Bridge to Master’s of Nutrition and Dietetics Program
Bridge to Master’s of Nutrition and Dietetics Program
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GCU has been institutionally accredited by the Higher Learning Commission since 1968, reflecting our commitment to providing quality education to all students. Our dedication to academic excellence and the student experience continues to drive our programs and initiatives.
The bridge to the Master of Science in Nutrition and Dietetics program is designed to equip you with the undergraduate coursework that fulfills the prerequisite requirements for the master’s in nutrition and dietetics program. This program allows students who may not have a background in nutrition or related fields the opportunity to gain the foundational mathematical and scientific knowledge and skills needed to be eligible to apply for admission into advanced studies.
1 U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. (2024). How To Become a Dietitian or Nutritionist. Occupational Outlook Handbook. Retrieved Oct. 28, 2024.
2 Nutrition ED. (n.d.). Nutritionist Career Overview. Retrieved Nov. 10, 2024.
Our bridge to nutrition and dietetics pathway consists of an array of specific courses that can help you gain important elements related to nutrition and dietetics.
Course topics you will cover in the pathway include:
Algebra
Microbiology
Human anatomy and physiology
General and organic chemistry
Biochemistry
Applied nutrition
Explore our frequently asked questions to gain more insight into this bridge option and help you determine if it's right for you.
Yes, dietitians need a degree in nutrition, dietetics or a related discipline to enter this career. Additional credentialing may also be required for certain positions, and a graduate degree may be required to pursue those credentials.1 However, not all states require nutritionists to be licensed.2 According to the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics (AND), Arizona is among the states that do not require formal certification, licensure or occupational regulation for nutritionists.2
Preparing and reviewing the requirements for this career path can be beneficial as you plan to pursue it. This path usually begins with earning a bachelor's degree in dietetics or a related field, followed by a master’s degree to gain practical experience and prepare for the credentialing exam. If your bachelor’s degree is in a field other than nutrition or dietetics, you’ll need to pursue a master’s degree in dietetics. Although the coursework can be challenging and covers a range of complex topics, this career can be rewarding, especially if you want to help others understand and improve their health.
If you’re passionate about health, wellness and how our bodies relate to the two, studying nutrition and dietetics might be a good option for you. Through working in this field, you have the opportunity to help people improve their health. You also can gain knowledge that can benefit your life as well. You can make an impact in your community by promoting healthy habits and being a source of education to help support healthier lifestyles and individual health goals for those around you.
Prepare for advanced nutrition and dietetics studies.
Our master’s in dietetics and nutrition bridge program teaches you critical skills and competence in various math and science disciplines that can help you not only in the master’s program, but in your career down the road. After completing the bridge courses, offered by the College of Natural Sciences, you may be eligible to enroll in our MS nutrition and dietetics program. Graduates of our master’s program may go on the pursue careers in the field, such as the role of a dietitian or nutritionist.
Up to 90 credits, only 84 can be lower division
Credits: Fill out the Lopes Eval to find out what will transfer
Admission Requirements (Bachelor's)
OR 2.5+ Unweighted GPA and
Admission requirements may differ based on degree level, program and modality, or transfer status. Some programs of study may require a higher GPA and/or other qualifying criteria for admission. Please review full admission and program requirements in the University Policy Handbook.
*Math and reading only on a 1600 point scale (test date after 3/1/2016). SAT score of 1380 required for 2400 point scale (test date before 3/1/2016).
