If you are passionate about food, nutrition, and helping other live healthier lives, turn that passion into rewarding career through the Bachelor of Science in Applied Science in Food and Nutrition Didactic Program in Dietetics at Youngstown State University (YSU).
This four-year, in-person program provides students with a strong foundation in nutrition science, food systems, and health promotion while preparing them for the next steps toward becoming a registered dietitian nutritionist.
Through the YSU Students in Dietetics club, students have the opportunity to participate in hands-on learning experiences, community service projects, professional networking, and events that help prepare them for successful careers in nutrition and dietetics.
Club members regularly participate in projects that promote health and wellness. They have visited local schools to teach children the importance of nutrition, and volunteer at events that provide meals to individuals and families in need. For example, in Spring of 2026, Students in Dietetics helped prepare and serve meals at the Red Door Cafe at Saint John’s Church, where a free community meal is offered every Sunday.
Through these experiences, students develop leadership, teamwork, communication, and professional skills outside the classroom while building meaningful connections within the community. These opportunities also help students gain real-world experience that strengthens their preparation for future careers in nutrition and dietetics.
Learning in YSU Dietetics program extends far beyond the classroom. Through community partnerships and hands-on experiences, students apply what they learn while helping individuals and communities improve their health.
Students work directly with athletes, sharing practical strategies to support healthy eating and performance through nutrition. One recent collaboration gave Dietetics students the opportunity to partner with the YSU Women’s Volleyball Team to lead a meal preparation class focused on nutrition, wellness, and athletic performance.
In a partnership with Mercy Health, students also gain experience working alongside healthcare professionals. Dietetics students Brianna Anderson and Madelyn Welsh collaborated with registered dietitian Kim Triveri, RD, to lead a Bariatric Cooking Class for patients preparing for or recovering from bariatric surgery.
Together, they developed recipes designed to meet patients’ nutritional needs after surgery, demonstrated cooking techniques, and provided educational resources. Patients participated in food preparation, sampled recipes, and learned practical skills they could use at home.
Experiences like these help students strengthen communication, patient education, leadership, and teamwork while building confidence through real-world learning opportunities.
A degree in Dietetics can open the door to a variety of careers focused on improving health through nutrition. Graduates are prepared to work in hospitals, community wellness programs, food service management, sports nutrition, and other healthcare settings.
For students planning to become a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RDN), YSU offers an accelerated 4+1 pathway that makes the next step easier. Since a master’s degree is required for RDN credentialing in Ohio, students can earn both their bachelor’s degree and Master of Health and Human Services (MHHS) in as little as five years.
Learn more about Dietetics program at YSU – Bitonte College of Health and Human Services.
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