Nutrition Science is the study of human nutrition and its application in meeting the dietary needs of individuals. As a science- based discipline, the study of Nutrition Science incorporates areas of Food Science, Psychology, Anatomy, Chemistry, Biology, Physiology, Sociology, and more. Many colleges and universities offer Nutrition and Dietetic programs, designed to prepare individuals for many professional carreer opportunities provided upon degree completion. These programs also provide a strong and suitable foundation for students preparing for careers in areas of Dietetics, Public Health, Medicine, Research, Food Science, Culinology, Education, and more.
Certification as a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RDN) requires a comprehensive internship by the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics after the completion of a master’s degree in Nutrition and Dietetics. This internship includes rotations in community nutrition, foodservice management, and clinical dietetics in a hospital setting. Nutrition professionals may also specialize in unique areas such as food science, sports nutrition, culinology, informatics, regulatory, marketing, private practice, community education, scientific research, and much more.
Contact an El Camino College Nutrition Science faculty member for more information on becoming a RDN or on the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics website.
Employment of dietitians is projected to grow 7% from 2021-2031 (US Bureau of Labor Statistics)