Difference between home science (Nutrition and dietetics specialization) and Nutrition and dietetics Major

 

     Nutrition is the process by which nutrients and other substances in food interact with one another after absorption, in order to be useful for growth, repair, metabolism, reproduction, maintenance of health and management of diseases.

     Dietetics on the other hand, is the application of the knowledge of nutrition to human diet (diet is the total food eaten by an individual) in order to maintain good quality health and manage illnesses and diseases.

    Home science or family and consumer science is an interdisciplinary field of knowledge which the objective is at achieving the proper maintenance of individuals, family and society well-being.

I previously wrote a detail article about Home science.

To understand this article, let's first explain the meaning of Degree specialization and Major degree.

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• Degree specialization or concentration : This is usually in between a degree program and a specific major so as to allow students focus their course of study more further, for instance, you may choose to pursue a B.agric in Agricultural sciences with a specialization or concentration in crop science, thus, making you a crop scientist but with general knowledge of agriculture (plants and animals).
     You would have a broad knowledge that covers numerous career path while you would still get extra experience in a particular field when studying a specialization degree, for example, if you are passionate about statistics, but you want to have the opportunity of pursing various mathematical related positions in the nearest future, you may choose a B.sc in mathematical science with a specialization in statistics.

Same is applicable to Home science; you are interested in Nutrition and dietetics but you would like to give yourself the option of pursuing a variety of home science related positions, you may choose a B.sc in home sciences with a specialization in Nutrition and dietetics. Therefore, your certificate shall read - B.sc in Home sciences ( Nutrition and dietetics). This is the same with all specializations under home science. Does that mean you wouldn't be competent as someone whose Major is Nutrition and dietetics? Before I answer this question, let's see the meaning of Major degree.

• Major degree : This is the area where you focus on, from your first day in the college or university till you finish your degree program. It consists of core courses, other few requirements based on your degree may be added. Major is typically based on your level of knowledge in a specific area, without stepping in other areas, it simply shows the particular skills you have, for instance, you may pursue a major in statistics and get a B.sc statistics degree. The same apply to Nutrition and dietetics major - B.sc Nutrition and dietetics.

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     Now, let's go back to the previously asked question  i.e
• Does that mean you wouldn't be competent as someone whose Major is Nutrition and dietetics if you specialize in Nutrition and dietetics? -- Absolutely NO.

     So far your curriculum covers all the "core courses" a major curriculum also covers, irrespective of when you cover the courses, for instance, a major student might take biochemistry in 200 level while a student specialising takes it in 300 level due to much work load concerning other courses from other field in his/her 200 level. What matters is for the two of them to cover the core courses.

     In the past, home science (nutrition and dietetics) students don't usually cover all the core courses, making them unqualified for some future professional programs especially when it comes to running clinical internship program, which could make them qualify as Dietitians, but not anymore.

Nowadays, their curriculum also include all the courses necessary to be qualified, thus, closing the margin between the major and specialization degree.

• You would like to be a Nutritionist/Dietitian? You could always run the program in either of the schools that award Major or specialization degree in the field provided their curriculum covers all the core courses that makes you qualify in the field. Curriculums are usually available on the school website, you can check on the internet and compare their courses, but remember," home science" gives you a broad knowledge about many fields.

You would like to ask questions? Feel free to drop your questions and comments in the comment box  and answers would be provided.

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Related : Food science and technology vs nutrition and dietetics

• Overview of Home Science

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