BS Nutrition and Dietetics

The Simmons BS in Nutrition and Dietetics program is firmly rooted in the ideal that food can be the best medicine and reflects how integrated the field of nutrition is with all other scientific, medical, and biological studies.

The chemistry of food can cause a wide range of reactions to the body’s functions and long-term health. Accordingly, coursework establishes a base in core scientific subjects, such as biology, anatomy and physiology, chemistry, and biochemistry. Nutrition students then move on to more advanced, specialized topics in dietetics, including food science, community nutrition, nutrient metabolism, and food production.

Through the curriculum and hands-on learning, students become confident nutrition professionals capable of advocating for and influencing a healthier public. Explore the full BS in Nutrition & Dietetics curriculum in the Program Requirements section below.

Research, internships, and clinical experience are essential to nutrition students, providing the opportunity to explore interests, build skills, and develop mentor relationships with leaders in the field. Our Nutrition students work alongside practicing Nutrition Professionals reviewing medical records, interviewing and assessing the nutritional status of clients, and advising on healthy diets.

Students in the Nutrition and Dietetics bachelor’s degree program have access to a wealth of resources and external hands-on learning experiences throughout the City of Boston, which is a worldwide leader in health and medicine.

BS in Nutrition students have secured internship placements at the following prominent institutions and organizations:

Students also benefit from hands-on learning experiences in the world-renowned medical centers in the nearby Longwood Medical Area, including Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Boston Children’s Hospital, and Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center.

As the BS in Nutrition and Dietetics degree provides preparation for entry into the dietetics field, students can apply for an accredited supervised practice program upon graduation. This is a crucial first step in becoming a Registered Dietitian. Following the supervised practice program, students can sit for the Registered Dietitian registration exam.

Simmons University continuously has excellent match rates, as our students work closely with faculty to secure supervised practice placements locally and nationwide.

Our Nutrition and Dietetics program is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics (ACEND), 120 South Riverside Plaza, Suite 2190, Chicago, IL, 60606 telephone: (800) 877-1600, ext. 5400.

Effective January 1, 2024, the Commission on Dietetic Registration (CDR) will require a minimum of a master's degree to be eligible to take the credentialing exam to become a registered dietitian nutritionist (RDN). In order to be approved for registration examination eligibility with a bachelor's degree, an individual must meet all eligibility requirements and be submitted into CDR's Registration Eligibility Processing System (REPS) before 12:00 midnight Central Time, December 31, 2023. For more information about this requirement visit CDR's website: https://www.cdrnet.org/graduatedegree. In addition, CDR requires that individuals complete coursework and supervised practice in program(s) accredited by the Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics (ACEND). Graduates who successfully complete the ACEND-accredited DPD program at Simmons University are eligible to apply to an ACEND-accredited supervised practice program/apply to take the CDR credentialing exam to become an RDN.

In most states, graduates also must obtain licensure or certification to practice. For more information about state licensure requirements see https://www.eatrightpro.org/advocacy

For more information about educational pathways to become a RDN, see https://www.eatrightpro.org/acend /students-and-advancing-education/information-for-students.

Applicants must submit the following items to be considered for undergraduate admission:

Learn more about Simmons University’s first-year undergraduate application process, including deadlines and what we look for in an applicant.

Students interested in the BS in Nutrition and Dietetics degree must formally apply for the major during the second semester of their sophomore year. Students will formally declare the Nutrition and Dietetics major if they meet the following academic requirements:

The Bachelor of Science in Nutrition and Dietetics degree at Simmons University prepares students to be advocates for healthy lifestyles through a firm scientific understanding of food and the human body and how the two interact. Interested in learning more? Request information or start your application today!