Pre-Nutrition and Dietetics

Preparing you for graduate work in Nutrition and Dietetics in a Christ-centered environment.

Houghton's degree in pre-nutrition and dietetics prepares students for advanced study and careers in nutrition, dietetics, and health-related fields. The program combines coursework in biology, chemistry, anatomy, and nutrition science to build a strong foundation in how food affects the body. Students learn about healthy eating, disease prevention, and the role of diet in overall wellness. This major is ideal for those planning to become registered dietitians or pursue careers in healthcare, wellness coaching, or food science.

Program Snapshot

Undergraduate Pre-Professional Pathway

Recommended Majors: Biology, Chemistry, Biochemistry

Pre-Nutrition and Dietetics Advisor: Dr. Jamie Potter

Course Recommendations Available Certifications

What will I learn?

Through Houghton’s Pre-Nutrition and Dietetics program you will:

Learn about biology, chemistry, and physiology to understand how the body processes nutrients.
Study the roles of vitamins, minerals, and macronutrients in health, disease prevention, and performance.
Learn how to design balanced diets for individuals across different ages, lifestyles, and health conditions.
Explore how nutrition impacts community health and how to promote healthy eating habits on a larger scale.
Have the opportunity to apply participate in a 3+3 program with D’Youville University where you will earn a BA from Houghton University as well as a combined BS/MS from D’Youville University’s ACEND accredited Nutrition & Dietetics Coordinated Program

Why study Pre-Nutrition and Dietetics at Houghton?

Personalized Care

Pre-Nutrition & Dietetics students have many opportunities to get to know their professors on a personal level. Professors teach the labs as well as lectures instead of relying on teaching assistants. Classes are capped to maximize interaction between faculty and students. At Houghton, you'll be mentored, supported and cared for. Invested faculty care about your academic success as well as your spiritual, emotional, and professional growth.

Undergraduate Research

You'll do real research with one or more of the faculty at Houghton. Work towards publishing your findings in peer-reviewed journals or present talks and posters at regional and national conferences. Opportunities for research include, collaborative research in a biology course, independent study, senior honors projects, and or collaborative research with faculty (e.g., Shannon Summer Research Institute, Cornell University and the Sierra Nevada mountains of California).

Plan Ahead for Your Postgraduate Studies

Houghton University has a collaborative agreement with D'Youville University where students can move into their graduate program in Nutrition and Dietetics.

Learn more about these partnerships

Course Recommendations

BIOL 232 - Epidemiology

How human diseases start and spread in a group of people. This includes the germs that cause the disease, as well as how a person’s genes, behavior, money, culture, and way of life can affect how the disease spreads.

BIOL 365 - Immunology

Learning about how the body’s immune system works, both the parts you're born with (innate) and the parts that learn over time (adaptive). This includes how the body knows when something doesn't belong (antigen recognition), how it reacts to protect you (immune response), and what happens when the immune system doesn't work properly (diseases of the immune system).

Certifications Available

Choose to be certified in multiple areas through recognized leaders in the industry. Many of the certifications are integrated into the coursework. Certifications may require additional training and certification exams.

Emergency Medical Technician – Basic

New York State

Elective Credit

First Aid-Responding to Emergencies

American Red Cross

Required

CPR-AED for the Professional Rescuer

American Red Cross

Required

Houghton students throwing their graduation caps in the air on the steps of the Chapel.

96%

of Houghton students are employed or in graduate school within 6 months of graduation.

Class of 2024

View Alumni Success and Career Outcomes

Related Pre-Professional Programs

Houghton student standing at podium during biology lecture.