Dietetics

What is Dietetics?

A registered dietitian nutritionist (RDN) is an expert in food and nutrition and an advocate for healthy eating. RDNs work in various settings including clinical facilities, food service establishments, and community programs. USU offers an undergraduate Didactic Program in Dietetics (DPD) and two supervised practice programs (CAPD and MDA) that are completed after graduation.

What You Will Learn

Students will learn nutrition principles and how to apply the concepts in clinical, food service management, and community settings. USU's dietetics programs prepare students for the national registration exam for dietitians, required for licensing in most states. USU offers an undergraduate Didactic Program in Dietetics (DPD) and two supervised practice programs (CAPD and MDA) that are completed after graduation.

Didactic Program in Dietetics (DPD)

The undergraduate Didactic Program in Dietetics (DPD) at Utah State University provides excellent academic education and quality dietetics-related experiences. The DPD program produces graduates who are well-prepared for careers and advanced education.

Track 1

Bachelor's degree in Dietetics: an in-person, face-to-face program in Logan, UT. Provides a comprehensive education in nutrition and dietetics. This bachelor's degree will result in a DPD verification statement for those who want to continue to graduate school and pursue the Registered Dietitian Nutritionist credential. 

Requirements for Applying

To apply to our didactic program, students need to:

Track 2

For students who already have a bachelor's degree and need a DPD verification statement, USU offers an online DPD verification statement certificate program.

Requirements for Applying

To apply to our online verification statement DPD, students need to:

  • Possess a bachelor's degree.
  • Complete the following prerequisite courses within the past seven years (courses must have been completed with a C- or better grade):
    • General Chemistry
    • Organic Chemistry
    • Biochemistry
    • Introduction to Human Nutrition
    • Human Physiology or Human Anatomy
    • Nutrition During the Lifecycle
    • Principles of Statistics
    • General Psychology
    • Food Literacy/Culinary Basics
    • Medical Terminology
  • Have a 3.0 or higher overall GPA.

In the past three years:

  • 97% of USU DPD graduates passed the Registered Dietitian exam within one year of first taking the exam.
  • 92% of USU DPD graduates received placement in a supervised practice program.
  • 87% of USU DPD graduates reported being employed within a year of certification.

Tuition Information

DPD Estimated Costs

Track 1 - Bachelor's Degree in Dietetics
Costs updated March 2024 using information from USU Financial Aid

junior year costs

senior year costs

  • Books cost estimate calculated using the cost of new textbook purchase.
  • Policy on withdrawal and refund of tuition and fees can be found in the General Catalog.
  • Health insurance costs will vary and are the responsibility of the student.

Track 2 - Online Verification Statement

online verification statement

  • *Room and board costs vary widely based on location.
  • Books cost estimate calculated using the cost of new textbook purchase.
  • Policy on withdrawal and refund of tuition and fees can be found in the General Catalog.
  • Health insurance costs will vary and are the responsibility of the student.

The Commission on Dietetic Registration requires that individuals complete coursework and supervised practice in programs accredited by the Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics (ACEND).

Graduates who successfully complete the ACEND-accredited DPD program at USU are eligible to apply to an ACEND-accredited supervised practice program after graduation.

In most states, graduates also must obtain licensure or certification to practice. For more information about educational pathways to become an RDN, please click here. For details about the USU program in dietetics, review the information below prior to beginning the application process.

 

1

General Education

Complete two years of general education and nutrition courses and obtain dietetics-related experience hours. Declare a major in dietetics and contact the program advisor.
2

Apply to DPD

Apply to USU's Didactic Dietetics Program. Complete the two years of coursework and get more experience hours.
3

Supervised Practice

Complete a supervised practice (internship) program and graduate degree. USU has two programs (CAPD or MDA) and there are hundreds of other programs available throughout the country.
4

RD Exam

Take the registered dietitian exam once the supervised practice program and graduate degree is complete (3-4 or more semesters, depending on program and individual educational pathway).

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Dawnetta Mahnken

Academic Advisor

Dawnetta Mahnken

Office Location: AGRS 417
Phone: 435-797-3096
Email: dawnetta.mahnken@usu.edu

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Your Instructors

You will have the opportunity to be instructed by award winning professors, some of the most brilliant scientists and teachers in the world. Our classes have great student to teacher ratios allowing faculty to truly mentor you and get to know you personally.

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