Associate in Science for Transfer in Nutrition and Dietetics

The Associate in Science for Transfer degree in Nutrition and Dietetics (AS-T in Nutrition and Dietetics) offers students basic knowledge in microbiology, human anatomy and physiology, chemistry and nutrition. Students learn about chemicals and nutrients in food and their effects on the human body and the world. The study of Nutrition provides a broad foundation in a practical and personally applicable exposure to a variety of scientific areas of nutrition such as chemistry, biochemistry, microbiology, anatomy, physiology, and biology. Popular topics include microbial pathogens, environmental contaminants, nutrigenomics, macronutrient balance, energy metabolism, obesity, global issues, biochemistry of exercise, and micronutrient and phytochemical utilization. Students in the program learn how the scientific method and process contributes to nutritional requirements and how nutrients function from a cellular to more practical level, and then apply this knowledge to their own health. The program also helps students understand the role of nutrition in disease prevention throughout the lifecycle and as an impact on society as a whole.

Students with degrees in nutrition and dietetics find employment within a wide range of organizations, such as medical facilities, research labs, government agencies, universities, pharmaceutical companies, and the food industry. This degree is also an excellent preparation for students planning to continue training in medicine, public health and/or other allied health sciences.

The Associate in Science for Transfer degree in Nutrition and Dietetics provides students with the foundational knowledge necessary to make a successful transition into a Baccalaureate Degree at any of the CSU campuses. The Associate Degree for Transfer (AA-T or AS-T) is a special degree offered at California Community Colleges. Students who earn an AA-T or AS-T degree are guaranteed admission to a campus within the California State University (CSU) system in a similar major, although not necessarily to a specific campus. Students who complete an AA-T or AS-T are given priority consideration when applying to a particular program that is similar to the student’s community college major and will be given a special GPA advantage when applying to CSU impacted campuses or majors. Students who are planning to pursue an AA-T or AS-T are strongly advised to meet with a counselor for additional information about this transfer program.

The Biological Sciences Department offers a diverse set of courses and degrees that prepare students for advancement in the areas of cellular and molecular biology, ecology and evolution, health science, environmental studies, natural history, and marine science. Additionally, numerous courses designed for non-majors provide opportunities to fulfill Natural Science lecture and lab requirements while developing a foundational understanding of the complexity and diversity of organisms, as well as how humans and other species function as individuals and as components of ecosystems.

The department’s five associate degrees are designed to provide the knowledge, skills, and experience needed for successful transfer to a four-year institution or professional program. The Biological Sciences Associate in Arts (AA) and Associate in Science for Transfer (AS-T) degrees provide preparation for job opportunities and transfer in areas such as Biochemistry, Cellular and Molecular Biology, Ecology, Evolutionary Biology, Marine Biology, Pharmacology, and Pre-Medicine. The Natural History AA Degree provides preparation for transfer in areas such as Natural History and Fisheries & Wildlife Management, and can be completed fully online. The Liberal Arts AA: Bio-Medical Sciences Emphasis and the Nutrition and Dietetics AS-T degrees offer a strong foundation for students interested in pursuing a career in the health sciences.

Students can also pursue Departmental Awards in the areas of Biomedical Sciences, Marine Sciences, and Natural History.

SBCC offers a Transfer Agreement Guarantee (TAG). A TAG is a contractual agreement between the student, SBCC, and specific four-year colleges or universities. This includes six University of California ( *UC) institutions, six California State Institutions (CSU), seven California private institutions, nine out-of-state institutions, as well as Honors Transfer Agreements with ten institutions and 8 CSUs without campus impaction. Students must enroll in the TAG program and work with a TAG advisor. Please click here to learn more on the TAG program website.