Bachelor of Science in Nutrition
The Bachelor of Science in Nutrition at the School of Mathematics, Science and Engineering prepares graduates for success in dietetic internships and graduate nutrition programs, or as professionals in many industries who are committed to improving practices, understanding and relationships with food.
Why Nutrition?
As awareness and interest in wellness and the diet’s impact on overall health continues to increase, so does the demand for science-backed and holistic expertise that nutrition professionals provide. Organizations and individuals alike are looking to food and diet as their prescription for good health and a healthy workforce. Healthcare systems integrate nutrition into rehabilitation and treatment programs. Insurance companies promote a healthy diet as part of preventative care. And, education institutions at all levels utilize nutrition professionals to help inform their dining programs and food offerings. What’s more, nutrition professionals lead advancements in food science, production and service – directly impacting consumers. There is hardly an industry that isn’t impacted by the work of nutrition professionals.
Nutrition Curriculum
The B.S. in Nutrition is a comprehensive 127- to 129-hour program. The 23-hour core provides a deep understanding of food and nourishment on the human body at every stage of life, as well as the many applications of nutrition in communities and throughout the world. Nutrition students also complete 39 semester hours in supporting disciplines, including psychology, mathematics, economics and communication, in addition to the sciences. By selecting one of three tracks, students of UIW’s undergraduate Nutrition program can tailor their program to support their future goals in nutrition education, the food industry; to pursue a further training to become a dietetic professional or registered nutritionist dietician; or to continue their education in the health professions.
UIW is composed of individuals of diverse backgrounds engaged in thoughtful interchanges of ideas in the search for truth. This environment is conducive to developing eventual professional dietitians whose practice is ethical and based on evidence. Each member of the UIW community has inherent dignity and worth and possesses strengths. The UIW Nutrition faculty encourage students to develop these strengths as they progress through the program. Students connect learning across the curriculum integrating knowledge from a variety of disciplines to enhance understanding and solve problems. The ecological approach emphasizes interrelationships concerning food and nutrition at the cellular, individual, social, global levels.
Careers in Nutrition
The Bureau of Labor Statistics expects the employment of dietitians to increase by 20 percent from 2010 to 2020, faster than the average growth for all occupations. This is due to an increasing emphasis on disease prevention through improving dietary habits. Graduates of the University of the Incarnate Word Nutrition programs have been primarily placed in positions related to food and nutrition in San Antonio, Texas. The majority of program graduates either obtain placement in a dietetic internship or pursue graduate education after receiving their bachelor's degree.