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In a climate where advice about healthy foods and nutritious diets seems to be changing every day, a science-based approach helps to sort through the conflicting information and make clear recommendations about wise food choices. The clinical nutrition program prepares students with an interest in nutrition to work with the public in a wide range of situations, from government-funded food programs to hospital diet planning. This major fulfills the academic requirements for admission into a dietetics internship or the equivalent, which must be completed before qualifying for registration as a dietitian.
Real World
Clinical nutrition is the only major that fulfills the academic requirements for a career as a registered dietitian, and most clinical nutrition majors enter careers in dietetics. This field includes traditional settings such as clinics and hospitals, but increasing numbers of graduates are finding employment in such areas as state and federal nutrition programs, nutrition education, Cooperative Extension work and the Peace Corps. The focus on public contact makes this major an excellent choice for students seeking to use scientific knowledge for the tangible betterment of people's lives.
Major Requirements
During your first two years of study, you will complete a series of foundation courses of natural science and social science classes. At the upper division level, you will take nutrition classes equivalent to those required for the nutrition science major, but you will also study such subjects as food service management, education, sociology and communication skills to prepare for work with the public.
Major Adviser
Name: Vita Cooper
Contact: nutritionadvising@ucdavis.edu, (530) 752-2512
A Student Perspective
The practical experience this major provides is ideal training for my future career as a Registered Dietitian (RD). An important part of the major is the application courses that support our course lectures. There are also various nutrition internships offered by the Internship and Career Center in the three areas of nutrition - Clinical, Community, and Food Service. I've had opportunities to work with dietitians in different settings, and these valuable experiences have confirmed my desire to pursue this career and the appropriateness of my Clinical Nutrition major in meeting that goal.
~ Myra Oklalda, senior
A Faculty Perspective
I teach two basic courses in nutrition concepts and controversies, one of which is the largest class on campus. It's a great opportunity to work with students from all backgrounds, teaching them to eat well and take good care of their health. And after taking these courses, many students decide to change their majors to nutrition!
~ Dr. Liz Applegate, senior lecturer
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