Dietetics

About This Degree

Dietetics is the application of the science of nutrition to humans in healthcare and food service settings.

This degree prepares students to become a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RDN). RDNs are credentialed healthcare professionals who specialize in food and nutrition.

What You Will Learn

The dietetics program at Utah State University is an in-person program providing many opportunities for hands-on learning.

This program prepares students for advanced training in dietetics needed to qualify students to sit the national registration exam for Registered Dietitian Nutritionists. The exam is required for licensing in most states, including Utah. Additional information on licensing and certification programs can be found at https://www.cdrent.org/state-licensure.

USU offers two pathways for graduate level training in dietetics.

Emphasis:

Didactic Program in Dietetics (DPD):

This emphasis includes an internship following graduation.

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ADVISING

At a Glance

College: College of Agriculture and Applied Sciences

Department: Nutrition, Dietetics and Food Sciences Department

USU Locations:

Logan campus

Program Requirements

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Career And Outcomes

Career Opportunities

With a degree in dietetics, students may be qualified for the following careers:

Registered Nutritionist
Clinical nutrition (hospitals, long-term care facilities, health care, etc.)
Community nutrition and education
Public health
Food service management: schools, clinical facilities
Private consulting
Sports nutrition

Job Outlook

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Advising

We will build on your goals and experiences while working together to design an individualized semester-by-semester plan. Your personalized plan will help you see a path from where you are now on to graduation. Even if you are unsure of the major you would like to pursue, we can help with resources and ideas.

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USU Locations

LOGAN CAMPUS

Admission

Admission Requirements

Freshman: New freshmen admitted to USU in good standing qualify for admission to the pre-dietetics program.
Transfer Students: Transfer students from other institutions and students transferring from other USU majors need a 3.0 total GPA to apply to this emphasis.
Dietetics Program Requirements: In order to be formally admitted into the dietetics program, students must apply to either the CPD or DPD program.
- CPD: The CPD program is limited to 12 students per year. Students in this program complete a 1,200-hour internship while completing their junior- and senior-level coursework. After graduation, they are eligible to take the national registration exam, administered by the American Dietetic Association, to obtain their registered dietitian credential.
- DPD: Usually 12-18 students are admitted to this program each year. Students in the DPD program complete junior- and senior-level coursework, graduate, and then apply for an internship elsewhere. The internship is 1,200 hours and typically takes 7-12 months to complete. After the internship is complete, students are eligible to take the national registration exam, administered by the American Dietetic Association, to obtain their registered dietitian credential.

Program application occurs each March. Students who apply must:

Complete prerequisite coursework (see department for more information)
Have a 3.0 GPA or higher
Submit a cover letter and written application summarizing academic performance, goals, and dietetics-related experience
Complete 200 hours of dietetic-related experience (see department for more information)
Participate in a 20-minute interview and take a short math quiz

Learn more about the dietetics emphasis application process.

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