Dietetics

A registered dietitian is a dietetic practitioner who has completed at least four years of college and earned a Bachelor of Science degree from an accredited program, as well as completing 1200 hours of supervised practice. To become registered, a dietitian must pass a national registration examination.  Dietitians are required to update their knowledge in continuing education during their careers. Beginning in 2024, all new dietitians entering the workforce will also be required to hold a master's degree.

Background Information

North Dakota State University has enjoyed a long-standing reputation in food and nutrition. Since 1925, NDSU has educated dietitians who are active nationwide in the profession of dietetics and leaders in professional organizations. The undergraduate program in dietetics is one of the finest in the nation. There are two undergraduate dietetics options at NDSU—the dietitian education program (DEP) with a concentration in community nutrition, and the didactic program in dietetics (DPD).

ACcelerated BS/MS in Dietetics and Nutrition

SELECTIVE ADMISSION

Due to the upcoming change in educational requirements for entry-level dietitians, NDSU developed an accelerated, coordinated training program for dietitians. The Accelerated BS/MS in Dietetics and Nutrition combines the required 1200 hours of supervised practice with a Bachelor of Science in Dietetics and a Master of Science in Exercise Science and Nutrition. The accelerated program offers the community nutrition concentration as well as an additional, optional concentration of sports nutrition. Students graduate at the end of five years with the necessary preparation to take the Commission on Dietetic Registration exam based on the 2024 standards. Acceptance to the program is limited. Transfer students are highly encouraged to contact the department early on for information if the intend to transfer to NDSU and enter the accelerated program. Students will complete a 3-phase application for this program. Students apply to the dietetics option by January 1 of year 2 (sophomore year), petition the graduate school the summer after year 2 (sophomore year) to apply to the accelerated option, and complete a graduate school application in the fall of year 3 (junior year). The Graduate Registration Exam (GRE) is NOT required for application. Student begin the program during the spring of year 3 (junior year). Applicants must have a minimum grade point average (GPA) of 3.5 with a 2.75 science GPA. The Accelerated BS/MS in Dietetics and Nutrition is accredited by the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics (ACEND). 

Dietitian Education Program Option

Selective Admission

The DEP option coordinates the required 1,200 hours of supervised practice with academic courses during the professional program. The junior and senior years of study form the full-time professional program with a concentration in community nutrition.  Acceptance into the DEP is limited.  Transfer students are encouraged to contact the department early on for information if they intend to transfer to NDSU and enter the DEP. The application deadline is January 1 of the sophomore year. Applicants must have a minimum grade point average (GPA) of 3.0 with a 2.75 science GPA. Students graduate at the end of four years with the necessary preparation to take the Commission on Dietetic Registration exam. The DEP is accredited by the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics (ACEND). This program is being phased out due to changes for entry - level requirements that will take effect in 2024. To be eligible for this option, students will need to apply to the professional program on or before spring of 2021.

Didactic Program in Dietetics Option

Selective Post-Baccalaureate Internship Admission

The DPD includes all academic course requirements of the Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics (ACEND). Graduates earn a Bachelor of Science degree in dietetics. The application deadline is January 1 of the sophomore year. Applicants must have a minimum GPA of 3.0 with a 2.75 science GPA. Students accepted in the DPD should be aware that in order to become a Registered Dietitian they must complete an internship (DI), and should have a minimum 3.25 cumulative GPA. If the GPA is lower than that, it is less likely a student will be accepted into a DI. Work experience, volunteer or paid, in healthcare food service, or some other type of nutrition or community experience will enhance a student's chance to receive a DI. A student is eligible to take the registration examination to become a registered dietitian following successful completion of a DI. Dietetic internships are available across the United States and range in length from six to 12 months. This program is also accredited by ACEND.

Career Opportunities

Dietitians are employed in facilities such as hospitals, clinics and long-term care, providing nutrition therapy as well as food service administration. They also work in business as sales or educational professionals, for commercial and government establishments, or as dietetic practitioners in community settings and public health. Some registered dietitians work for food commodity groups such as the Dairy Council or Wheat Commission. Dietitians work in education by teaching dietetics, nutrition and food service management in colleges, universities, medical schools and public school systems. In community settings, dietitians provide counseling and nutritional services for city and county health departments, older American feeding programs, child care centers, school food service programs and in retail settings like grocery stores. Dietitians also work in wellness centers, hospitals and consulting positions as part of the health promotion team.

The practice of dietetics is continuously changing as more research is conducted on foods and on the role of food in human health. Many dietitians work in hospital settings, either in clinical management or nutrition therapy as clinical dietitians. Clinical dietitians who work in nutrition therapy assess the nutritional needs of patients, plan menus, recommend or prescribe diets and nutritional support for patients, consult with physicians and direct educational programs on nutrition and special diets. They are members of the interdisciplinary team both in healthcare and wellness facilities.

Career Outlook

Placement surveys conducted in the Department of Health, Nutrition, and Exercise Sciences at NDSU show that more than 90 percent of the dietetics graduates obtain employment in their field within four months of graduation. It should be pointed out that employment is most favorable outside of Fargo. A recent study projects there will be a continued demand for dietitians in both traditional and nontraditional areas for years to come. During college, many opportunities are available for students to obtain experience in the field. Some of those opportunities are through food service management companies, public health service and university dining services.

Academic Advisement

The Department of Health, Nutrition, and Exercise Sciences prides itself on giving individual attention and advisement to each student. A faculty advisor is assigned to each dietetics major. The academic advisor helps students set goals for their college work, helps them choose courses and encourages them to seek community work experience during their college career. In addition to the academic advisor, each incoming freshman and transfer student is assigned a student advisor to help with routine questions and to give assistance in adjusting to college life.

High School Preparation

Students interested in dietetics should have a background in the natural sciences. Strong communication skills, both oral and written, is an advantage to students considering dietetics.

Scholarships

Numerous scholarships are available through the College of Human Development and Education and the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics. Contact the department for more information or visit: https://www.ndsu.edu/hde/hde_scholarships/local_state_national_scholarships/undergraduate/

Please note this is a sample plan of study and not an official curriculum.  Actual student schedules for each semester will vary depending on start year, education goals, applicable transfer credit, and course availability. Students are encouraged to work with their academic advisor on a regular basis to review degree progress and customize an individual plan of study.

Plans of Study

Please note this is a sample plan of study and not an official curriculum.  Actual student schedules for each semester will vary depending on start year, education goals, applicable transfer credit, and course availability. Students are encouraged to work with their academic advisor on a regular basis to review degree progress and customize an individual plan of study.

Accelerated BS/MS in Dietetics and Nutrition Degree Requirements

• If a student is interested in this option, they should speak with the Undergraduate Advisor for Dietetics in the College of Human Development & Education Academic Advising Center located in EML 270.
• Students intending to pursue the Accelerated option will need a 3.5 overall GPA and a 2.75 science GPA by the end of their 4th and 5th semesters to be eligible for the program.
• Students will also be required to complete a Combined/Accelerated Degree Program Declaration Form during the summer after semester 4 and then apply to the Graduate School during semester 5.
• GRE is not required.