Nutrition Programs in Texas
What nutrition degrees are there in Texas? Students can choose from a number of nutrition programs in this state, including programs in food science and technology, sports nutrition, nutrition education, and nutritional sciences. Studies are offered at the associate through doctoral degree levels; degree program minors are also available. Depending on the school, students may have the opportunity to take part in research and clinical training. Students who earn a degree in nutrition can pursue a job such as nutritionist, food scientist, researcher, dietitian, or nutrition teacher.
Profiled below are the ten largest nutrition schools in Texas.
Baylor University
This Waco school offers a major in nutritional sciences for students who are considering careers in weight management, culinary arts, food systems management, community nutrition, or medical nutrition therapy. Students can earn a Bachelor of Arts, Bachelor of Science, or Bachelor of Science in Family and Consumer Sciences. Courses cover meal management, clinical nutrition, food service production, and food science. Students also take part in lab classes to conduct experiments and research. The school also offers a minor in nutrition sciences.
Lamar University
Students who enroll in this Beaumont school can earn a Bachelor of Science in Nutrition. Classes cover food science, nutritional biochemistry, medical nutrition therapy, food preparation, and meal management, to name a few. In addition, students are required to complete a senior seminar. The program can give students a general overview of nutrition and prepare them for careers such as nutritionist and dietary manager. Students may go on to work in hospitals, restaurants, schools, and/or research laboratories.
Sam Houston State University
Located in Huntsville, this school offers a Bachelor of Science in Family and Consumer Sciences: Food Science and Nutrition. Classes cover the connection between nutrition, food, and the human body. In addition, students can learn about chemistry and biology as they relate to nutrition and biochemistry. There's also an emphasis on food systems and the food delivery process. At the end of the program, students take a comprehensive advanced nutrition course. The school also offers internship opportunities.
San Antonio College
This San Antonio school is for students who want to earn an Associate of Science in Nutrition. The program is meant to give students a basic understanding of the nutrition field, so that they can transfer to a 4-year university and earn a bachelor's degree. As part of the program, students take classes in areas such as anatomy and physiology, chemistry, microbiology, and organic chemistry.
Texas A & M University - College Station
Located in College Station, this university is one of the most varied nutrition colleges in Texas, with its five different undergraduate and graduate degree programs. The school's Department of Nutrition and Food Science aims to teach students to understand the role of food in the body, how food affects a person's health, and the methods to develop and distribute food. Courses vary depending on the degree program, but, in general, students take nutrition, chemistry, biology, kinesiology, and biochemistry. Students who want to take part in research can work alongside professors who are exploring topics like food safety, hormones, and food nutrients. There is also a dietetic internship program to prepare students for careers as Registered Dietitians.
Texas State University - San Marcos
This San Marcos university has a Bachelor of Science in Family and Consumer Sciences in Nutrition and Foods program, as well as a Master of Science in Human Nutrition program. Undergraduates can take the dietetic track, general nutrition and foods track, or teacher certification track. Courses generally cover areas such as nutritional science, assessment, biochemistry, and health. All undergraduates also take a capstone class that combines classroom studies with work experience. The graduate program includes numerous research classes and teaches students concepts like food biotechnology and nutrient metabolism.
Texas Tech University
Located in Lubbock, this school allows students to earn a Bachelor of Science in Nutrition, a Bachelor of Science in Nutrition with Teaching Certification, a Bachelor of Science in Nutritional Sciences and Dietetics, a Master of Science in Nutritional Sciences, or a Doctor of Philosophy in Nutritional Sciences. The undergraduate program teaches students about the role of food and nutrition in a person's health. Programs vary, depending on whether a student wants to become a Registered Dietitian, teach, or pursue further studies in the field. There is also a minor for students who want a general overview of nutrition while majoring in another discipline. The graduate programs are largely focused on research, and classes cover areas such as nutritional science, statistics, community nutrition, metabolism, and sports nutrition.
Texas Woman's University
This Denton university is one of the most varied nutrition schools located within Texas, offering three bachelor's programs and five graduate programs in nutrition and food science-related areas. For the Bachelor of Science in Nutrition, students can concentrate in dietetics, nutritional sciences, or wellness. There is also a Bachelor of Science in Food and Nutrition in Business and Industry, as well as a Bachelor of Applied Science in Culinary Science and Food Service Management.
There are numerous graduate programs that lead to degrees such as a Master of Science in Nutrition, a Master of Science in Food Science or a Ph.D. in Nutrition. The graduate programs primarily focus on research. Throughout both the undergraduate and graduate programs, students can learn about culture and food, food microbiology, community nutrition, and sports nutrition. In addition, they can take part in dietetic internships that offer professional training to complement classroom instruction. This is a great option for North Texas nutrition students.
The University of Texas at Austin
Students who enroll at this Austin school can earn undergraduate and graduate degrees in the nutritional sciences. At the undergraduate level, students can pursue a Bachelor of Science in Nutrition and choose from five concentrations that include nutrition and business, dietetics, international nutrition, nutritional sciences, and nutrition honors. Course topics include food science, community nutrition, food service systems, and medical nutrition therapy. Students can also participate in research opportunities. At the graduate level, the school offers a Master of Arts in Nutritional Sciences and a Doctor of Philosophy in Nutritional Sciences. The graduate programs largely prepare students for research and teaching careers.
University of Houston
Located in Houston, this school allows students to earn a Bachelor of Science in Human Nutrition and Foods. Within the program, students can enroll in the didactic track, which offers training for students who want to become Registered Dietitians. There is also a nutritional sciences track, which is a pre-professional program that prepares students for graduate studies and research opportunities. The school also offers a post-baccalaureate program that focuses on dietetics, as well as an undergraduate minor in nutrition. In general, classes focus on food science, anatomy, physiology, assessment, sports nutrition, and community nutrition.
How to Become a Nutritionist in Texas
It's important to note that there is a difference between 'nutritionist' and 'dietitian.' As the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics (AND) states, 'Every Registered Dietitian is a nutritionist, but not every nutritionist is a Registered Dietitian.' There is no regulation around the term 'nutritionist,' although many jobs in the field use this as the job title, even if the job requires one to be an RD. In recent years, to appeal to consumers and to incorporate a broader sense of wellness into the profession, the AND adopted the term 'Registered Dietitian Nutritionist' or RDN. If a person has RD or RDN after their name, this means they have completed rigorous education, training, and testing in order to receive this distinction. Registered Dietitians can choose whether they prefer the RD or RDN title.
So, how do you become a nutritionist in Texas? Individuals must possess at least a bachelor's degree in nutrition or a related area, complete an approved internship, and pass the exam given by the Commission on Dietetic Registration of the AND.
Individuals interested in teaching nutrition at a Texas public school must obtain teacher certification through the state. The 5-step process includes obtaining a bachelor's degree, completing an educator preparation program, filling out an application, and passing an exam and background check
How to Earn a Texas Dietitian License
Dietitians in Texas are not required to have a license to practice, but many jobs prefer and even require you to obtain licensure. Licensed dietitians may add LD after the RD or RDN in their name. To obtain a dietitian license in Texas, you must:
- Have completed all the steps to become a Registered Dietitian
- Take the Texas Jurisprudence Examination, which covers the law as it relates to practicing dietetics
- Fill out an application and pay a fee to the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation
Nutrition Programs in Texas: At a Glance
| School Name | School Type and Setting | Nutrition Programs Offered | Undergraduate Tuition and Fees (2019-2020)* |
|---|---|---|---|
| Baylor University | 4-year, private not-for-profit; midsized city | Bachelor of Arts in Nutrition Sciences, Bachelor of Science in Nutrition Sciences, Bachelor of Science in Family and Consumer Sciences in Nutrition Sciences | $47,364 |
| Lamar University | 4-year, public; midsized city | Bachelor of Science in Nutrition | $8,494 in-state; $18,622 out-of-state |
| Sam Houston State University | 4-year, public; distant town | Bachelor of Science in Family and Consumer Sciences: Food Science and Nutrition | $8,536 in-state; $18,664 out-of-state |
| San Antonio College | 2-year, public; large city | Associate of Science in Nutrition | $3,030 in-district; $6,690 in-state; $14,220 out-of-state |
| Texas A & M University - College Station | 4-year, public; small city | Bachelor of Science in Nutritional Sciences, Bachelor of Science in Food Science & Technology, Master of Science in Nutrition, Master of Science in Food Science, Ph.D. in Nutrition, Ph.D. in Food Science | $12,153 in-state; $38,602 out-of-state (undergraduate) $10,173 in-state, $22,196 out-of-state (graduate) |
| Texas State University - San Marcos | 4-year, public; small suburb | Bachelor of Science in Family and Consumer Sciences in Nutrition and Foods, Master of Science in Human Nutrition | $10,581 in-state; $22,397 out-of-state (undergraduate) $8,664 in-state, $17,104 out-of-state (graduate) |
| Texas Tech University | 4-year, public; midsized city | Minor in Nutrition, Bachelor of Science in Nutrition, Bachelor of Science in Nutrition with Teaching Certification, Bachelor of Science in Nutritional Sciences and Dietetics, Master of Science in Nutritional Sciences, Ph.D. in Nutritional Sciences | $9,300 in-state; $19,260 out-of-state (undergraduate) $8,181 in-state, $15,651 out-of-state (graduate) |
| Texas Woman's University | 4-year, public; midsized city | Bachelor of Science in Nutrition, Bachelor of Science in Food and Nutrition in Business and Industry, Bachelor of Applied Science in Culinary Science and Food Service Management, Master of Science in Nutrition, Master of Science in Exercise and Sports Nutrition, Master of Science in Food Science, Master of Science in Food Systems Administration, Ph.D. in Nutrition | $7,926 in-state; $18,055 out-of-state (undergraduate) $7,497 in-state, $15,093 out-of-state (graduate) |
| The University of Texas at Austin | 4-year, public; large city | Bachelor of Science in Nutritional Sciences, Master of Arts in Nutritional Sciences, Ph.D. in Nutritional Sciences | $10,824 in-state; $38,326 out-of-state (undergraduate) $11,998 in-state, $22,966 out-of-state (graduate) |
| University of Houston | 4-year, public; large city | Nutrition Minor, Bachelor of Science in Human Nutrition and Foods, Post-Baccalaureate Plan in Nutrition | $9,221 in-state; $21,749 out-of-state |
Source: *NCES College Navigator.
