College of Education and Health Services

Department of Nutrition

Benedictine University has a 30 year history of excellence in nutrition. We offer an undergraduate  Nutrition major program. Interested and eligible students have the opportunity to pursue the Dietetics concentration of the major, which is a Didactic Program in Nutrition and Dietetics (DPD). Our DPD is one of five programs in Northern Illinois that are accredited by the Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics (ACEND) of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics. Students completing the DPD degree program are eligible to apply for acceptance into accredited Dietetic Internship programs.

The Master of Science (M.S.) in Nutrition and Wellness program prepares students to become vital ingredients in community-based nutrition and wellness programs. The on campus (Illinois) program provides the opportunity for students to select a concentration in Nutrition:  Health Education or the accredited Dietetic Internship.   [NOTE:  Students must apply and get accepted into our Dietetic Internship program in order to have the Dietetic Internship concentration.]

This is the only program in the country to offer a combined M.S. in Nutrition and Wellness / Dietetic Internship program. Successful completion of the combined M.S./Dietetic Internship program qualifies one to sit for the registration examination to become a Registered Dietitian. 

Students interested in pursuing a concentration in Nutrition Entrepreneurship or Health Education can elect to enroll in our high quality, fully online M.S. in Nutrition and Wellness program. Benedictine University also offers a M.S. in Nutrition and Wellness / Master of Public Health dual degree.

Nutrition: The scientific study of food and nourishment, including food composition, dietary guidelines, and the roles that various nutrients have in maintaining health. It is the process by which living organisms obtain food and use it for growth, metabolism, and repair. The stages of nutrition include ingestion, digestion, absorption, transport, assimilation, and excretion. Source: nutrition. (n.d.). The American Heritage® Science Dictionary. Retrieved August 08, 2012, from Dictionary.com website

Dietetics: 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