Career Opportunities for Majors in Nutritional Sciences

The Dietetics option is appropriate for students seeking careers as clinical dietitians, nutritionists, health educators, and consumer specialists in food and nutrition. People with this study option engage in such activities as assessing patients' nutritional needs, developing and implementing nutritional programs and evaluating patients' progress. Most positions are available at hospitals, clinics, nursing homes, and health maintenance programs. Upon completing coursework, students must apply for a 9-12 month internship or AP4 program to prepare for the examination to become a registered dietitian (RD).

The Nutrition option offers a solid background for those considering graduate training in the health or life sciences. Students are also prepared for entry-level research positions in the biomedical and nutritional biochemistry fields; other positions are in academic research centers, pharmaceutical companies, medical centers, and government agencies.

The Food Service Administration option provides training for careers involving large scale meal planning in hospitals, hotels, company cafeterias, prisons, schools, and other large institutions. Responsibilities typically include the supervision of food service workers, budgeting, purchasing and preparing reports.

Regardless of the option chosen, a background in nutrition can also provide business-related opportunities in such fields as employee wellness, human resources, marketing, general management, customer service, and sales. 

Jobs Obtained by Rutgers Graduates