Hi All,
I’ll be completing my undergraduate degree in nutrition and dietetics and I want to continue on obtaining my graduate degree. However, the problem I face is picking a graduate program. I’m interested in holistic nutrition and heavily considering to attend graduate school for that, but I’m unsure if it’s wise to receive both your undergrad and grad in the same major. I’ve read many discussion posts and have spoken with professors and friends that I should consider applying in options such as, public health, health management and exercise science. Although I know it’s my decision at the end of the day, I’m still open to hear stories and advice from others who may have faced and/or are facing a similar issue as I am.
It makes sense to receive your undergrad and grad in the same area if that area is what you want to do for a career. It’s not if it’s not.
If you want to be a dietitian or a nutritionist, you need to attend a program that will allow licensure as an RD in the state in which you want to practice. Most of those are in something called “nutrition and dietetics” or “food and health” or something like that. In that case, not only is it fine to study the same thing, it’s what makes the most sense.
If you want to go into health management and administration, then that’s the degree you get. If you’re interested in a career in public health - which can be pretty broad but can cover things like epidemiology, community health education, social services work, etc. - then an MPH could work for you.
First you have to figure out what you want to do, and then you decide on a graduate program.
@holisticsprouts - Welcome to the forum! @juillet is absolutely right. I would add that if you are not sure yet, perhaps working for a while is a better option to just choosing a graduate program that you are not totally convinced about. After some time working you will probably have lcearer ideas of what kind of program would suit your career goals best.