Dietetics Needs Leaders

The Utah State University Master of Dietetics Administration (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.

Program Links

Admission Criteria

Application Instructions

Program Overview

Degree at a Glance

1

Year to a Master's Degree

3

Experienced Faculty

100%

Online Curriculum

37

Program Credit Hours

$19K

Tuition

Career Outlook for MDA Graduates

There is a large variety of career opportunities with a master's in dietetics administration. With a dietetics administration degree, you can become a clinical dietitian, a food service manager, a private practice entrepreneur, public health educator, and more.

In dietetics, the highest paid occupations are in management roles, which require specialized skills including supervisory responsibilities and budget development and management. This degree is versatile and gives you a strong foundation in all areas of dietetics that will prepare you for any dietetics career path you decide to pursue.

Median Pay

Clinical Dietitian - $73,000
WIC Nutritionist - $70,500
Outpatient Dietitian, Weight Management - $77,300
School Nutritionist - $91,500

*The Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics Compensation and Benefits Survey of the Dietetics Profession, 2024

Why Earn a Master's in Dietetics Administration Degree from USU

The USU MDA is a 1-year master's program. Students who complete the program are eligible to take the CDR RD Exam. 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. The USU MDA faculty have hands-on practical experience in clinical, community, food service management, and leadership in dietetics. They maintain their knowledge and experience through volunteering and continuing education.

Out-of-State and International Student Disclaimer

Utah is a member of the State Authorization Reciprocity Agreement (SARA) and Utah State University (USU) is an approved SARA institution, which means we adhere to established standards for offering post-secondary e-learning programs in all member states. Please review our state authorizations to see if this program is offered in your state and our process for student complaints against the university.
International students studying at USU on the F-1 or J-1 visa must have the majority of their classes each semester be face-to-face in order to meet the physical presence requirement to maintain their visa status. Students on the F-1 visa must enroll in classes at the Logan or USU Eastern campuses. Students on the J-1 visa must enroll in classes at the Logan campus.

Getting Started

Tuition & Aid

Student Resources

The First Step is a Conversation. Talk to Lacie.

Lacie Peterson

Director of Master of Dietetics Administration

Phone: 435-797-4244
Email: lacie.peterson@usu.edu