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The integration, application and communication of principles derived from food, nutrition, social, business and basic sciences, to achieve and maintain optimal nutrition status of individuals through the development, provision and management of effective food and nutrition services in a variety of settings. - Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics.
The field of nutrition is one of the most dynamic and diverse professions. Thus, career opportunities are quite varied. For example, a solid background in the science of nutrition and dietetics helps prepare you to:
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) Occupational Handbook, the number of jobs for Registered Dietitians from 2014-2024 is expected to grow at a rate of 16% nationally, much faster than average. The Chicago-Naperville-Arlington Heights Metropolitan Division has the 3rd highest employment level, as compared to other metropolitan divisions across the country. In addition, The BLS predicts that the number of jobs for Dietetic Technicians from 2014-2024 is expected to grow at a rate of 13% nationally, much faster than average. Illinois has the 3rd highest level of employment and 3rd highest concentration of Dietetic Technicians, with the Chicago-Naperville-Arlington Heights Metropolitan Division having the highest (1st) level of employment as compared to other metropolitan divisions.
I would describe the BenU Nutrition Program as intellectually rich. I joined the program because it's one of the strongest Nutrition Programs in the state of Illinois, so I knew it would provide me with the best education to help me become a RDN, and to begin my career and start making difference in people's lives.
Hristina Tasevski, current student
The Mission of the undergraduate Nutrition and Dietetics Major (Didactic Program in Nutrition and Dietetics, DPD) is to provide quality learning experiences to successfully prepare graduates for supervised practice leading to eligibility for the credentialing exam to become a registered dietitian nutritionist. The program provides learners with a comprehensive knowledge and applications of the interrelationships of food, nutrition, and health for disease prevention and medical nutrition therapy intervention.
Upon completion of the Nutrition and Dietetics major, the student will successfully:
1. Demonstrate knowledge, application and integration of principles of health promotion and disease prevention with normal nutrition, medical nutrition therapy and public health nutrition for varied populations.
2. Demonstrate behaviors for professional practice, including:
Effective and professional communication skills.
Application of education and behavior change principles.
Effective counseling methods.
Applied knowledge of ethical principles.
3. Apply principles of food science and techniques of food preparation and modification.
4. Apply principles of food systems.
5. Demonstrate knowledge and strategic application of principles of management theories and systems.
6. Demonstrate use of scientific information and research for evidence-based practice.
7. Develop teamwork, cultural competence, problem-solving and critical-thinking skills
Although not required, students have the opportunity to earn a minor in addition to the major in Nutrition. For example, if you completed the General Chemistry sequence (in lieu of, or in addition to, the introductory chemistry course), you should discuss the option of a biology minor with your academic advisor.
Fall Term (Freshman)
WRIT 101 Writing Colloquium (3)
SPCH 110 Basic Speech (3)
MATH Basic Math Skills (3)
CHEM 101, 102 Intro to Chemistry and Lab (4)
BIOL 197 Principles of Organismal Biology (3)
Spring Term (Freshman)
WRIT 102 Research Writing (3)
NUTR 241 Nutrition Through the Life Cycle (3)
NUTR 242 Intro to Professions (1)
CHEM 103, 104 Intro. Organic and Bchm, Lab (4)
BIOL 198 Principles of Biology (3)
BIOL 199 Principles of Biology Lab (1)
Fall Term (Sophomore)
NUTR 244 Food Science (3)
NUTR 245 Food Science Lab (1)
NUTR 271 Health Education (3)
PSYC 100 Intro to Psychology (3)
BIOL 258 Physiology (4)
Spring Term (Sophomore)
NUTR 150 Sanitation (1)
NUTR 298 Cultural Foods Lab (2)
NUTR 315 Nutritional Biochemistry (3)
PSYC 250 or BIOL 229 Statistics (3)
MGT 300 Management (3)
IDS Catholic & Benedictine Intellectual Trad (3)
Fall term (Junior)
NUTR 250 Food Service Operations (3)
NUTR 371 Medical Nutrition I (4)
NUTR 373 Advanced Menu Planning (1)
BIOL 203 Anatomy (4)
PHIL Ethics (3)
Spring Term (Junior)
NUTR 246 Experimental Foods Lab (1)
NUTR 350 Food and Nutr Services Mgt (2)
NUTR 374 Medical Nutrition II (3)
Political/Global/Economic (QPE) (3)
Religions/Theological (QRT) (3)
Historical (QHT) (3)
Fall Term (Senior)
NUTR 345 Science of Nutrition and Fitness (3)
NUTR 372 Clinical Case Studies Lab (2)
NUTR 391 Physical Assessment (1)
IDS Human Dignity or Common Good (3)
Literary/Rhetorical (QLR) (3)
Electives (3)3
Spring Term (Senior)
NUTR 392 Health Research and Prof Writing (2)
NUTR 395 Nutrition Counseling (1)
NUTR 375 Mentoring in Dietetics LC (0)
BIOL 208 Microbiology (4)
Artistic/Creative (QCA) (3)
Electives (5) 3
Students interested in pursuing a major in Nutrition and Dietetics initially enter the university as another major in the Nutrition department, such as a Nutritional Sciences major or Health Education and Promotion major.
Interested students then apply for acceptance into the Nutrition and Dietetics major once the following program prerequisites are completed with a grade of C or better: CHEM 101 and 103, BIOL 197, 198, and 199, NUTR 241, and the university skills courses. It normally takes a minimum of two years to complete the degree after the program prerequisite courses are completed. Students in this program must maintain a GPA of 3.000/4.0. Application to the major is typically at the end of Freshman year for those who start their academic career at our university. Refer to the Nutrition and Dietetics Major Guide available online for additional details.
A Second Degree is available to those who enter the program following completion of bachelor degree elsewhere. As a minimum, all nutrition, cognate, and skills courses required for the Nutrition and Dietetics Major must be completed in order to complete a Second Degree in Nutrition and Dietetics. Refer to the Undergraduate Catalog for additional details.
Many opportunities exist for nutrition students in need of financial assistance. Grants, low interest bank loans, or scholarships may be available from the government, corporations, community or civic groups, philanthropic and religious organizations, and Benedictine University.
Contact a representative in the University Financial Aid Office and refer to the university website for scholarship information. A student should always ask, even if he/she does not believe him/herself to be eligible for financial aid, as there often are Merit Scholarships based on academic performance available as well.
Sodexo has established a scholarship/award open to students who major in Nutrition and Dietetics, Nutritional Sciences or Food and Nutrition Management. The Dr. Scholl Scholarship fund is open to students who major in Nutrition and Dietetics and Nutritional Sciences. There are also several endowed scholarships not designated to a specific major, but based on financial need, achievement, and sometimes leadership. More information for all of these are posted on the scholarship page of the Benedictine University website.
The Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics (Academy) offers students the opportunity to apply for scholarships. To qualify, students must be at least junior standing and enrolled in an accredited undergraduate Nutrition and Dietetics program (i.e., Clinical Dietetics Concentration of the Nutrition Major), Dietetic Internship program, or master degree program, depending upon the scholarship. Due to the limited number of available scholarships, these are quite competitive and thus prestigious to receive. Refer to the September Supplement of the Journal of The Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics or the Academy website for more information. Generally, you must be a member of the Academy to receive an Academy or local dietetic association scholarship. Membership information is available on the Academy website or through the Nutrition Department.
Yes, we accept course credit from other colleges and universities with accreditation. Credits are examined on a case-by-case basis. For those who took courses in Illinois, all courses successfully completed with IAI (Illinois Articulation Initiative) designations are transferable. Only courses with grades of a "C" or better, within a specified time frame, can count towards meeting the nutrition Major requirements. Refer to our Course Acceptance and Validation Policy Guidelines for details of the timeline.
Application procedures, transfer FAQ, transfer guides, and other pertinent information can be found online at: Benedictine University Transfer.
We want to make certain that you have the most accurate and complete articulation possible, so we require that you submit your completed application, including official transcripts, directly to the Enrollment Center so a representative of the Center can begin the articulation process. They are the "articulation experts." Only through an official articulation can we tell you the answers to the questions: "How many courses do I have left?" and "How long will it take me to complete the program?"
While your articulation is in progress, you may receive a request for further information, such as a more complete course description or syllabus of a cognate (e.g., science course). If you completed any nutrition courses within the accepted Course Acceptance and Validation Policy Guidelines, you will need to provide syllabi and course projects to the Director of the undergraduate Nutrition Program (on the Lisle campus) after the rest of the articulation process is completed by the Enrollment Center representative. Acceptance of a course towards graduation credit requirements is not the same as towards specific DPD (Dietetics) requirements; only the Lisle campus DPD Director determines these. The Transfer Counselor (from the Enrollment Center) will assist you throughout the transfer process and your first term of registration. Your advising file is then sent to the Nutrition Department.
If you only want a quick "estimate" via an informal evaluation, you are encouraged to utilize the checklists and course descriptions available in the Program Guide. Transcript evaluations do not occur at our department or college level for the nutrition programs. We do not accept requests for transcript reviews.
The general articulation process for an international student is similar to that of a transfer student. Please read the response to the previous question.
In addition to submitting official transcripts, the international student must also submit official translations, and the foreign degree evaluation. Visit the university International website for information about the Admissions Process, deadlines, the required documents, etc. Submit these documents directly to the Enrollment Center.
While your articulation is in progress, expect to receive a request for further information if any of your coursework includes nutrition or science courses. However, note that the Course Acceptance and Validation Policy Guidelines apply. Normally international students are asked to provide a copy of the entire course syllabus per degree (original, and translated to English, if needed), a copy of your original transcripts, and course assignments and projects you believe related to the Benedictine University Nutrition Major to the Director of the undergraduate Nutrition Program (Lisle campus). This Director cannot fully articulate (i.e., give you the most credit possible) the international courses without all the requested pieces. Allow several weeks for the process once you submit all the required documents to the Enrollment Center.
A Transfer Counselor will assist you throughout the transfer process and your first term of registration. Your advising file is then sent to the Nutrition Department.
No. Students must apply to Dietetic Internship programs of interest. Consistent with 'match' procedures, neither the university or faculty place undergraduate students into Dietetic Internship programs. Acceptance and match into Dietetic Internship programs are competitive; the national computer match rate for Dietetic Internships is approximately 50% (of those who apply to those who are matched in April). You must make yourself a competitive candidate. Refer to the Nutrition and Dietetics Major Guide for more information about the process and suggestions to enhance your competitiveness.
Renee Colton
Nutrition, Class of 2013
"There are several positive aspects regarding the Nutrition Program at BenU. I love the quick responses from the teachers in the department whenever there is a question from any student. Also, Mrs. Eaton-Wright, Mrs. Dowell, Mrs. Baranoski, and Dr. Beezhold always responded to questions, email, and phone calls quickly and courteously. I also appreciate the way my advisor, Dr. Arnold, takes her time in assisting me with my enrollment in my required classes. She ensures that I am taking the correct courses to complete my degree in a timely manner."
"Benedictine University has a 30 year history of excellence in preparing nutrition professionals."
The Benedictine University Nutrition Programs will be recognized at the community, state, national, and international level for their leadership in developing optimal teaching and learning. The programs will prepare future Registered Dietitian Nutritionists, health educators, community nutritionists, and nutrition managers to address important food and nutrition issues that impact the quality of life of people.
Catherine Arnold, MS, EdD, RD.
Department Chair
Egle Liutkus
Administrative Assistant
Email: eliutkus@ben.edu
Phone: (630) 829-6596
Hours: 9:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.
By Mail:
Benedictine University
5700 College Road
Kindlon Hall, Room 224
Lisle, IL 60532
Fax: (630) 829-6595