Welcome to the Department of Human Nutrition at Winthrop University. Winthrop's nutrition and dietetics programs have had a long history in our state dating back to the late 1800s. We have offered approved or accredited programs in dietetics since 1917, and in 2017 we celebrated 100 years of dietetics at Winthrop. We were reaccredited in 2019 by the Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics (ACEND) and the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics (A.N.D.; the Academy).
We currently offer four distinct programs; they include the BS in Human Nutrition, MS in Human Nutrition, the dietetic internship, which is an accredited post-baccalaureate certificate program, and the certificate program in Medical Lactation. The BS degree program in dietetics and the dietetic internship program are accredited by ACEND of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics. We are unique in that we are the only institution in the State of South Carolina offering all three programs; therefore, qualified students are able to complete the minimum academic requirements and the professional experiences to become registered dietitians at one institution.
The undergraduate BS degree program has two options. The first in is in Dietetics (DPD) and the second is our Nutrition and Health Promotion option. Both options can lead to exciting careers in the field of nutrition and/or dietetics.
The Department has a number of qualified nutrition faculty with diverse backgrounds who teach courses related to their areas of expertise, and all faculty members are registered dietitians. Faculty members are available to assist students in meeting their educational and professional goals and they challenge students to think critically and motivate them to excel in the program. They also serve as academic advisors for nutrition and dietetic majors and assist them in course selection, guiding them in making their career choices both at the undergraduate and graduate level.
The philosophy that I have adopted for the department is known as FIRST from the University of Kentucky, Department of Human Nutrition. FIRST stands for:
Focus on the contributions to excellence in learning, discovery, and engagement.
Innovation in ideas will contribute to evidence-based best practices in the profession of dietetics and nutrition.
Respect for others will allow service to others to be our highest priority.
Success is reached by empowering all individuals to reach their full leadership potential.
Teamwork fosters partnerships between students, faculty, alumni, and community allies.
Through this philosophy we will continue to be an exceptional nutrition and dietetics program.
Human nutrition is a field that combines knowledge from a number of disciplines including chemistry, biology, psychology, social sciences, and education. The field is best suited for individuals who are motivated, have problem-solving skills, are dedicated, work well with others and can think critically. If you are interested in food and nutrition and are ready to be challenged, then Winthrop is the place for you.
Wanda M. Koszewski, PhD, RD, LD, FAND
Chair, Department of Human Nutrition
