My Journey as a Clinical Nutrition Major at UC Davis

As a fourth-year nutrition major at UC Davis, I often reflect on how much I’ve grown, both academically and personally since starting this program. My journey began by choosing the Clinical Nutrition major at UC Davis.

Why I chose to major in clinical nutrition

I chose this major to bring together my two passions: food and health. Growing up in the diverse food culture of the Bay Area, I was always fascinated by the versatility of what we eat. I’ve seen firsthand how food can strengthen our connection with others, and in turn how our relationships shape the way we approach food. Guided by my desire to help others, I decided on the clinical nutrition major to explore more deeply the intersection of food and the human body. 

What do clinical nutrition majors study?

One of the things I’ve loved most about the program is how interdisciplinary it is. In my first two years, I completed foundational courses in biology, chemistry and social sciences. These prerequisites not only fulfilled general education requirements but established a strong scientific and interdisciplinary foundation. A few examples of the classes I’ve taken include:

• General Chemistry: Back to basics! As a chemistry-heavy major, having a strong foundation in chemistry really set me up for success in later courses. I especially enjoyed the lab component and the chance to connect with classmates during discussion sections.
• General Psychology: A truly eye-opening class! Some of my friends who took it just to fulfill the requirement ended up enjoying it so much that they pursued a psychology minor, or even a double major.
• Cultural Anthropology: This class brought together students from a wide variety of majors, which made discussions especially engaging. I loved exploring how cultural perspectives can shape the way we think about nutrition and health, and seeing how the concepts are applied across different fields.

The variety of coursework ensures that we’re not only grounded in science, but also trained to think about the broader social, cultural, and systematic aspects of food and nutrition. As an undergraduate student, I’ve really valued how these courses build on one another and connect science directly to real-world applications in nutrition. Classes like NUT 111B (Recommendations & Standards for Human Nutrition) and NUT 112 (Nutritional Assessment) challenged me to think critically about how nutrients affect the body, while courses in food science and food service management gave me practical skills I can see myself using in future professional settings.

I’ve also appreciated the sense of community that comes with more advanced, major-specific coursework in the third and fourth years. Compared to the larger prerequisite classes, the smaller class sizes, such as in Food Chemistry for Clinical Nutrition, Quantity Food Production Laboratory, and Introduction to Nutrition & Metabolism brought me closer to my classmates. We often saw each other in multiple courses, worked closely on projects, and connected outside the classroom, whether chatting on the way to class or waving hello throughout the week.

Beyond the classroom, the major emphasizes critical thinking, problem solving and communication, skills that are essential for preparing dietitians to work effectively with the public.

3 ways to gain skills and experience in nutrition outside the classroom

While academics are at the core of the program, opportunities outside the classroom have been just as valuable. Many students, myself included, seek experiences through:

• Undergraduate Research: At Davis, there are opportunities for everyone — whether you’re interested in working with animals, engaging in lab-based projects or interacting with human patients.
• Internships: Another great way to gain experiences is through internships. I currently volunteer as a Nutrition Intern at a student-run clinic in Sacramento, which has been rewarding and hands-on. Beyond student-run clinics, UC Davis also offers Health-Related Experiences (HREs), which typically last a quarter and can take place both on and off campus.
• Clubs and Organizations: I’m involved in a few clubs on campus, but my favorite has been Kids in Nutrition. As a group, we partner with local elementary schools to teach kids about healthy eating in fun and interactive ways. UC Davis has an incredible variety of student organizations. Most are always welcoming new members, and you’ll often see them tabling around campus. And if you don’t find a club that matches your passion, you can start one yourself!

Additionally, at the end of my first year at UC Davis, I joined the Nutrition Advising Office as a Peer Advisor. In this role, I support fellow students in planning their courses, connecting them with campus resources, and navigating the major from a student perspective. Every year, I enjoy welcoming new and prospective students at events such as Aggie Day and Aggie Orientation. Looking back as I conclude my time at UC Davis, serving as a Peer Advisor has been an invaluable opportunity to welcome and support many Aggies in the major.

Career opportunities

Finishing the undergraduate Clinical Nutrition program at UC Davis opens the door to a wide range of career opportunities.

Registered Dietitian Nutritionist

As of January 1, 2024, the Commission on Dietetic Registration requires a minimum of a master’s degree to qualify for the credentialing exam to become a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RDN).

Most graduate-level supervised practice programs (dietetic internships) are now paired with a master’s degree. Completing one of these combined programs allows graduates to sit for the national exam and earn the RDN credential.

I first learned about this change while applying to colleges as a high school senior. At the time, I wasn’t sure how it would affect me. The idea of pursuing a master’s almost made me reconsider majoring in Clinical Nutrition. I hadn’t pictured myself in graduate school, and as a first-generation college student, earning a bachelor’s degree alone already felt like a major milestone. But after meeting with the advising team, I felt more confident about the path ahead and the steps to pursue a master’s. Their guidance has continued to support me as I finish my undergraduate education.
 

Other health and nutrition careers

Beyond the RDN track, many students pursue advanced degrees in areas like nutrition science, public health or food service management. Graduate study can open doors to careers in research, teaching, community health, policy or large-scale food service operations, allowing graduates to build on their undergraduate training and tailor their professional path to their unique interests within the field of nutrition.

Why major in clinical nutrition?

As I prepare to walk across the graduation stage and eventually don a clinical badge, the policy changes and academic milestones all feel less abstract and more personally meaningful. This major has challenged me in ways I didn’t anticipate, but it has also confirmed that I’m on the right path. Every course, every advisor meeting, and every late night study session has been building toward real-world impact.

Academic resources and requirement updates

• Academic Resources: UC Davis offers advising appointments, peer advisors, and DPD handbooks.
• Updates to policy: The master’s degree requirement change (effective January 1, 2024) is a key detail underlining how dynamic and evolving the pathway is UC Davis Nutrition.