SAR: Dietetics
Sample Pathway
The dietetics track is for students interested in becoming a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RDN). RDNs apply the science of food and nutrition across diverse settings to promote health, prevent disease, and support the management of nutrition-related conditions. Stacey Zawacki (szawacki@bu.edu) is the director of program.
The dietetics track is a Didactic Program in Dietetics (DPD), accredited by the Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics (ACEND). Students who successfully complete an ACEND-accredited DPD, a master’s degree, and an ACEND-accredited supervised practice program are eligible to sit for the Commission on Dietetic Registration national credentialing examination to become an RDN. In many states, graduates also must obtain licensure or certification to practice. For more information, please visit the ACEND website.
Because of the professional accreditation requirements, a student must achieve an average grade of C+ (2.3) or better for four specific gateway courses (CAS CH 171, CAS CH 174, CAS BI 107, CAS BI 108) to enter the junior year. The courses should be completed at BU or transfer as equivalent courses.
Below is an example of a four-year plan of a College of General Studies student pursuing the B.S. in Dietetics at Sargent College of Health & Rehabilitation Sciences. Students will work with their CGS academic advisors and Sargent College to plan their own pathway to a dietetics degree.
| Gap Semester | Recommended external course: Principles of General Chemistry (equivalent to CAS CH 171). Follow the pre-approval process for transferring this course. Note: If CAS CH 171 is not available, students may take another approved course towards the major in consultation with their CGS academic advisor. | |
| Term 1 | Term 2 | |
| First Year | CGS RH 103 CGS SS 103 CAS BI 114 CAS CH 174 |
(London or New England summer semester) CGS HU 104 CGS RH 104 CGS SS 104 |
| Sophomore Year | CGS HU 201 CGS SS 201 CAS BI 107 CAS MA 115 |
CGS HU 202 CAS BI 108 CAS MA 116 CAS PS 101 |
| Summer Term | Human Anatomy Modules or CAS BI 210^ | |
| Junior Year | CAS BI 211^ CAS CH 373 SAR HS 251 SPH PH 510** or Hub/General Elective** |
SAR HS 230 SAR HS 281 SAR HS 342 SAR HS 310 |
| Senior Year | SAR HP 353 SAR HS 384 SAR HS 385 SAR HS 415** (2 units) SAR HS 467 (2 units) |
SAR HS 486 SAR HS 489 SAR HS 588 CAS PH 251* or CAS PH 150* |
Sargent recommends that students take the specific CGS courses to fulfill the greatest number of major and BU Hub requirements. Please note that external courses do not fulfill HUB requirements.
^Note: CAS BI 210 (Human Anatomy) is a prerequisite for CAS BI 211 (Human Physiology). You can either take CAS BI 210 or an equivalent course in the summer before junior year. An additional option is to complete the Human Anatomy Modules through the SAR Nutrition Dept. Please email Jacob Ames (jhames@bu.edu) for further guidance.
*Recommended, not required
**Essentials of Public Health and Undergraduate Nutrition Practicum are recommended, not required.
Academic Advising
CGS Requirements
Continuation Requirements
Graduation Requirements
This is a sample pathway to be used in consultation with your CGS Academic Advisor.
It is subject to change according to course availability and individual circumstances.
Last revised: 8/20/2026