Pursuing a four-year degree in nutrition results in a Bachelor of Science in Nutrition Science. Coursework in community nutrition, food science, medical nutrition therapy, anatomy and physiology, chemistry, biology, psychology, counseling and metabolism provides an education that prepares you to understand how nutrition affects individuals and communities inside and out. Master's programs are not required to become a dietitian, but pursuing that higher level of education is a guarantee that you have accrued more academic knowledge, something that can make you a more attractive job candidate postgraduation. Food service and nutrition majors are offered throughout the nation, so consider both state schools and private institutions when considering where to attend.
Any institution that offers accredited programs in nutrition has a Didactic Program in Dietetics, otherwise known as the "DPD" courses. These are nutrition-specific courses that qualify someone who already holds a non-nutrition bachelor's degree to test as a dietitian without requiring him to achieve a nutrition degree, a kind of accelerated nutrition program. All of the DPD courses are included in a B.S. Nutrition Science degree, but the B.S. degree also includes electives and liberal arts courses. While a B.S. degree requires 120 credits to be completed, the DPD courses come in closer to 30 credits.
Consider attending an alternative nutrition school. If not interested in testing to be a registered dietitian after school, alternative nutrition programs offer courses in holistic nutrition, nutrition consultation programs, comprehensive nutrition and health-based chef's training. Hawthorn University, the Huntington College of Health Sciences and the National Gourmet Institute are worth a look for those who want the education to bolster their existing knowledge or for their own satisfaction.
Accreditation for nutrition schools guarantees that the program is teaching you what you need to know before taking the Registered Dietitian exam. Accreditation is granted by the Commission on Accreditation for Dietetics Education, a part of the American Dietetic Association. Individual schools will list their accreditation on their webpage. If you are unsure about an establishment's credentials, try looking at the list of schools that are NOT accredited at the ADA website, eatright.org.