The Department of Nutritional Sciences (NTDT) at TCU provides a distinctive program of study in all areas of nutrition and dietetics within a traditional liberal arts setting. All programs of study lead to a Bachelor of Science degree. Students may choose from four major options:
These programs combine coursework emphasizing the foundations of dietetic knowledge and skills in communications, physical and biological sciences, social sciences, research, food, nutrition, management, and healthcare systems. Each program also provides students with opportunities to enhance life-long skills, with learning that develops personal and professional attitudes and values, reinforces ethical practices, and encourages leadership and decision-making skills. The faculty of the Department of Nutritional Sciences affirm their commitment to the education of broadly informed, scientifically competent, self-educating and ethically responsible professionals who are capable of entering the community and society at large.
The Coordinated Program in Dietetics (Option I)*
The mission of the Coordinated Program in Dietetics (CPD) at TCU is to educate competent entry-level dietitians within the liberal arts environment and to provide students with the Knowledge Requirements and Competencies for Entry-Level Dietitians as mandated in the Eligibility Requirements and Accreditation Standards (ERAS) of the Commission on Accreditation for Dietetics Education (CADE) of The American Dietetic Association (ADA).
The CPD combines didactic course work emphasizing the foundations of dietetic knowledge (communications, physical and biological sciences, social sciences, research, food, nutrition, management, and health care systems) and supervised practice experience. The supervised practice experience involves working with food/nutrition/dietetics professionals for a minimum of 1200 hours to demonstrate performance in nutrition therapy, community nutrition, foodservice systems management, business/ entrepreneurial dietetics, and nutrition research. The NTDT curriculum includes human nutrition, food science, food and culture, community nutrition, food systems management, medical nutrition therapy, and nutrition research. These courses are based on a solid science and math background, which include general chemistry, organic chemistry, biochemistry, microbiology, physiology, psychology and elementary statistics. The Texas Christian University Coordinated Program in Dietetics is currently granted accreditation by the Commission on Accreditation for Dietetics Education of The American Dietetic Association, 120 South Riverside Plaza, Suite 2000, Chicago, IL 60606-6995, 312/899-0040, ext. 5400.
A professional program with limited enrollment, admission to the Coordinated Program in Dietetics at TCU is subject to approval by an admissions panel. Eligibility for admission to the CPD is based on successful completion of at least 60 semester hours with a minimum cumulative grade point average of 2.7 (based on a 4.0 scale), 45 semester hours of required prerequisites and major courses specified in the TCU Undergraduate Studies Bulletin, and an application packet. A formal application is due February 1st for entry the following fall semester.
Applicants are notified of provisional acceptance by April 15 . Materials and directions for application to the program are available from the Department of Nutritional Sciences. Costs for tuition and university fees are available through the Office of Admissions or Financial Services. More detailed costs for students are outlined in the CPD Student Handbook and include approximately $1000-1500 per year for travel to supervised practice sites, textbooks, lab coats, malpractice insurance, and professional dues.
A student's continuation in the program is contingent upon attainment of a strong academic record and successful completion of the program sequence. Upon graduation, the student must attain a minimum cumulative grade point average of 3.0 (based on a 4.0 scale), attain a minimum grade point average of 2.5 in the Associated Requirements, and earn a grade of “C” or better in all NTDT courses and all Associated Requirements. Students who successfully complete the TCU Coordinated Program in Dietetics will receive CPD verification and will be eligible to take the Registration Examination for Dietitians.
Didactic Program in Dietetics (Option II)*
The mission of the Didactic Program in Dietetics (DPD) at Texas Christian University (TCU) is to educate students within a liberal arts environment and to provide students with the Knowledge Requirements for Entry-Level Dietitians as mandated in the Eligibility Requirements and Accreditation Standards (ERAS) of the Commission on Accreditation for Dietetics Education (CADE) of The American Dietetic Association (ADA).
The DPD combines coursework emphasizing the foundations of dietetic knowledge (communications, physical and biological sciences, social sciences, research, food, nutrition, management, and health care systems). The NTDT curriculum includes human nutrition, food science, food and culture, community nutrition, food systems management, medical nutrition therapy, and nutrition research. These courses are based on a solid science and math background, which include general chemistry, organic chemistry, biochemistry, microbiology, physiology, psychology and elementary statistics. The Texas Christian University Didactic Program in Dietetics is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation for Dietetics Education of The American Dietetic Association, 120 South Riverside Plaza, Suite 2000, Chicago, IL 60606-6995, 312/899-0040, ext. 5400.
Admission to TCU is required for all programs; however, admission to the University does not guarantee admission to the Didactic Program in Dietetics. Eligibility for admission to the TCU Didactic Program in Dietetics is based on successful completion of at least 60 semester hours with a cumulative GPA of at least 2.7 (on a 4.0 scale), 45 semester hours of required prerequisites and major courses, and an application packet. Application packets for the Didactic Program in Dietetics must be received by February 1, and applicants are notified of provisional acceptance by April 15. Students who are accepted begin coursework the subsequent fall semester. Final acceptance/enrollment in the Didactic Program in Dietetics depends on successful completion of work in progress and required summer school prerequisites. Costs for tuition and University fees are available through the Office of Admission or Financial Services. More detailed costs for students are outlined in the DPD Student Handbook and include approximately $1,000 per year for items such as textbooks, lab fees, photocopying, school and office supplies, lab coat and professional dues.
A student's continuation in the Didactic Program in Dietetics is contingent upon attainment of a strong academic record and successful completion of the program sequence. Upon graduation, the student must attain a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 (based on a 4.0 scale), attain a minimum GPA of 2.5 in the associated requirements, and earn a grade of "C" or better in all NTDT courses and all associated requirements. Students who successfully complete the Didactic Program in Dietetics will receive DPD verification and are eligible to apply for a post-graduate Dietetic Internship.
Nutrition - (with emphasis on Pre-Professional Health Careers and Post-Graduate Education) - (Option III)*
With a focus on the scientific basis of human nutrition, the Nutrition major provides students with knowledge and skills to work in a myriad of food and nutrition settings focused on attaining and maintaining the health and well being of individuals across the lifespan. In addition to preparing graduates for careers in clinical, management, community, or business/entrepreneurial nutrition settings, the Nutrition major prepares students for graduate education programs and for careers in research and development, medical/nutritional sales, medicine, dentistry, optometry, pharmacy, physical therapy, and other allied health professions. Students who major in Nutrition take courses that include human nutrition, food science, food and culture, community nutrition, food systems management, medical nutrition therapy, and nutrition research. These courses are based on a solid science and math background, which include general chemistry, organic chemistry, biochemistry, microbiology, physiology, psychology and elementary statistics.
Students are encouraged to consult with their advisors on the specific course requirements for entering post-graduate work in the allied health careers. The Nutrition major does not meet DPD requirements to earn verification to apply for dietetic internships. Additional coursework is necessary to fulfill DPD requirements.
Food Management - (Option IV)*
The Food Management major is designed for students who elect to emphasize practical experience in the food industry and/or management of foodservice systems. This program offers a four-year curriculum that combines didactic course work and supervised practical experience (4 semesters - 16 hours) in the junior and senior years, and an additional 6 hours option for supervised practical experience in the senior year. Students focus on a different application in the food industry for each semester of practical experience, with "hands-on" training in commercial and institutional foodservice systems and management. A minor in general business, public relations/advertising, or ratio-TV-film is required.
Program graduates will be better prepared with the knowledge and skills needed for the current job market and have a greater selection of career opportunities. Graduates of this program are eligible for positions in commercial and institutional food service and management; food production and product development; sales and marketing (food brokers and equipment vendors); supermarkets and distribution; culinary, restaurants, and hotel food and beverage hospitality; consumer education (industry representatives and professional food demonstrators); and/or entrepreneurial ventures (catering, consulting, and restaurant owners).
Student eligibility for the Program includes: (a) a minimum cumulative grade point average of 2.7 (based on a 4.0 scale), (b) a minimum grade point average of 2.5 in the Associated Requirements, and (c) a grade of “C” or better in all NTDT courses and all Associated Requirements. A minimum 2.7 GPA is required to graduate with a major in Food Management
*For all four major options within the Department of Nutritional Sciences, all NTDT 30000 and NTDT 40000 level courses must be taken at TCU.
Minor in Nutrition*
A Minor in Nutrition may be earned through the Department of Nutritional Sciences. The Minor in Nutrition at TCU requires successful completion of 19 hours with a grade of C or better in each of the following courses. Classes for the Minor in Nutrition may not be taken on a Pass/No Credit basis.
The following five courses (13 hours) are required:
NTDT 10003 - Contemporary Issues in Nutrition (NSC, GA)
or
NTDT 10103 - Food Preparation
NTDT 20403 - Nutrition
NTDT 30113 - Infant and Child Nutrition (WEM)
or
NTDT 30123 - Nutrition Throughout the Life Cycle (WEM)
NTDT 30331 - Medical Terminology
NTDT 30333 - Medical Nutrition Therapy I
The final two courses (6 hours) for the Minor in Nutrition may be selected from the following:
NTDT 30133 - Meal Management
NTDT 40333 - Medical Nutrition Therapy II
NTDT 40343 - Advanced Nutrition
NTDT 40363 - Community Nutrition
NTDT 40403 - Research Methods in Nutrition (WEM)
Students are encouraged to take an active role in the university and professional community. Professional growth and leadership are essential components of academic preparation. Departmental Honors courses are available to those who qualify. All Nutritional Sciences majors are encouraged to join the TCU Student Nutrition and Dietetic Association, the purpose of which is to provide continuing education, networking, and leadership opportunities within the broad scope of nutrition and dietetics. Leadership, mentoring, and educational experiences are also available to students in the student-led Texas Nutrition and Dietetics Association. Majors who become student members of the American Dietetic Association, Texas Dietetic Association, and the local affiliated chapters of ADA and TDA enrich their collegiate experience through professional development and are eligible to apply for numerous scholarships sponsored by these organizations.
Phi Upsilon Omicron, honorary society for related fields in consumer and family sciences, provides opportunities for membership to the upper level students. Phi U seeks to recognize academic excellence, develop personal and professional leadership, provide opportunities of service to the profession, and encourage personal and professional integrity. Membership is extended by invitation to students who complete at least 40 semester hours, maintain a minimum grade point average of 3.0, are in the top 35% of their class, and have indicated potential for leadership, service, integrity, and professional attitude. Transfer students must have completed at least one semester at TCU for membership eligibility. Members are eligible to apply for Phi U scholarships.
More information about academic and professional opportunities available to Nutritional Sciences majors may be found at the following websites:
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