COURSE CURRICULUM

The Foods and Nutrition – Dietetics track at Northwest Missouri State University is a comprehensive Bachelor of Science program designed to prepare students for careers in nutrition and dietetics, including the path to becoming a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RDN). The program combines foundational coursework in chemistry, biology, statistics, and psychology with specialized nutrition courses, food science, and dietetics. In the first year, students take University Seminar, General Chemistry and Lab, Composition I, Statistics, and Nutrition and Diet Behavior, establishing the essential groundwork for advanced studies. The second year includes Oral Communication, Composition II, Fine Arts, General Biology and Lab, and Accounting, while third-year courses focus on Food Science, Organic Chemistry and Lab, Digital Literacy, and General Psychology.In the fourth year, students advance into Food Service Management, Physiology for Allied Health, Introduction to Dietetics, General Statistics, and Community Nutrition, building practical and applied skills. The fifth and sixth terms incorporate Biomedical Ethics, Microbiology, Lifespan Nutrition, Macronutrients, Biochemistry and Lab, Principles of Management, and Medical Terminology, preparing students for clinical and professional applications. The program emphasizes milestone courses at key points to ensure students remain on track to graduate in four years.The final year includes a summer practicum in Dietetics and senior-level coursework such as Senior Seminar in Dietetics, Medical Nutrition Therapy I and II, Quantity Food Preparation and Lab, Micronutrients, Medical Nutrition Counseling, Anatomy Allied Health, and Intercultural Communication. This combination of classroom instruction, laboratory experience, and practicum opportunities equips students with the knowledge, clinical skills, and practical experience needed for careers in dietetics, food service management, and healthcare. Through this program, students gain proficiency in nutrition assessment, counseling, and medical nutrition therapy, preparing them for RDN certification and professional success in diverse healthcare and wellness settings.