Why study Nutrition and Dietetics : Sports Nutrition?

The University of Cincinnati Nutrition & Dietetics - Sports Nutrition major provides a foundation in nutrition, food science, medical nutrition therapy, exercise and wellness. The top-ranked Nutrition and Dietetics program combines science and behavior and will transform you into an expert in food and its vital role in our overall health and the management and prevention of disease.

In the sports nutrition track, you’ll uncover how diet and exercise can improve athletic performance for both yourself and future clients as a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RDN).  Specialized coursework in health science, exercise physiology, and kinesiology prepares students interested in a career as an RDN in the field of exercise and sports performance.

The Nutrition & Dietetics – Sports Nutrition major is your first step to becoming a registered dietitian nutritionist. Completion of the curriculum meets the academic requirements for the Didactic Program in Dietetics (DPD), set forth by the Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition & Dietetics (ACEND) of the Academy of Nutrition & Dietetics (AND). The option provides you with the didactic requirements necessary to apply for an accredited post-baccalaureate dietetic internship and ultimately become a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RDN) after passing the Commission on Dietetic Registration credentialing exam. Many states require certification or licensure in order to practice as an RDN.

Career Possibilities

Nutrition & Dietetics professionals work with individuals throughout the lifespan in a variety of settings:

• Hospitals
• Athletics
• Long-term care facilities
• Schools
• Supermarkets
• Private practice settings
• Eating disorder centers
• Academia
• Research
• Health departments
• Business corporations
• Health clubs

The degree’s curriculum also fulfills prerequisite coursework for graduate education in almost any health-related professional program.

Available credentials

Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RDN) must complete the didactic coursework in dietetics (Bachelor of Science in Nutrition & Dietetics - can be in the Community or Sports Nutrition track), an accredited post-baccalaureate dietetic internship, and pass the Commission on Dietetic Registration credentialing exam for RDNs. This credential enables the RDN to perform nutrition risk assessments and prescribe medical nutrition therapy to remediate or prevent disease. For those who choose to obtain the Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RDN) credential, the average salary is about $72,000 and the career options are diverse and flexible. 

In 2024, the Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics (ACEND) will also require a graduate degree to take the national registration examination for RDNs. UC Nutrition & Dietetics students will be able to apply to the Accelerated Dietitian Nutritionist program, which will provide a fast-track way for you to complete the RDN requirements.

Nutrition and Dietetics Technician, Registered (NDTR) must complete the Bachelor of Science in Nutrition & Dietetics (can be in the Community OR Sports Nutrition track) and then they can take the Commission on Dietetic Registration credentialing exam for NDTRs. This credential enables a NDTR to work in partnership with the RDN to screen, evaluate and educate patients on topics related to nutrition.

Certified Dietary Manager, Certified Food Protection Professional (CDM) can take the Certifying Board for Dietary Managers credentialing exam after completing the Bachelor of Science in Nutrition & Dietetics (can be in the Community or Sports Nutrition track. This credential recognizes experts in managing dietary operations.

Major Maps

• Guide: Nutrition and Dietetics: Sports Nutrition (Fall 2024)

Advising

Advisors will be there to help you at every step of your academic journey. If you have advising-related questions, please visit the College of Allied Health Sciences’ Academic Advising. 

Admission Requirements

The University of Cincinnati has established academic success criteria for first-year applicants to bachelor's degree programs. All students are encouraged to apply. Please visit High School Student Admissions for more information about first-year student admission requirements.  

Transferring to UC Requirements

Students who have earned a high school diploma or GED and have attended a college or university other than the University of Cincinnati since earning their high school credentials are considered transfer students. Please visit UC Admissions for information about applying to the university as a Transfer Student. 

Changing Majors within UC Requirements

If you are currently enrolled in an undergraduate program at the University of Cincinnati (including UC Blue Ash and UC Clermont), but want to change your major to one in the College of Allied Health Sciences, please visit Transition Admissions for more information.

Application Deadlines

Application deadlines can be found at Admissions Deadlines.

Accreditation

University of Cincinnati's didactic program in dietetics and coordinated program in dietetics is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics (ACEND) of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics (AND), 120 South Riverside Plaza, Suite 2190, Chicago, IL 60606-6995, (800) 877-1600 ext. 5400.