COURSE CURRICULUM

The Bachelor of Science in Nutrition and Dietetics at The University of Southern Mississippi is a comprehensive 120-credit-hour program designed to prepare students for professional careers in nutrition, dietetics, food systems, and healthcare. The program focuses on developing the scientific knowledge, clinical skills, communication abilities, and management experience needed to become a successful dietetics professional and eventually qualify as a registered dietitian nutritionist (RDN). Students study a strong foundation of general education subjects including English composition, humanities, social sciences, mathematics, biology, anatomy and physiology, chemistry, microbiology, and psychology before progressing into advanced nutrition coursework. Major courses include nutritional assessment, lifecycle nutrition, food preparation, food production management, diet and disease, macronutrient and micronutrient metabolism, medical nutrition therapy, experimental foods, nutrition counseling, communication techniques in nutrition, and community nutrition. The curriculum also includes laboratory experiences, management training, research exposure, and capstone coursework that help students apply classroom learning to real-world healthcare and food service environments. Additional required subjects such as accounting, management, medical terminology, organic chemistry, biochemistry, and statistics strengthen students’ scientific and professional preparation. The didactic program in dietetics is specifically structured to prepare graduates for entry into accredited supervised practice programs or dietetic internships, which are required steps toward earning the RDN credential and taking the national Registration Examination for Dietitians. Graduates may pursue careers in hospitals, public health agencies, nursing homes, wellness centers, food industries, schools, universities, military services, community nutrition organizations, and private practice. The program combines healthcare science, nutrition education, and leadership training, making it an excellent choice for students interested in health, wellness, disease prevention, and improving the quality of life of individuals and communities through nutrition and dietetics.