Department of Nutrition
The Department of Nutrition offers outstanding education in every aspect of nutrition and dietetics. Each of our degree programs provides a strong foundation in the science of nutrition and extensive hands-on training, enabling our graduates to improve quality of life for individuals and communities. We are proud of our history at Simmons, encompassing more than a century, and of our department’s many contributions to nutrition science, health, and wellness.

Why Study Nutrition at Simmons?
Simmons was among the first programs in the U.S. to integrate health promotion and wellness. Our curriculum prepares students for many professional paths, including clinical and educational settings, private practice, industry, nonprofits and government.
As a Nutrition student at Simmons you will have the opportunity to collaborate with students and faculty in many fields across the natural, behavioral and health sciences. We enable students in all disciplines to integrate nutrition into their education. In all our work, we strive to serve diverse communities, to increase diversity in our profession, and to embrace the University’s traditions of social justice, science, and practice for the social good.
More reasons to study Nutrition at Simmons:
- Nutrition faculty are nationally recognized scholars and practitioners.
- The department offers students abundant opportunities for research and clinical experience, and our applied training requirements exceed most peer programs.
- Simmons’ internship placement and dietetic exam pass rates exceed national averages.
Our innovative approach to training, research, and practice keeps all of us—students, faculty, and graduates—at the cutting edge of dietetics practice.
- Elizabeth Metallinos-Katsaras, Professor of Nutrition and Department Chair
We offer three degree programs and two certificate programs, including online options.
We offer concentrations to keep you on pace with our growing field and support your professional ambitions, such as the concentration on eating disorders in our dietetic internship and the entrepreneurship track in our Master’s program.
Undergraduate programs that lead to a Bachelor’s Degree in Nutrition
Both the Nutrition and Wellness major and the Nutrition and Dietetics major prepare students to work in the field of nutrition.
- BS in Nutrition and Dietetics
The Nutrition and Dietetics major prepares students to work as experts in health promotion through nutrition or management of nutrition related diseases, by fulfilling the requirements for our Didactic Program in Dietetics (DPD) which is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics (ACEND). - BS in Nutrition and Wellness
The Nutrition and Wellness major trains students to support the health of diverse populations by working with healthy individuals and groups.
Graduate programs that lead to a Master’s Degree in Nutrition
Simmons has partnered with select dietetic internship programs to offer both an expedited pathway to apply for our Master of Science in Nutrition and Health Promotion program and an opportunity for those completing our MS to preferentially apply early to these dietetic internship programs through a preselect process.
Accelerated programs that lead to both a Bachelor’s and a Master’s Degree in Nutrition
- BS in Nutrition, Biology, Exercise Science, or Public Health and MS in Nutrition 4+1 Program (link coming)
Certificate programs in Nutrition
- Post-baccalaureate Certificate in the Didactic Program in Dietetics
Our Didactic Program in Dietetics (DPD), accredited by the Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics (ACEND), prepares students to become Registered Dietitians. - Dietetic Internship Program; stand-alone or combined with MS
The Simmons University Dietetic Internship Program is a graduate certificate in Dietetics and is intended for students pursuing the Registered Dietitian/Nutritionist (RDN) credential. - Graduate Online Certificate in Sports Nutrition
Program format
Our programs are individualized and flexible. Most can be completed either full or part-time.
- Our nutrition master’s program can typically be completed in one academic year full time including summer session, or two to three years of part-time study (for U.S. students only).
- Our Didactic Program in Dietetics is highly flexible, but typically takes 1-2 years of full time study (depending on previous coursework). Part time study is also available.
- Our Dietetic Internship is a full time program and cannot be taken part time. Prior learning credit is available.
Highlights of Nutrition at Simmons
Nutrition at Simmons is patient- and client-centered, evidence-based, and clinically rigorous.
- Small, interactive classes facilitate strong student/faculty and peer-to-peer connections.
- Students learn through simulation, bench-lab training, and clinical skills practice with actual patients in acute care settings.
- Simmons is making major investments in our campus to provide students with optimized spaces for interdisciplinary teaching, research, and collaborative learning in the sciences.
- Institutions that have recently hosted Simmons undergraduate and graduate trainees include ABCD/Head Start, Greater Boston Food Bank, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Boston Children’s Hospital, and Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center.
Accredited Programs
Simmons is accredited by the Commission for Institutions of Higher Education of the New England Association of Schools and Colleges.
The Simmons Nutrition Department's Didactic Program in Dietetics and Bachelor of Science in Nutrition and Dietetics Program are currently granted accreditation by the Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics (ACEND), 120 South Riverside Plaza, Suite 2190, Chicago, IL, 60606, tel: (800) 877-1600 ext 5400.
The Simmons Dietetic Internship Program is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics (ACEND), 120 South Riverside Plaza, Suite 2190, Chicago, IL, 60606, tel: (800) 877-1600 ext 5400.
Registered Dietitian (RD) Exam 3 year rolling Pass Rates
The RD exam is a licensure requirement. Graduates of our programs surpass the national average for passing the exam on the first attempt.
Simmons Program | Simmons First time Pass Rate | National First Time Pass Rate |
---|---|---|
Dietetic Internship | 97% | 69% |
Post-Baccalaureate Didactic Program in Dietetics | 99% | 93% |
BS Nutrition and Dietetics (DPD major) | 100% | 93% |
Nutrition Faculty Highlights
- Eight full-time and two part-time faculty members, dedicated to teaching, mentorship, clinical training, and leading research.
- Current faculty research includes: maternal-child nutrition issues among low-income women and their children; the role of diet in development of cardiovascular disease, diabetes, cancer, and obesity; risk factors for excessive gestational weight gain.

Becoming a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RDN)
Whether you are just starting out or want to change careers, our programs will give you everything you need to complete the requirements to earn the RDN credential.
Learn More About Becoming an RDNContact Us
Specific questions can be directed to Leah Smith, the department of nutrition administrative assistant, via email ([email protected]) or phone (617-521-2718).
We also encourage you to attend an information session, please email [email protected] for dates and to register.
Nutrition Department

Elizabeth Metallinos-Katsaras
- (617) 521-2708
- Send an email
- E-470B

Lisa Brown
- (617) 521-2686
- Send an email
- E-470F

Teresa Fung
- (617) 521-2712
- Send an email
- E-470E

Sharon Gallagher
- (617) 521-2287
- Send an email
- E-470D

Elizabeth Colavita Siu
Leah Smith
- (617) 521-2718
- Send an email
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