Agriculture degree offers multiple benefits

The College of Agriculture recently approved a one-of-a-kind joint degree program in diet and exercise. Ninety-five percent of the agriculture faculty approved the proposed five-to-six year program, administered by the departments of Food Science and Human Nutrition and Health and Human Performance.

“Graduates will not only have a bachelor’s degree but also a master’s degree in diet and exercise,” said Ruth Litchfield, practicum placement coordinator of food science and human nutrition. “They will also meet requirements to become registered dietitians and registered health fitness instructors.”

If the College of Education faculty and the Board of Regents approve the proposal, Iowa State will be the only university in the nation to offer this type of program.

“Kansas State offers a similar program in nutrition and kinesiology, but students graduate with two bachelor’s degrees, not a bachelor’s and a master’s,” Litchfield said.

ISU graduates would be preparing for jobs with health centers, cardiac rehabilitation programs, wellness centers, community health programming or related programs.

“The job demand is very good,” Litchfield said. “We are very excited and hopeful to offer a unique program that meets the job market demand and the interests of our students.”

Students were surveyed within the two departments. Of the 193 students that responded, 70 percent were interested in the program, Litchfield said.

“Currently, ISU does not have a specific program that concentrates on sports and nutrition,” said Karin Westberg, senior in dietetics. “This program would be a perfect match for students who want to study those topics.”

“This program would give students an advantage,” said Cathy Pollock, registered dietitian and a 2000 graduate in dietetics. “After graduation, I had to complete a six-month, unpaid internship to complete the registered dietitian requirements. This program would allow students to complete their internship while still taking classes.”

Litchfield hopes to get final approval late fall or early spring.