Nutrition and Dietetics Coordinated Program

The Bachelor of Science in Nutrition and Dietetics Coordinated Program at the American University of Beirut is a comprehensive, rigorous academic pathway designed to prepare students for a successful career in the field of nutrition, dietetics, and health sciences. This program seamlessly integrates coursework, practical training, and supervised experiential learning to provide students with a solid foundation in the biological, social, and behavioral sciences necessary for understanding the complex relationship between nutrition and health.

Throughout the program, students gain in-depth knowledge of human nutrition, food science, clinical dietetics, community nutrition, and food service management. The curriculum emphasizes critical thinking, evidence-based practice, and professional communication skills, ensuring graduates are well-equipped to address the diverse nutritional needs of individuals and populations. Students also engage in hands-on experiences through internships and practicum placements in hospitals, clinics, community organizations, and food service operations, providing real-world applications of theoretical knowledge and fostering essential competencies for certification and professional practice.

Graduates of the Nutrition and Dietetics Coordinated Program are prepared to sit for the national credentialing examination to become registered dietitians (RDs). The program’s multidisciplinary approach, coupled with access to AUB's extensive research facilities and expert faculty, ensures students develop the necessary skills to work in various settings, including healthcare, public health, research, and the food industry. Furthermore, the program encourages lifelong learning and professional development, aligning with global standards for dietetics education.

The program is committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive learning environment that promotes critical inquiry, innovation, and leadership in nutrition and dietetics. With a focus on the unique nutritional challenges faced by the Middle Eastern region, students are encouraged to develop culturally sensitive practices that improve health outcomes in local and international contexts. Upon completion of the program, graduates will have the competence, ethical understanding, and professional readiness to contribute meaningfully to their communities and advance the field of nutrition science.

Curriculum for the BS Degree in Nutrition and Dietetics Coordinated Program

NTDT I

First Semester

• General Biology I
• Basic Chemistry and Applications
• Introductory Chemistry Laboratory
• Academic English
• Introduction to Psychological Science

Second Semester 

• Brief Survey of Organic Chemistry
• Introductory Organic Chemistry
• Advanced Academic English
• Humanities Elective

NDCP II 

First Semester 

• Microeconomics Theory of Food and Farming
• Arabic Communication Skills
• Basic Nutrition
• Introductory Biochemistry

Second Semester

• Human Nutrition and Metabolism
• Nutrition Status Assessment
• Food Chemistry
• Food Analysis
• Fundamentals of Management and Organizational
• Food Service Management

AUB admits students from both twelve- and thirteen-year secondary school systems. Students holding diplomas from a twelve-year secondary school system may gain admission to the Faculty of Agricultural and Food Sciences by completing the freshman program at AUB or its equivalent elsewhere. Students from a thirteen-year secondary school system must hold the Lebanese Baccalaureate Part II in general sciences or life sciences, or the equivalent, if they come from another country. Holders of the Baccalaureate Part II in Humanity may be considered for admission provided they take one additional course MATH 203.

Once the student is admitted, he/she will be required to present evidence of having successfully completed Grade 12 and show a level of proficiency in the English language by obtaining a minimum score of 573 on the paper based TOEFL OR 230 on the Computer Based TOEFL (OR 88 on Internet Based TOEFL), OR 500 on the University English Entrance Examination (EEE) OR 380 and above on the writing section of the OLD SATI (Jan 2016 or Earlier) OR 5.5 on IELTS (for IELTS we also requires an additional English Placement test to be done at AUB).   

AUB’s Office of Financial Aid has devised several types of need-based assistance programs. These include grants based on the financial status of the student’s family, student loans at low interest rates and favorable repayment options, academic merit scholarships, work study programs that allow students to finance their education while acquiring professional skills at various offices in the University, and assistantships for graduate students.

The AUB scholarship program ensures that students who meet the University's academic standards will have the opportunity to receive an AUB education.

AUB has always been committed to educating students from different nationalities, religions, races, and political persuasions. We are working hard to make sure that economic background is not a factor in the admission process. The University's liberal arts curricular and educational philosophy rests on the principles of intellectual freedom, scientific reasoning, and exposure to a wide range of ideas. AUB encourages concentration in a field of study and seeks to cultivate morally conscious citizens.

The Nutrition and Dietetics Coordinated Program at the American University of Beirut offers a comprehensive curriculum designed to prepare students for professional practice in the field of nutrition and dietetics. The program integrates academic coursework with supervised clinical and community-based training, providing students with a well-rounded education that meets the requirements for certification and licensure in dietetics. Students engage in coursework covering human nutrition, food science, biochemistry, physiology, and community health, along with practical training in medical nutrition therapy, food service management, and counseling. The program emphasizes evidence-based practices, cultural competency, and ethical standards, equipping graduates to serve diverse populations across various settings, including hospitals, clinics, public health organizations, and private practices. Internships and practicum experiences are integrated into the curriculum to ensure students gain real-world skills and meet the accreditation standards set by the Commission on Dietetic Registration (CDR). Graduates of the program are eligible to apply for the registered dietitian (RD) credential, which is recognized nationally and internationally. The program also fosters research and scholarly activities, encouraging students to contribute to advancing knowledge in nutrition science. Faculty members are experts in their fields, committed to mentoring students and fostering a collaborative learning environment. The extensive resources of the university, including laboratories, libraries, and community partnerships, enhance learning opportunities. Overall, the Nutrition and Dietetics Coordinated Program at AUB aims to produce competent, ethical, and innovative nutrition professionals who can address current challenges in public health, food security, and clinical care, ultimately improving health outcomes in local and global communities.