dietetics.

I Am a Transfer Student Pursuing a Bachelor's Degree

1. Apply to UT San Antonio using ApplyTexas or CommonApp, and select Nutrition and Dietetics as the major.
2. All applicants accepted to UT San Antonio will be admitted into Life and Health Science Studies until all program requirements for the Coordinated Program in Dietetics (CPD) can be met when enrolled at the university.
3. Meet with an advisor to ensure all pre-requisite courses and program requirements are being met.
4. Apply to the Dietetics program once all pre-requisite courses and program requirements are met.

I Have a Bachelor's Degree and Want to Pursue a Master of Dietetic Studies (MDS)

1. Apply as an undergraduate transfer student, and select Nutrition and Dietetics as the major.
2. Meet with an advisor to ensure all pre-requisite courses and program requirements are being met.
3. Apply to the Dietetics program once all pre-requisite courses and program requirements are met.

Verification Statement

To receive the verification statement, students must demonstrate core knowledge and entry-level competency in nutrition and dietetics by successfully fulfilling the course and experiential requirements defined by the Coordinated Program in Dietetics.

• Eligibility for the registration examination requires meeting learning outcomes for courses, attaining competencies outlined for supervised practice, graduating with a 3.0 GPA, and earning a Master of Dietetics Studies.
• The verification statement will be presented to the student upon completion of the MDS degree.

Student Success

UT San Antonio is committed to student success, providing experiential learning initiatives, career-engaged learning experiences, and support through the HCAP Student Success Center. The College for Health, Community and Policy offers real-world experiences, research opportunities, and career preparedness to ensure students are ready for the world of work.