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 (In-Person)
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:
- have a 3.0 or higher overall GPA and in specific nutrition-required courses (credit search to find out which credits transfer from another university).
- have completed 9 pre-major courses with a C- or better grade.
- CHEM1210 - Principles of Chemistry I - 4 credits
- ENGL1010 - Writing as Inquiry (CL1) - 3 credits
- ENGL2010 - Research and Argument Across Perspectives (CL2) - 3 credits
- MATH1050 - College Algebra (QL) - 4 credits
- NDFS1020 - Science and Application of Human Nutrition (BLS) - 3 credits
- NDFS1030 - Introduction to Dietetics and Nutrition Science - 1 credit
- NDFS1240 - Food Literacy - 3 credits
- NDFS2020 - Nutrition Throughout the Life Cycle - 3 credits
- PSY1010 - General Psychology (BSS) - 3 credits
- list related dietetics experience opportunities (no minimum number of hours required to apply).
Track 2 - Verification Statement (Online)
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.
DPD Estimated Costs
Track 1 - Bachelor's Degree in Dietetics (In-Person)
Costs updated in 2025 using information from USU Financial Aid
Junior Year
| FALL SEMESTER (12-18 credits) | Resident | Non-Resident |
|---|---|---|
| Tuition & Fees | $4,390 | $12,829 |
| Room & Board | $4,667 | $4,667 |
| Books | $200 | $200 |
| Course Fees | $170 | $170 |
| Supplies | $100 | $100 |
| AND Membership | $50 | $50 |
| TOTAL | $9,577 | $18,016 |
| SPRING SEMESTER (12-18 credits) | Resident | Non-Resident |
|---|---|---|
| Tuition & Fees | $4,390 | $12,829 |
| Room & Board | $4,667 | $4,667 |
| Books | $465 | $465 |
| Course Fees | $185 | $185 |
| Supplies | $100 | $100 |
| AND Membership | - | - |
| TOTAL | $9,807 | $18,246 |
Senior Year
| FALL SEMESTER (12-18 credits) | Resident | Non-Resident |
|---|---|---|
| Tuition & Fees | $4,390 | $12,829 |
| Room & Board | $4,667 | $4,667 |
| Books | $580 | $580 |
| Course Fees | $274 | $274 |
| Supplies | $100 | $100 |
| AND Membership | $50 | $50 |
| TOTAL | $10,061 | $18,500 |
| SPRING SEMESTER (12-18 credits) | Resident | Non-Resident |
|---|---|---|
| Tuition & Fees | $4,390 | $12,829 |
| Room & Board | $4,667 | $4,667 |
| Books | $580 | $580 |
| Course Fees | $447 | $447 |
| Supplies | $100 | $100 |
| AND Membership | $50 | $50 |
| TOTAL | $9,789 | $18,228 |
- 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 - Verification Statement (Online)
| FALL SEMESTER (15 CREDITS) | Out of State | Resident | Non-Resident |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tuition & Fees | $6,216 | $4,858 | $16,069 |
| Room & Board | $4,233* | $4,233* | $4,233* |
| Books | $580 | $580 | $580 |
| Course Fees | $349 | $349 | $349 |
| Supplies | $100 | $100 | $100 |
| TOTAL | $11,478 | $10,120 | $21,331 |
| SPRING SEMESTER (14 CREDITS) | Out of State | Resident | Non-Resident |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tuition & Fees | $6,216 | $4,858 | $16,069 |
| Room & Board | $4,233* | $4,233* | $4,233* |
| Books | $185 | $185 | $185 |
| Course Fees | $507 | $507 | $507 |
| Supplies | $100 | $100 | $100 |
| TOTAL | $11,241 | $9,883 | $21,094 |
- *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.
General Education
Apply to DPD
RD Exam
Helpful Links
Maryann Schneider
Professional Practice Assistant Instructor | Director of Didactic Dietetics Program
Become a Dietitian
at Utah State University
Becoming a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RDN) takes both education and supervised practice to ensure you're prepared to work in healthcare, community, food service, and other nutrition-related careers. Dietitians are healthcare professionals who use evidence-based nutrition to promote health and manage disease. Educational coursework must be completed through ACEND® accredited Programs. USU offers a Didactic Program in Dietetics (DPD) for the dietetics foundation and then a choice of two different master's degrees with supervised practices that lead to eligibility for the national RD exam.
Complete a DPD
Bachelor of Science in Dietetics
- Learn about chemistry, physiology, psychology, nutrition, and food service management.
- Apply to the Didactic Program in Dietetics (DPD) after finishing prerequisite courses.
- Most classes are in-person, but an online option is available for those who already have a bachelor's degree.
- Graduates get a DPD Verification Statement, which qualifies them for supervised practice and graduate dietetics programs.
Choose a graduate school option that works best for interests and location.
Certificate of Applied Practice in Dietetics (CAPD)
- 1000 hours of supervised practice in Utah (Logan & Wasatch Front).
- Pair with a Master's in Public Health (MPH) or enter with an existing master's degree.
- Must have completed a DPD before starting.
- All preceptors and rotations are arranged for you.
- Take 3 semesters for internship or 2 years with MPH.
- Eligible to take the Registered Dietitian (RD) exam after completing graduate degree and internship.
Master of Dietetics Administration (MDA)
- 1000 hours of supervised practice anywhere in the U.S.
- Focuses on leadership & management in dietetics.
- 100% online coursework.
- Must have completed the DPD (or similar).
- Students arrange their own preceptors (unless in Utah-only option).
- Takes 3 consecutive semesters.
- Eligible for the RD exam after graduation.
Already Have a Bachelor's Degree Outside of Dietetics?
- You can complete the dietetics coursework needed for a DPD verification statement.
- This allows you to apply for the CAPD, MDA, or other dietetic internships.
In-Person DPD Links
Online DPD Verification Statement Links
Resources
Why Dietetics?
Career Options
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.
View Faculty and Staff
Quick Links
ACEND Accreditation
The Utah State University Master of Dietetics Administration Program is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics (ACEND®) of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics.
The Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics (ACEND®), formerly known as the Commission on Accreditation for Dietetics Education (CADE), is the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics' accrediting agency for education programs preparing students for careers as registered dietitians (RD) or dietetic technicians, registered (DTR). ACEND® serves and protects students and the public by assuring the quality and continued improvement of nutrition and dietetics education programs.
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ACEND's® Accreditation Process
ACEND® Accreditation Standards serve as the basis for each education program's evaluation. A program undergoing accreditation assesses it strengths and challenges based on ACEND's® Accreditation Standards and describes its plans for improvement in a document called a "self-study report". The report is reviewed by a team of peer reviewers that includes an educator and a practitioner. An ACEND® Board member and a staff member assist the team in its review. The team also visits the program to participate in a series of focused interviews, meetings, observations and tours. These activities provide information to validate the contents of the self-study report and further evaluate the program. The team writes its own report to document its findings and to objectively address key areas of ACEND's® standards based on evidence provided by the program and gathered by the team. The ACEND® Board of Directors reviews the team's and uses it to arrive at a final accreditation decision.