Majors in nutrition, dietetics, and hospitality administration may prepare for positions in dietetics, in hospitality administration, in community nutrition programs, and in the food industry, as well as in other related areas.
It is highly recommended that students see their advisers to plan their sequence of courses.
Check departmental information for any additional requirements.
Special Requirements
Students must obtain the Illinois State Sanitation Certificate and meet current Illinois Department of Public Health requirements for food handlers and certification in first aid, cardiac pulmonary resuscitation (CPR), and 2-step tuberculin (TB) test. Students must earn a grade of C or better in FCNS prerequisite courses before they can enroll in any successive FCNS course to meet the requirements for a nutrition, dietetics, and hospitality administration major. Liability insurance for internships is provided through a course fee.
For Emphasis 2, Nutrition and Dietetics, major GPA will be calculated using requirements in and outside of the school. Refer to all courses listed in Emphasis 2.
Emphasis 1. Hospitality Administration
The mission of Hospitality Administration emphasis is to engage students to develop the foundational knowledge, demonstrated skills and professional attitudes required for contemporary and future practice or advanced study in the fields of hospitality. Majors in this emphasis engage in practical experiences such as operating a dining facility, observing hotel operations, and completing internships in the hospitality industry.
Special Requirements
Students must complete FCNS 302 and FCNS 316 with a grade of C or better prior to enrollment in FCNS 431C.
Total Hours for Emphasis 1, Hospitality Administration: 79-82
Emphasis 2. Nutrition, Health, and Wellness
This emphasis provides basic preparation for fulfillment of the baccalaureate requirements for careers in community nutrition programs, wellness, dietetics, or for graduate studies in these areas.
Completion of this emphasis satisfies the academic requirements of the Didactic Program in Dietetics (DPD) of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics (the Academy). The program is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Education of Nutrition and Dietetics (ACEND). Students seeking verification of DPD completion must maintain a grade point average (GPA) of at least 3.00 in DPD program courses (see adviser). In addition these students must achieve a grade of B or better in both of the following DPD courses: FCNS 310 and FCNS 415. Students are also strongly recommended to acquire work experience in patient care and food service.
To become a registered dietitian (R.D.), a student with DPD verification of academic requirements must complete an ACEND accredited supervised practice experience and pass the national registry examination.
Postbaccalaureate students
Postbaccalaureate students without degrees from an ACEND accredited nutrition degree program who request DPD verification by NIU must consult with the DPD director prior to NIU enrollment to determine required course work. Additional course work may be required to earn a second baccalaureate degree. Students should consult with an academic adviser.
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