The associate in science in nutrition and dietetics for transfer offers students basic knowledge in microbiology, human anatomy and physiology, chemistry and nutrition. It is intended for students who plan to complete a bachelor’s degree in a similar major at a CSU campus. Students completing this degree are guaranteed admission to the CSU system, but not to a particular campus or major. In order to earn the degree, students must complete 60 required term units of CSU-transferable coursework with a minimum GPA of 2.0. Students transferring to a CSU campus that accepts the degree will be required to complete no more than 60 units after transfer to earn a bachelor’s degree. This degree may not be the best option for students intending to transfer to a particular CSU campus or to university or college that is not part of the CSU system, or those students who do not intend to transfer. Students with degrees in nutrition and dietetics find employment within a wide range of organizations, such as medical facilities, research labs, government agencies, universities, pharmaceutical companies, and the food industry. This degree is also an excellent preparation for students planning to continue training in medicine, public health and/or other allied health sciences. The associate in science in nutrition for transfer is intended for students who plan to complete a bachelor’s degree in a similar major at a CSU campus. Students completing this degree are guaranteed admission to the CSU system, but not to a particular campus or major.

In order to earn the degree, students must:

• Complete 60 semester CSU-transferable units.

• Complete the California State University-General Education pattern (CSU GE); OR the Inter-segmental General Education Transfer Curriculum (IGETC) pattern.

• Complete a minimum of 18 semester units in the major.

• Obtain of a minimum grade point average (GPA) of 2.0.

• Earn a grade of “C “or higher in all courses required for the major.

Students transferring to a CSU campus that accepts the degree will be required to complete no more than 60 units after transfer to earn a bachelor’s degree. This degree may not be the best option for students intending to transfer to a particular CSU campus or to a university or college that is not part of the CSU system, or those students who do not intend to transfer. Some courses in the major satisfy both major and CSUGE/ IGETC general education requirements; however, the units are only counted once toward the 60 unit requirement for an associate’s degree. Some variations in requirements may exist at certain four-year institutions; therefore, students who intend to transfer are advised to refer to the catalog of the prospective transfer institution and consult a counselor.

Students completing the program will be able to...

A. analyze data and critique information in the nutritional sciences.

B. identify nutrition-related chronic diseases by applying knowledge of nutrient functions, food sources and physiologic systems.

C. explain how genetics and life style factors affect nutritional and health status.

E. assess a diet for nutrient adequacy using a current computerized USDA database.

Possible career opportunities

Courses offered within the nutrition discipline prepare students for numerous career paths. These courses begin to prepare the student for careers in food science, dietetics, nursing, dental hygiene, restaurant management, and sports nutrition as well as many other food related or health related professions. Specific courses also meet the requirements for certain certificate program and majors offered at DVC and other colleges.