Program Information Links
Lacie M. Peterson
Clinical Associate Professor | Director of Dietetics Internship/Master of Dietetics Administration
Nutrition, Dietetics and Food Sciences
Program Enrollment
The USU MDA accepts up to 50 students each year.
For more details on training locations and your options as an applicant review the information on the Where Will You Train page.
- Applicants must complete one of the two following options:
- Graduate from an accredited nutrition/dietetics program with a DPD Verification Statement OR be in the process of completing an accredited nutrition/dietetics program and will receive a DPD Verification Statement or Foreign Dietitian Education program (FDE) upon completion.
- Applicants with a DPD Verification Statement more than 4 years old at the time of application may have to meet additional requirements. Please review our Recency of Education Policy/mda/files/Recency-of-Education-Policy.pdf.
- Graduate with a minimum of a bachelor's degree or be in the process of completing a bachelor's degree and complete the foundational dietetics coursework as listed on the MDA Prerequisite Courses Worksheet.
- Applicants applying with this option must meet with the program director prior to submitting an application.
- Graduate from an accredited nutrition/dietetics program with a DPD Verification Statement OR be in the process of completing an accredited nutrition/dietetics program and will receive a DPD Verification Statement or Foreign Dietitian Education program (FDE) upon completion.
- Applicants must have a DPD GPA/Prerequisite GPA of 3.0 or greater.
- No Ds or Fs in any DPD/Prerequisite courses.
- Approximately 400 hours of work or volunteer experience (download) is required.
- Applicants to the USU MDA must secure preceptors and training sites prior to applying.
- Applicants must have technological competence.
- Both bachelor’s degree and DPD Verification Statement must be conferred prior to August 1st of the year a student plans to start the MDA.
- The GRE is not required for admission.
Students who completed their degree outside of the United States are required to submit TOEFL or IELTS scores. More information can be found on the USU School of Graduate Studies website. Please reach out the the USU MDA with questions.
Equity Statement
In its programs and activities, including in admissions and employment, Utah State University does not discriminate or tolerate discrimination, including harassment, based on race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, genetic information, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, disability, status as a protected veteran, or any other status protected by University policy, Title IX, or any other federal, state, or local law.
Tuition & Fees
General Expenses
| Expense | Amount |
|---|---|
| 2024 - 2025 Total Tuition (37 credits) | $18,500 ($500 per credit) |
| Online Course Fee | $600 |
| Graduation Application Fee -- due after all SEL and coursework is completed | $15 |
Additional Expenses During Application & After Acceptance
| Expense | Amount |
|---|---|
| DICAS Fee - $50 for the first application and $25 for each additional application | variable |
| Immunizations -- refer to the Immunization List for details on required and recommended immunizations | up to $400 |
Program and Facility Onboarding
| Expense | Amount |
|---|---|
| Compliance Tracker | $20 |
| Background Check | $40 |
| Drug Screening -- may be required by some facilities | $40 |
| Facility Specific Requirements | variable |
| Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics Student Membership | $58 |
Orientation Week Expenses
| Expense | Amount |
|---|---|
| Airfare to Utah | $300-700 |
| Taxi or airport shuttle | $40-50 |
| Rental car--if desired | $200-300 |
| Lodging | variable |
| Meals--some meals provided | $50-75 |
Additional expenses are listed here.