Pre-Dietetics: Transfer Associate at Harrisburg Area Community College provides students with a solid foundation in sciences, health, and nutrition necessary for pursuing a bachelor's degree in dietetics or related nutrition fields. This program is designed for students who plan to transfer to a four-year institution to complete their undergraduate studies and become registered dietitians or nutrition specialists. The curriculum encompasses essential coursework in biology, chemistry, anatomy, physiology, and introductory nutrition, preparing students for advanced studies and professional careers in healthcare, food service management, and community health initiatives. Throughout the program, students develop critical thinking, laboratory skills, and a comprehensive understanding of human nutrition and health practices. Additionally, the program emphasizes academic success, with advisement and support services available to guide students through the transfer process and ensure that they meet the prerequisites of their target universities. By completing this Associate degree, students will have earned an accredited credential that can significantly improve their transfer prospects and facilitate seamless progression into bachelor's programs at partnering universities. The program also promotes hands-on learning experiences through relevant internships, lab work, and collaborative projects, enhancing practical skills in dietetics and nutrition. Graduates of the Pre-Dietetics: Transfer Associate are well-prepared to transition into four-year programs to pursue their culinary, nutrition, or health sciences careers, ultimately working towards becoming licensed dietitians or nutrition experts dedicated to improving community health and individual well-being. This program is an ideal starting point for students committed to making a difference in the field of nutrition and dietetics while benefiting from the college’s supportive academic environment and transfer partnerships.
General Education
ENGL 101 English Composition I 3
ENGL 102 English Composition II 3
COMM 101 Effective Speaking 3
Core A Elective 3
Core B Elective 3
Core B Elective 3
Core C CHEM 101 General Inorganic Chemistry I 4
Core C MATH 202 Introduction to Statistics 4
Core C MATH 103 recommended 3
General Education Transfer Elective 3
Physical Education & Wellness 1
Major Requirements
BIOL 121 Anatomy and Physiology I 4
BIOL 122 Anatomy and Physiology II 4
BIOL 221 Microbiology 4
CHEM 102 General Inorganic Chemistry/Qualitative Analysis 4
CIS 105 Introduction to Software for Business 3
CULI 221 Basic Foods: Preparation and Production 4
NUTR 104 Nutrition 3
Transfer Electives 3
Program requirements for the Pre-Dietetics: Transfer Associate at Harrisburg Area Community College include a combination of academic coursework, general education requirements, and experiential learning components designed to prepare students for successful transfer into a Bachelor's degree program in Dietetics or related fields. Students must complete a minimum of approximately 60-62 credit hours, which encompass general education such as English, mathematics, social sciences, humanities, and science courses including biology and chemistry essential for understanding human nutrition and health.
Specific science courses typically include Introduction to Biological Sciences, General Chemistry I and II, and potentially Anatomy and Physiology I. These courses provide foundational knowledge necessary for advanced study in dietetics. In addition to science courses, students are required to complete courses in communication, critical thinking, and interpersonal skills to succeed in clinical and community settings.
Students are encouraged to maintain a strong academic record, typically aiming for a cumulative GPA of 2.75 or higher, to ensure competitiveness for transfer applications to four-year institutions offering bachelor's degrees in dietetics or nutrition. Additionally, students should participate in relevant extracurricular activities, such as volunteering or internships in healthcare settings, to gain practical experience and strengthen their application for transfer.
HACC also recommends that students meet with academic advisors regularly to ensure they meet all transfer requirements, select appropriate courses aligned with their target institutions, and plan their graduation timeline accordingly. Transfer advising may include discussions about specific coursework prerequisites, application procedures for upper-tier universities, and information about scholarship opportunities.
Students must also complete the HACC College and Major core requirements, including orientation and college success courses, to support their transition to university-level studies. It is important for students to stay updated with any program-specific changes by consulting the official HACC website or academic advisors. Maintaining good academic standing, engaging in campus resources, and participating in relevant activities are all integral parts of fulfilling the program requirements and successfully transferring to a bachelor's program in dietetics or nutrition studies.
Want to improve your English level for admission?
Prepare for the program requirements with English Online by the British Council.
- ✔️ Flexible study schedule
- ✔️ Experienced teachers
- ✔️ Certificate upon completion
📘 Recommended for students with an IELTS level of 6.0 or below.
Apply for a Full-Ride Scholarship
Are you a future student and ready to apply to HACC?
By applying to HACC, you have the opportunity to apply for a full-ride scholarship! HACC will fund two years of your education – enough to complete your associate degree.
Thanks to the support of the HACC Foundation, the College is able to offer FREE money to support future students, like you, in reaching your educational goals. Six full-ride scholarships are available – one from each of the five campuses and one through HACC’s Virtual Learning Program.
Please note that current students are not eligible for the full-ride scholarships. However, there are more than 250 scholarships available for current students.
What should you know about the full-ride scholarship?
The scholarship covers tuition, books and fees for a full academic year.
The scholarship will automatically renew each term for up to six consecutive terms if you maintain your eligibility.
Once you apply to the College and receive a HACC ID and email address, you may apply for the full-ride scholarship. You do not have to register for classes before applying for the scholarship.
Are you eligible?
To be eligible, you must:
Apply to HACC
Take 12-15 credits each term for no more than six consecutive terms (two years)
Live in Adams, Cumberland, Dauphin, Franklin, Juniata, Lancaster, Lebanon, Perry, Schuylkill or York county
Have a minimum cumulative high school GPA of 3.0
Provide a 480 SAT reading score, 21 ACT or comparable scores on the College’s placement test
Maintain a GPA of 3.0 while enrolled at HACC
Participate in at least two HACC student organizations
The Pre-Dietetics: Transfer Associate program at Harrisburg Area Community College is designed to prepare students for a seamless transition into a bachelor's degree program in dietetics, nutrition, or related fields at a four-year institution. This program provides foundational coursework in science, health, and human biology, which are essential for future advanced studies and professional practice in dietetics and nutrition. Students enrolled in this associate transfer program typically engage in classes such as biology, chemistry, math, communication, and psychology, all aimed at building a comprehensive knowledge base necessary for understanding human health, dietary needs, and nutritional sciences.
The curriculum emphasizes critical thinking, scientific inquiry, and effective communication skills, which are vital for careers in dietetics, nutrition consulting, healthcare, and community health education. Students are encouraged to participate in various practical learning opportunities, including internships, laboratory work, and community projects, to gain hands-on experience and develop professional competencies. Harrisburg Area Community College also offers academic advising, career counseling, and transfer support services to assist students in selecting appropriate four-year colleges or universities to continue their education.
Upon completion of the associate degree, students typically transfer to universities that offer bachelor's degrees in dietetics, nutrition, food science, or related disciplines. The program aligns with the Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics (ACEND) standards, ensuring that students meet the prerequisites for becoming registered dietitian nutritionists (RDN). Graduates of the program often pursue internships or additional coursework required for certification and licensure in their respective states.
This transfer pathway provides a cost-effective and flexible approach for students beginning their higher education journey, allowing them to complete their foundational coursework at a community college before transitioning to a four-year university for advanced training and specialization. Harrisburg Area Community College maintains partnerships with various institutions, including universities renowned for their nutrition and dietetics programs, to facilitate transfer credits and ensure students are well-prepared for their next academic steps.
Overall, the Pre-Dietetics: Transfer Associate degree program serves as a solid foundation for students passionate about pursuing careers in nutrition and dietetics, offering academic rigor, practical experience, and transfer support to help students achieve their educational goals and enter the healthcare workforce equipped with the necessary knowledge and skills.
Currency
EUR
GBP
KZT
INR
RUB