The number of majors in the dietetics programs, offered by the Dietetics and Nutrition Department, has more than doubled in the last five years, despite rigorous admissions standards and a daunting course load.

Suk Y. Oh, professor and chair of the department, hesitates to attribute the growth to any single factor. However, he can cite a number of initiatives that may have contributed, including extensive outreach. “We sent a letter to high school guidance counselors,” he said, “and we invited them to attend an open house in our department with high school juniors and seniors. We also visited career fairs at high schools and two-year colleges.” The department also works closely with admissions staff.

“We visit other departments at Buffalo State, too,” said Oh. “Our students must complete several chemistry and biology courses, so we visit chemistry and biology classes to talk to students about our program.” The department’s outreach efforts, combined with extensive media focus on nutrition-related topics, likely combined to contribute to the rise in dietetics enrollment, according to Oh.

Read more about the Dietetics and Nutrition Department in the Bulletin.