2025 Lunch and Learn schedule
Students gain presentation skills by presenting a 20-30 minute healthy cooking demonstration and a recipe tasting.
Academically, my courses have been highly relevant to my field. I’ve gained valuable
knowledge from professors who are deeply passionate about their subjects. Additionally,
I’ve learned the critical role diet plays, both in improving others’ wellbeing and
in maintaining my own health.
- Adriana Rodriguez
Nutrition and dietetics
Devoted to a Healthier World
Do you pride yourself on bringing tasty, yet healthy offerings to the family dinner? Are you fascinated by the connection between food, beverages and athletic success?
Turn your passion into a profession. Promote health through nutrition and dietetics. Learn ways to extend life through clinical practice and nutrition education.
Competitive internship
Hannah Plesac was one of only six students chosen for a summer dietetics internship at Purdue University.
Sports nutrition
Karter Tow’s goal is to become a dietitian for professional athletes. His interest in nutrition is directly connected to his passion for running.
First MND cohort
Graduates from Bluffton and Berea College were members of Bluffton’s first Master of Nutrition and Dietetics cohort.
Wannemacher Food Science Lab
Nutrition and dietetics classrooms and foods lab is located in Knowlton Science Center which opened in 2023.
Majors and minor
As a nutrition and dietetics student you’ll learn the scientific knowledge and gain skills in preparation to become a registered dietitian nutritionist (RDN). Dietetics is a profession concerned with the science and practice of human nutritional care.
Not interested in becoming a registered dietitian nutritionist? Our food and nutrition major provides a solid preparation for careers in wellness or business.
Registered Dietitian Nutritionists are allied medical professionals who put into practice
the science and art of food and nutrition to promote health and wellbeing.
Your first step to becoming a RDN is to earn a bachelor degree with a major in nutrition
and dietetics.
Courses:
Explore the courses required for a
Major in nutrition and dietetics
A four year nutrition and dietetics major course plan is provided as a guideline for course selection.
Master of nutrition and dietetics
To take the Registered Dietitian Nutritionist credentialing exam, students must also
complete a master’s degree and have at least 1,000 hours of supervised learning.
Complete this requirement in one additional calendar year through Bluffton’s master
of nutrition and dietetics program.
The food and nutrition major offers two concentrations. Both concentrations include courses in science, behavioral sciences and management strategies while emphasizing the foundation of nutritional science.
WELLNESS: Work with people, families and communities to enhance their quality of life. Career options include corporate wellness programs, health/fitness clubs, educational institutions, community agencies and personal training/consulting.
FOOD AND NUTRITION IN BUSINESS: There is considerable demand in the global food industry for persons who understand food and nutrition. Career opportunities include managing food service organizations, food production, food product development and marketing, culinary arts and food sales. A variety of business courses are included in this major and a hands-on internship is required.
Courses
Explore the courses required for a
Major in food and nutrition
Four-year plans are provided as guidelines for course selection leading to a:
Food and nutrition major with a business concentration
Food and nutrition major with a wellness concentration.
Are you interested in wellness issues but leaning toward a major in another department? Consider a minor in wellness.
The wellness minor offers studies in food, nutrition, fitness, exercise and wellness concepts for the general public. Employment opportunities for graduates include the fitness industry, corporate wellness programs, resorts and spas, and community and public health settings.
Explore courses for a minor in:
Wellness (not available to food and nutrition majors)
