Frequently Asked Questions

Hello and welcome to the Nutrition Institute. There are many exciting developments in the field of human nutrition! This website offers information on the current possibilities in the field. If you have questions on the credentialling of Nutritionists, please review the News and Information section in the Nutrition Resource Center. Library resources, online journals, research-related web sites, and employment information will also be found in the Center.

If you have questions regarding the M.S. in Human Nutrition program; admission requirements, course prerequisites, etc. please consult the list below. If I can provide any further assistance or answer any of your specific questions, please contact me, Terri Roma, Coordinator, Human Nutrition Institute, at terrir@bridgeport.edu or at (203) 576-4667.

1. Are there any prerequisite courses for the M.S. in Human Nutrition?
2. What are the admission requirements?
3. I have a Doctor of Chiropractic degree but not a baccalaureate degree. Can I qualify for this program?
4. How do I apply?
5. How will I know whether I have been admitted?
6. Is the University of Bridgeport's nutrition program accredited by the ADA?
7. What is the difference between a dietitian and a nutritionist?
8. With the M.S. in Human Nutrition degree, am I qualified as a certified nutritionist?
9. Who are graduates of the program?
10. As a Doctor of Chiropractic, with the M.S. degree in Human Nutrition, can I sit for the diplomate in nutrition from the American Chiropractic Board of Nutrition (ACBN)?
11. What are some of the job opportunities for graduates of the nutrition program?

Are there any prerequisite courses for the M.S. in Human Nutrition?
There are three undergraduate prerequisite courses for non-science majors; Introductory Biochemistry, Human Anatomy and Physiology, and Introduction to Nutrition.

What are the admission requirements?
To be admitted for graduate level courses you should hold a baccalaurate degree from an accredited college or university with an above average academic record, ordinarily a QPR of 3.0 or better.

I have a Doctor of Chiropractic degree but not a baccalaureate degree. Can I qualify for this program?
Yes. Chiropractors may apply for admission into the nutrition program in the absence of baccalaureate degree. The professional degree warrants a waiver of the baccalaureate requirement.

How do I apply?
You can request an application from the Nutrition Institute at (203) 576-4667 or at ubonline@bridgeport.edu. Complete and submit the application form, two letters of recommendation, and all your previous academic transcripts.

How will I know whether I have been admitted?
The Admissions office will advise you on the status of your application. The evaluation usually takes approximately 2-3 weeks once your application, two letters of recommendation, and all your academic transcripts have been received.

Is the University of Bridgeport's nutrition program accredited by the ADA?
No. The University's program holds no affiliation with the ADA. The ADA is the professional organization for dietetic practitioners. Individuals interested in becoming registered dieticians should consult the Directory of Dietetic Programs, which is published by the ADA.

What is the difference between a dietitian and a nutritionist?
A dietitian is a health professional who has received the basic educational requirement of a bachelor's degree with a major in dietetics, foods and nutrition, or food service management systems. Registered dietitians are those who pass a certification exam after the completion of their academic program and supervised experience.

Individuals interested in nutrition education and health promotion, but not dietetics, have the option of completing bachelor's, master's, and doctoral degrees in nutrition programs which have no ADA affiliation. These individuals function independently of the ADA and disseminate nutrition information through methods such as consultation, research, and teaching. These individuals call themselves nutritionists and they are distinguished from dietitians.

With a M.S. degree in Nutrition, am I qualified as a certified nutritionist?
No. Certification as a nutritionist is achieved through your state of residence or through a national nutrition organization. In both cases, passing an exam and supervised training are usually requirements for certification.

Who are graduates of the program?
Chiropractors, Dental Hygienists, Exercise Physiologists, Dentists, Medical Doctors, Pharmacists, Nurses, Registered Dieticians, Teachers, and others.

As a Doctor of Chiropractic, with the M.S. degree in Human Nutrition, can I sit for the diplomate in nutrition from the American Chiropractic Board of Nutrition (ACBN)?
Yes. Those D.C.'s who have a Master's degree in nutrition from the University of Bridgeport will be eligible to sit for the diplomate of the ACBN.

What are some of the job opportunities for graduates of the nutrition program?

Academic

• Advance to Ph.D. programs

Instructors

• College
• Community College
• University

Marketing

• Nutrition Companies
• Pharmaceutical Sales Representatives
• Vitamin Buyers for Retail

Nutritional Consultants

• Community Health Centers
• Private and Group Practice
• Complementary Medical Centers
• Health Clubs/Gyms
• Sports Teams/Training

Professional Degree Recipients - DC/MS, MD/MS

• Practice Expansion

Research

• Medical Research Associates

Seminar Leader

• Academic
• Corporate
• Lay

Writer/Publisher

• Books
• Magazines
• Newsletters
• Newspapers