A program that prepares individuals to integrate and apply the principles of the food and nutrition sciences, human behavior, and the biomedical sciences to design and manage effective nutrition programs. Students who pursue this field can work in a variety of settings, including health care organizations, food service operations, business and industry (product development, marketing, consulting), education and research, health promotion, and private practice counseling. Careers include Clinical Dietitian/Nutritionist, Nutrition Educator, Weight Loss Counselor, Diet Technician, Food Services Manager, Patient Services Manager, Dietitian, Pediatric Dietitian, Nutrition Researcher, Sports and Cardiac Rehabilitation Dietitian, Nutrition Consultant, Diabetes Educator, and many others.
Nutrition Course Offerings
Nutrition 1 Introduction to Nutrition Science
Nutrition 3 Introduction to the Dietetic Profession
Nutrition 4 Healthy Lifestyle: Food and Nutrition
Nutrition 7 Food and Culture in America
Nutrition 8 Principles of Food with Lab
Refer to the SMC Course Catalog for course descriptions.
Transfer Preparation
Many colleges and universities offer baccalaureate degrees in this field. Students planning to transfer to a four-year college or university need to know which courses completed at Santa Monica College will be accepted at the specific college/university. Please consult a Counselor. SMC has transfer articulation agreements with the many UC and CSU campuses, as well as many private and out-of-state institutions.
Degrees and Certificates
Associate in Science for Transfer - Nutrition and Dietetics
18 units + General Education Requirements
The Associate in Science in Nutrition and Dietetics for Transfer (AS-T) involves the understanding of nutrient metabolism and the relationship to optimal health including prevention of degenerative diseases. The course of study provides an integrated curriculum of nutrition coursework along with a solid background in the human body, chemical function and metabolism of nutrients, and the sociological implications of food and behavior. Throughout the degree, students will acquire and develop knowledge and skills that will provide a solid background in nutrition so that students can make informed decisions on their personal health.
Upon completion of the Associate in Science in Nutrition and Dietetics for Transfer (AS-T), students will have a strong academic foundation in the field and be prepared for upper-division baccalaureate study. Completion of the degree indicates that the student will have satisfied the lower-division requirements for transfer into a Nutrition and Dietetics program for many campuses in the California State University system.
Potential Career Options
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