B.S. in Human Nutrition - Allied Health Emphasis

Nutritionists help people get on the right track to be fit and feel their best at every stage of life. Student in the Southern Utah University Nutrition program choose between the pre-dietetic track and the allied health track depending on their specific career goals. Although many jobs in the Nutrition field require completion of graduate school, there are entry-level positions in the Nutrition field available to those holding a Bachelor of Science degree. The SUU Nutrition program is highly experiential and students have many opportunities to use skills learned in the classroom in the real world. The SUU degree program at Cedar City is the only program of its kind in Utah that has a nutrition assessment laboratory associated with its nutrition assessment course. Students take measurements of body fat, calorie intake, and other such calculations to devise nutrition and exercise plans tailored to individuals’ specific needs. All through the four-year program, SUU Nutrition professors are deeply invested in their students’ success and advise them on career plans, mentor them, and support them in their passion to enter this growing career field. Students in the Nutrition program have opportunities to undertake research with their professors and to complete practicums with organizations such as Intermountain Health Care (IHC), Iron County School District, the Foundation for Children and Youth with Diabetes Camp, and other such partners. In addition, there are service learning opportunities where students can put their skills to use as a volunteer in homeless shelters, food pantries, and other human service organizations. By graduation day, students are well prepared to take the next step in their Nutrition career, be that graduate school or an entry-level position in the field. Nutrition Studies: Every professor in the Southern Utah University Nutrition program is a registered dietician. Students learn from thought leaders who are active in the Nutrition field. Nutrition students have opportunities to plan and implement expansive Nutrition projects in the local Cedar City and regional Southern Utah area. SUU is the only college in Utah with a nutrition assessment lab associated with its nutrition assessment classes, evidence of the program’s commitment to experiential learning. Career Opportunities for Nutrition: Although positions such as registered dietitians, certified diabetes educators, private practice dietitians, and any professional in the allied health field, such as physicians, dentists, physical therapists, and pharmacists need advanced education beyond the bachelor’s degree, there are many entry-level positions open to those with an undergraduate degree. Entry-level positions that may be available to those holding a Bachelor of Science degree in Nutrition include: Health educator Dietary aide Fitness center director Nutrition researcher Marketer for food/pharmaceutical company Media spokesperson Extension service representative Nutrition Courses You May Take Scientific Foundations of Human Nutrition – Explore the relationship of food consumption to health. Nutrition and Diet Therapy – Examine the impact of diet changes and nutritional therapy on health. Nutrition Assessment – Get acquainted with the science and profession of dietetics and individual nutrition assessment.