Program Information Links
Lacie M. Peterson
Clinical Professor | Director of Master of Dietetics Administration
Nutrition, Dietetics & Food Sciences
The Utah State University Master of Dietetics Administration (USU MDA) is a 1-year master's program. Students who complete the program are eligible to take the CDR RD Exam.
The USU MDA prepares students to lead and manage people and projects, setting them apart as they enter the workforce. The skills emphasized in the MDA program enhance management career options for graduates in clinical, community, food service, and entrepreneurial practice. Nationwide, there is a great need for professionally educated managers and leaders at the local, district, state, and federal levels. Students in the MDA build skills in leadership, problem-solving, decision making, financial management, human resource management, business, and more. The hands-on curriculum delivered by faculty gives students the education they need to land the career they want.
Faculty interact with students weekly during the program and as often as requested after the program as graduates prepare for the RD exam and seek employment.
Register for one of our virtual open houses to learn more about the USU MDA program and why you should apply!
Degree at a Glance
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.