Dietetics and Nutrition Science

The mission of the Dietetics and Nutrition Science program is to prepare students for transfer to a baccalaureate degree program at a 4-year university or college by providing them with introductory level coursework in health and human nutrition, including the role of food choices as well as food policy in preventing disease and promoting optimal health. Dietetics and Nutrition Science specialists are employed in health and human services settings such as hospitals, nursing homes, adult care facilities, youth agencies, schools and food service establishments. This is a rewarding career for those who are interested in preventing disease and treating illness in individuals and communities through promotion of healthy eating habits.

The Dietetics and Nutrition Science Associate in Science (AS) is a dual/joint degree program with Lehman College’s BS in Dietetics, Foods and Nutrition (BS DFN). 

However, the BS DFN program at Lehman is being phased out and replaced by two distinct programs: the BS in Nutrition & Dietetics and the BS in Culinary & Community Nutrition. Upon successful completion of the associate degree at Bronx Community College, students may consider pursuing either program at Lehman. Please see details for each program as follows:

BS in Nutrition and Dietetics (BS ND): This program is for students who wish to become a Registered Dietitian/Nutritionist. Students MUST have a 3.3 GPA or higher and a grade of at least a “B” in the major courses to apply for the program. Students who complete this program can apply for an ADA-accredited dietetic internship. Completion of the internship enables the student to become eligible to take the registration examination in dietetics to become a Registered Dietitian (RD). Be aware that, as of January 1, 2024, a master’s degree will be the minimum requirement to take the RD registration exam.

BS in Culinary and Community Nutrition (BS CCN): Students can transfer to this program with a GPA of 2.5 and above. Students may be required to repeat any major course in which they earned a grade of D. This program concentrates in foods, food service and nutrition for students interested in serving the needs of the food service industry. These professionals may be involved in restaurant catering, community food service and corporate food service.

Please note that all students begin at Lehman in BS CCN and can apply to the BS ND after completing one semester, passing a written exam, and meeting all other admission criteria. While all efforts are made to align BCC’s associate program with the nutrition programs at Lehman, we cannot guarantee full transfer of credit.

Please also note that the preceding requirements are subject to change; if you have questions, contact the BCC Office of Academic Affairs.  

Learning Outcomes

Upon successful completion of the Dietetics and Nutrition Science degree program requirements, students will be able to:

1. Identify and analyze strategies for promoting health and preventing disease through nutrition and other lifestyle choices.
2. Examine the physical, psychological, social, and cultural influences on food choices and other health behaviors.
3. Locate, analyze and evaluate current health/nutrition information for accuracy and reliability.
4. Effectively communicate health/nutrition information through written assignments and oral presentations.
5. Describe the impact of economic, social and physical factors in contributing to health disparities in the US or in comparison to other countries.