About Dietetics and Nutrition Management
The dietetics program provides students with competencies, knowledge, and skills required to work in the dietetics profession. The program focuses on critical thinking and problem-solving skills in clinical and community nutrition, and food service management.
The Dietetics & Nutrition Management concentration is appropriate for students who would like to become practicing nutritionists or dietitians. The program offers 3 options; Accredited Dietetics Program, Gerontology Nutrition and Childhood Nutrition.
Accredited Dietetics Program (DPD)
Tuition and Fees – Costs of the program are consistent with University tuition and fees.
Application and Admission Requirements – The program’s application and admission requirements begin at the University level.
Academic Calendar – The program’s academic calendar follows the University calendar, including vacation and holidays.
DPD Program Completion Requirements
Financial Aid – Financial aid is available. The University financial aid office has developed an online/downloadable guide with step-by-step instructions for financial aid application.
Choose an Option
Accredited Dietetics Program
Become a practicing nutritionist or accredited dietitian (Please review FAQs below), with specialty options in gerontology or childhood nutrition.
Learn more about our Accredited Dietetics Program (Accredited Didactic Program Option) and view dietetics courses in the CSU Catalog.
Childhood Nutrition Option
This option provides additional coursework in childhood and adolescent development and an undergraduate internship in the school nutrition program. Students who complete this option are eligible for credentialing by the Association of Nutrition and Foodservice Managers, and prepares students for careers in school nutrition management.
Learn more about our Childhood Nutrition Option and view childhood nutrition courses in the CSU Catalog.
Gerontology Nutrition Option
This option contains all but one of the courses for CSU’s Gerontology Interdisciplinary Minor offered in the Department of Human Development and Family Studies and prepares students for careers working in gerontology. Students who complete this option will be eligible for credentialing by the Association of Nutrition and Foodservice Managers.
Learn more about our Gerontology Nutrition Option and view gerontology nutrition courses in the CSU Catalog.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the requirements for becoming a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RDN)?
It is important to emphasize that there are three steps to becoming a registered dietitian nutritionist (RDN) including:
- completion of the ACEND accredited Didactic Program in Dietetics (DPD)
- successfully obtaining and completing an accredited supervised work experience (internship)
- taking and passing the Commission on Dietetic Registration (CDR) credentialing examination
The DPD is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics (ACEND) of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics (120 S. Riverside Plaza, Chicago, IL 60606-6995; phone: 312-899-0040, ext 5400).
Admission to the Dietetics and Nutrition Management concentration is open to all entering freshmen and transfer students. In the third year of the program students must qualify for the DPD by achieving minimum requirements. These are:
- Minimum GPA of 3.0 in the first 60 credits of instruction
- Achievement of a grade of “B” of better in all basic science and FSHN classes in the first two years of the major
It is particularly important to achieve and maintain a grade point average (GPA) of at least 3.2 or better and obtain volunteer experience to be competitive for an accredited supervised practice (dietetic internship) experience.
What are the upcoming changes to Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RDN) requirements?
Starting in January 2024, all candidates for the national registration examination for registered dietitians (RD) will be required to have a master’s degree (MS). Students selecting the Dietetics concentration and wanting to become registered dietitians must give serious consideration to this timeline. In order to be eligible to take the registration examination for dietitians with a bachelor’s degree, students entering the major must complete their degree by spring 2022 and successfully obtain and complete an accredited 1200 hour supervised practice program on or before November of 2023.
Students who complete the Dietetics concentration and/or internship after these deadlines will continue to be eligible to take the national registration examination for the Registered Nutrition and Dietetic Technician (NDTR). The NDTR works alongside the registered dietitian to provide nutrition care to patients in the community, hospital, school, and long term care settings.
Also note, all of the options for a bachelor’s degree within Nutrition and Food Science are excellent preparation for the MS/RD track.
What is the Gerontology Interdisciplinary Minor?
The Gerontology Interdisciplinary Minor helps students to develop an understanding of the aging process, including the biological, psychological and social aspects of adult development and aging. This minor is offered on campus through the Department of Human Development and Family Studies and online.