Nutrition and Dietetics/Nutrition, Fitness, and Health (double major)
Purdue University in West Lafayette
If you want to combine exercise science and nutrition, the double major in nutrition and dietetics/nutrition, fitness, and health (DNFH) is the perfect combination.
Purdue is one of a few universities within the United States that combines these areas of study. This is a popular double major for our students, achievable over four years, adding only an additional 8-16 credit hours compared to completing a single major. Students can gain experience in the collegiate athletics setting under the supervision of multiple Sports Registered Dietitian Nutritionists (RDNs) while receiving academic credit.
Nutrition plays a vital role in maintaining health and in the prevention and treatment of diseases. RDNs are the health care professionals who translate the science of nutrition into personalized recommendations to help people prevent and manage medical conditions, such as diabetes, cancer, heart disease and many more. To become an RDN, students must complete required coursework as well as 1,000 hours of supervised practice from an accredited program and then pass a national examination. Required courses include those in biology, chemistry, biochemistry, medical nutrition therapy, nutrition assessment, diet selection and planning and food service systems management.
At Purdue, students complete all required coursework for dietetics in the Didactic Program in Nutrition and Dietetics (DPND), and then apply to either an outside dietetics internship or the Master of Science in Dietetics (MSD) at Purdue to complete the required master's degree and supervised practice. Upon completion of a master's and supervised practice, students are eligible to sit for the national registration examination for dietitians. Graduates from our program achieve a very high pass rate (approximately 94%) on the national registration examination compared to the nation average (approximately 67%).
The Purdue DPND and MSD are accredited by the Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics (ACEND).
With this double major, students will also take courses in physical fitness and gain an in-depth understanding of the combined areas of physical fitness and nutrition. Students have the opportunity to complete clinical experiences in a variety of settings including the Cordova Recreational Sports Center, A.H. Ismail Center and with our varsity athletes. Our program has earned formal recognition from the National Strength and Conditioning Association for its excellence in undergraduate education. As such, students who complete this double major will also be eligible to sit for the Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist (CSCS) credential upon receiving their degree.
Plan of Study
Nutrition and Dietetics/Nutrition, Fitness, and Health (double major) WebpageTransfer to Nutrition and Dietetics/Nutrition, Fitness, and Health (double major)
Purdue admits to individual majors. Transfer students must meet Purdue's overall transfer criteria, as well as any major-specific requirements. Before you apply, check the closed programs page to confirm this major is open to transfer students. If it is, refer to the information below for major-specific transfer criteria.
Minimum GPA: 3.0
Additional Requirements: At least one semester of college-level chemistry or biology with a grade of C or higher.
Contact Information
HHS Undergraduate Student Services
(765) 494-8533
hhsrecruitment@purdue.edu
Careers in Nutrition and Dietetics/Nutrition, Fitness, and Health (double major)
- Hospitals, clinics or healthcare facilities
- Food service management
- Clinical nutrition management
- Community and public health
- Sports nutrition
- Corporate wellness
- Food and nutrition-related business and industry
- Journalism/nutrition communication
- Private practice/consultant
- Research
- University educator