Why study this program?
The BSc in Nutrition and Food Science degree in the Faculty of Agricultural, Life & Environmental Sciences will give you a diverse education covering the fundamentals of nutritional science as well as food manufacturing, preservation, storage, and distribution. You’ll learn how biology, behaviour, physiology, and other applied sciences play a role in nutrition and food science. This degree prepares you for a range of careers in the public and private sectors, from nutrition-lifestyle management to food quality assurance.
Why take the Dietetics Specialization program?
This specialization builds on the BSc in Nutrition and Food Science degree to focus on Dietetics and Nutrition. Be part of an interprofessional healthcare team translating scientific, medical, and nutritional information practical nutritional recommendations and individualized diets, to promote health in all settings across the lifespan.
With this degree, you can go on to practice as a Registered Dietitian or Registered Nutritionist in Alberta. The University of Alberta’s Dietetics Specialization is the only approved and accredited program in Alberta. Applicants compete to enter the Dietetics Specialization following a pre-professional year.
See also the BSc Honors (Nutrition major) program.
Why study at the University of Alberta?
Pursue a degree that matters in the Faculty of Agricultural, Life & Environmental Sciences and secure a job in an in-demand career dedicated to people, the land and the lab. With flexible, interdisciplinary programs and integrated experiential opportunities, students can follow their passions inside and outside the classroom. Access one of the largest faculty scholarship programs at the institution and get involved with the thriving student community for a memorable and life-changing university experience.
- Registered Dietitian
- Registered Nutritionist
Non-Direct Entry
This program does not allow admission directly from high school. See below for more details.
Admission Requirements
Pre-Professional Course Requirements
To be considered for admission, students must complete ALL of the following courses by the end of Winter semester immediately prior to admission:
- BIOL 107 - Introduction to Cell Biology
- CHEM 101 - Introductory University Chemistry I
- CHEM 102 - Introductory University Chemistry II
- CHEM 164 OR CHEM 261 - Organic Chemistry I
- ★ 6 units in ENGL OR 3 units in ENGL and 3 units in WRS
- NUTR 100 - Nutrition and Well-being
- STAT 151 - Introduction to Applied Statistics I
If students are granted transfer credit from a previous study, it will NOT accelerate the student's degree progress. For detailed information on these pre-professional courses, refer to the current calendar.
Competitive Admission GPA
Minimum Admission GPA is 3.0.
Admission to the program is highly competitive and largely, but not solely, based on GPA. Alberta students who present an admission GPA of 3 or greater (4-point scale) are best placed for competitive admission. Admission GPA is calculated on all coursework completed in the two most recent terms of study (Fall/Winter) provided they contain a minimum of 24 credits. If those two terms contain less than 24 credits, then all work in the term(s) prior will be included in the calculation until the minimum total of 24 credits has been reached.
*For Fall admission, Fall grades will be used to calculate each student’s initial admission average. This average will contribute to a student’s application package score and will be considered for offering interview invitations. Spring/Summer grades will also be included in this calculation if they are available. A minimum of ★ 24 credits will be used to calculate admission average for this program. Students who have not completed at least ★ 24 in the Fall term, may have previous graded coursework assessed.
After winter term grades are available, students’ admission averages will be recalculated to ensure they still meet the 3.0 admission GPA needed for this program.
Full-Time Study Requirement
Your academic history must demonstrate that you can reasonably handle a full-time academic program. The Admission Committee will be looking for academic success in a full-time course load in a minimum of two consecutive semesters.
Interview
Students competitive in all other admission requirements will be invited to complete the interview stage.
The interview will take the format of a Multiple Mini Interview.
Out of Province Students
Up to 30% (15 out 50) places in the Dietetics Specialization program may be available to competitive out of province applicants/residents. Please note: all admission requirements will remain in effect including pre-requisite courses and multiple-mini interview.
Recommended Path for Admission
- Enrol in the BSc in Nutrition and Food Science General Program.
- Take all courses outlined in the pre-professional requirements.
- Apply to the Dietetics Specialization program during completion of your pre-professional year.
Any transfer credit relevant will be assessed at the time of admission to the Dietetics Specialization program. Given that the program is cohort-based if a student receives transfer credit, they would not be able to advance more quickly than their cohort.
Admission Application Formula
Applicants are ranked on their academic achievement in the following:
- Prerequisite courses
- Overall academic achievement (emphasizing recent academic performance)
- Performance in the Multiple Mini Interview process
Applications will be reviewed by the Admission Committee based on GPA.
Applicants will be invited to complete a Multiple Mini Interview and successful applicants will be selected based on:
- Multiple Mini Interview: 50%
- GPA: 50%
Important Dates
- Document Deadline: March 1, 2025.
- Multiple Mini Interviews: March 28, 2025.
Because the U of A wants you to succeed, our admissions policy ensures that all students, regardless of citizenship, have the language skills they need to understand, participate and learn in our classes. The primary language of instruction in our classes, with the exception of those at the Faculté Saint-Jean, is English. For more information on the English Language Proficiency policy refer to the U of A Calendar. Information on writing ELP examinations is also available.
At the U of A, we are committed to encouraging Indigenous Students in their work towards a degree. Indigenous students have been under-represented in higher education in Canada, thus our policy is aimed at increasing opportunity, with the goal of our Aboriginal student population being representative of the public we serve. For more information on Admission of Indigenous Students refer to the U of A Calendar.
Deadline
For a complete listing of application and document deadlines refer to the University Calendar.
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The Office of the Registrar administers over $52 million each year in scholarships, awards, and financial support for undergraduate students, as well as financial and loan advising. Additional scholarships are also available for specific faculties and programs.
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