# Nutrition and Dietetics (AS-T Degree)

Merritt College · 2026-2027 Catalog · Department: Nutrition & Dietetics

Source: https://mc.curriqunet.com/catalog/iq/48441/48769/49120/49121/49144/49562/49592

##### Program Description

The Associate Degree for Transfer (ADT) program allows students to fulfill lower division major requirements at a community college and guarantees transfer with junior status to a college within the California State University (CSU) system. Students who complete an ADT and transfer to a similar major at a CSU are guaranteed a pathway to finish their baccalaureate degrees in 60 semester units.

The Associate in Sciences for Transfer (AS-T) Degree in Nutrition and Dietetics is for students who seek to transfer into a baccalaureate degree program in Nutrition or a similar major at a CSU institution. It prepares students to function in a variety of nutrition, public health and clinical settings and or to prepare for a career in nutrition and dietetics by meeting the requirements to work in a variety of health and wellness settings.

This AS-T degree program requires students to meet the following requirements:

1.  Completion of 60 semester units that are eligible for transfer to the CSU system, including the following:
    1.  The California General Education Transfer Curriculum (Cal-GETC) Requirements.
    2.  A minimum of 18 semester units in a major or area of emphasis, as determined by the community college district.
    3.  A minimum of 12 semester units earned at Merritt College.
2.  Obtainment of a minimum grade point average of 2.0.
3.  Obtainment of a minimum grade of “C” (or “P”) for each course in the major.

The completion time for this AS-T degree program is generally 4 semesters. Completion time will vary based on student preparation and the number of units completed per semester.

See the _Transfer Information_ section of this catalog for more information on ADT and Cal-GETC requirements.

##### Career Opportunities

Those completing the Associate in Science for Transfer (AS-T) Degree in Nutrition and Dietetics will be able to transfer to CSU campuses that will prepare them for a variety of careers, such as community nutrition specialist, teaching nutrition education, working as nutrition assistant in a hospital setting, or becoming a Dietetic Technician, Registered through the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics. In addition, students may choose to pursue advanced study in a variety of graduate programs after receiving their baccalaureate degree. With a baccalaureate degree in Nutrition and Dietetics or similar baccalaureate degree, students are eligible to apply for a dietetic internship through the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics to become a Registered Dietitian.

##### Learning Outcome(s)

1.  Provide and maintain the highest level of personal ethical behavior.
2.  Communicate with clients and colleagues in a professional and culturally sensitive manner.
3.  Utilize up-to-date, evidence-based practices in the field of nutrition and dietetics
4.  Communicate effectively orally, and in writing, in a health care or community nutrition environment, whether working with children, families or seniors.
5.  Advocate within the community for continued support of health and nutrition.

| Course | Title | Units |
| --- | --- | --- |
| **Required Courses:** | | 29-30 |
| **Core Courses:** | | 20 |
| BIOL 3 | Microbiology | 5 |
| CHEM 1A | General Chemistry | 5 |
| NUTR 10 | Nutrition | 4 |
| NUTR 31 | Food-Production Systems | 3 |
| PSYC C1000 | Introduction to Psychology | 3 |
| **Choose Two:** | | 9-10 |
| CHEM 12A | Organic Chemistry | 5 |
| STAT C1000 | Introduction to Statistics | 4 |
| BIOL 2 | Human Anatomy | 5 |
| or BIOL 4 | Human Physiology | 5 |