Nutrition & Dietetics
Program Overview
The Nutrition and Dietetics program at CSUN emphasizes the application of physical, biological, and social sciences to the study of foods and nutrition. This program educates students in the knowledge of food and nutrition as related to health issues, and prepares graduates in the field of nutritional science for careers as registered dietitians and nutritionists for private businesses, hospitals, nursing homes, pharmaceutical companies, public health agencies, and government agencies.
The mission of the DPD at CSUN is to prepare competent nutrition and dietetics students for acceptance into an accredited dietetic internship program and for entry-level positions in clinical, food service, community nutrition, and research environments. The DPD program also prepares dedicated nutrition and dietetic student for lifelong learning and to have the ability to effectively communicate, analyze, problem-solve and collaborate, as well as develop an understanding and appreciation of a diverse and multicultural society.
The Didactic Program in Dietetics (DPD) at CSUN is currently accredited by the Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics (ACEND) of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics. Contact: 120 South Riverside Plaza, Suite 2190, Chicago, IL 60606-6995. (312) 899-0400 x5400.
Students have opportunities to participate in departmental activities and develop mentorship skills through the Peer Mentoring Program. Students are encouraged to participate in a variety of professional societies, including but not limited to:
- The Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics (AND)
- The California Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics (CAND)
- The Institute of Food Technologist (IFT)
- Student Dietetic and Food Science Association (SDFSA)
All student in the Nutrition and Dietetics program are mentored and guided by our faculty advisers. Our courses integrate the educational experience that will help students attain promising careers. Our faculty members are experienced educators and active professionals in the food and nutrition community. Opportunities for leadership, internships, networking and potential lifelong professional relationships abound in the program.
Undergraduate Nutrition and Dietetics students completing the DPD program are required to participate in the Peer Nutrition Counseling (PNC) internship. Students develop skills in marketing nutrition services, providing health screening, performing nutritional assessment and counseling, analyzing nutrition-related information, and documentation nutrition services, as well as understanding the Nutrition Care Process in delivery of care. Some on-campus and off-campus internships are available through the Marilyn Magaram Center (MMC) for Food Science, Nutrition, and Dietetics.
Opportunities for leadership, internships, networking and potential lifelong professional relationships abound in the program. Students in the program fulfill an academic internship, gaining experience in their chosen careers.
Our graduates have found success as:
- Registered Dietitians (RD)/Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RDN)
- Nutrition and Dietetic Technicians, Registered (NDTR)
- Nutrition Consultants
- Public Policy Advocates
- Researchers
- Educators