Coordinated Program in Dietetics

The BS/MS Accelerated Coordinated Program in Nutrition Science and Dietetics is intended to provide comprehensive education and supervised practice to enable students to develop competencies needed to function as successful entry-level Registered Dietitian Nutritionists. The BS/MS Accelerated Coordinated Program in Nutrition Science and Dietetics is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics (ACEND), 120 South Riverside Plaza, Suite 2190, Chicago, IL, 60606-6995; (800) 877-1600 ext. 5400; https://www.eatrightpro.org/acend

What is a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RDN)?

The Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics defines dietetics as “the science and art of applying the principles of nutrition to health.” The RDN credential is required for most careers where providing nutritional services to individuals and groups is needed.

Possible careers in nutrition and dietetics include:

• Sports nutrition – professional sports teams, K-12 sports, collegiate sports
• Healthcare – hospitals, clinics, long-term care
• Foodservice – hospitals, early childhood and school nutrition, long-term care
• Community – public health programs, wellness and health promotion
• Private practice – consulting firms, client counseling for special populations, fitness facilities, public speaking

Learn More about what registered dietitian nutritionists do and how they help people improve their health with food and nutrition: Exploring a Career in Dietetics - video

How do I become a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RDN)?

There are five steps involved in becoming an RDN.

1. Complete a minimum of a master's degree and complete coursework through an ACEND-accredited dietetics program.
2. Complete an ACEND-accredited supervised practice program, such as a Dietetic Internship or coordinated Master’s degree that includes supervised practice.
3. Pass the Commission on Dietetic Registration exam.
4. Gain licensure in your state of practice, if applicable.
5. Maintain continuing professional education requirements.

NDSU’s BS/MS Accelerated Coordinated Program in Nutrition Science and Dietetics includes all steps required to take the Commission on Dietetic Registration exam.

Program Mission and Goals

Mission Statement: The mission for the BS/MS Accelerated Coordinated Program in Nutrition Science and Dietetics at North Dakota State University is to prepare competent professionals who will contribute to the profession and community as entry-level Registered Dietitian Nutritionists (RDNs) in clinical, foodservice or community nutrition.

Program Goals and Objectives

Goal 1: Program graduates will function successfully as entry-level Registered Dietitian Nutritionists (RDNs) in the profession of nutrition and dietetics.

1. At least 80% of students complete program requirements within 4.5 years (150% of planned program length).
2. Of graduates who seek employment, at least 70 percent are employed in nutrition and dietetics or related fields within 12 months of graduation.
3. At least 80% of program graduates take the CDR credentialing exam for dietitian nutritionists within 12 months of program completion.
4. The program’s one-year pass rate (graduates who pass the registration exam within one year of first attempt) on the CDR credentialing exam for dietitian nutritionists is at least 80%.
5. Based on surveys at 1-year post-graduation, 80% or more of graduates’ employers will state that they are satisfied or extremely satisfied with graduate’s preparation for entry-level practice.
6. Based on graduation surveys, 80% of program graduates will be satisfied with the training they received in the program.

Goal 2: Program will produce graduates who contribute to the profession and community through involvement in organizations and volunteering at the local, state, or national level.

1. Based on surveys given at 1- and 5-years post-graduation, 60% or more of graduates will report they are members of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics.
2. Based on surveys given at 1- and 5-years post-graduation, 50% or more of graduates will report they engaged in community service defined as volunteering time, giving a presentation to a community group, organizing a fundraising activity, or other activities involving donation of time or services.
3. Based on surveys given at 1- and 5-years post-graduation, 25% or more or graduates will report that they have held a leadership position in an organization.

*Program outcome data is available upon request.

Application Process

Admission Selection Criteria

Before applying to the CPD program, students must receive full admission to NDSU. Please see NDSU's admission criteria for more information.

In order to apply to the CPD, students will need to meet the minimum requirements listed below.

1. Receive a B or above in:
   • HNES 250 – Nutrition Science (or equivalent)
2. Receive a C or above in the following or equivalent courses:
   • CHEM 117 - Chemical Concepts and Applications
   • BIOC 260 - Elements of Biochemistry
   • MICR 202/L - Introductory Microbiology/Laboratory
   • BIOL 220/L - Human Anatomy and Physiology I/Laboratory
   • BIOL 221/L - Human Anatomy and Physiology II/Laboratory
3. Possess a cumulative overall GPA of 3.0 or higher
4. Possess a science GPA of 2.75 or higher

CPD Application Instructions

Applications are due mid-January for admittance the following fall. Please see the due date on the application for the exact date. Applications received after the due date listed on the application will not be considered.

After faculty review of your application materials, eligible students will be invited for the final step in the initial application process which is an interview with Nutrition Science faculty.

Required Application Materials
1. Personal statement
2. Completed application form
3. Transcripts from all universities and colleges attended
4. Two letters of reference

Submit your application materials here

NOTE: The courses (or equivalent) listed for the 1st and 2nd year of the 5-year plan of study must be completed prior to fall semester of the junior year before entering the CPD program. If incomplete at the time of application, a plan to correct this deficiency is needed in the personal statement. Exceptions may be made through the Program Coordinator. Students who have not completed the required science courses will forfeit their position in the program.

Transfer Student Application and Admissions Process

All transfer students (from other institutions or from other programs on campus) must complete a program application as outlined above in order to be considered for acceptance into the CPD. If you have questions about course transfer equivalency, you can search the NDSU Transfer Course Equivalencies page.

You can also contact Robert Dirk, Academic Advisor for HNES, by phone (701) 231-9848 or via e-mail at robert.a.dirk@ndsu.edu for questions regarding transferring to the NDSU Nutrition Science program.

Program Notification of Admission Procedure
The notification on the decision for your selection into the program will be e-mailed to your e-mail address that you provided, no later than April 1st each year.

Additional Requirements for the BS/MS Accelerated Coordinated Program in Nutrition Science and Dietetics

Once students have received admission to the CPD during spring semester of year two, the Declaration Form and formal Graduate School Application must be submitted during the fall semester of year three. The Graduate School requires students to maintain a 3.0 overall GPA for the duration of the program.

The application to the Graduate School will require:

1. Official transcripts from all universities and colleges attended
2. A statement of purpose
3. Letters of recommendation

Graduation Requirements

Students must meet NDSU's Undergraduate Graduation Requirements and maintain a 3.0 overall GPA and earn a 'C' or better in all HNES and graduate courses. Students earn a BS degree in Nutrition Science upon completion of undergraduate requirements during spring semester of year four and an MS degree in Exercise/Nutrition Science upon completion of graduate requirements during spring semester of year five. After year five, students who successfully complete all components of the program (BS, MS, and 1000 hours supervised practice) will be eligible to take the Commission on Dietetic Registration exam.

Estimated Program Costs

Tuition and Fees

Students may be eligible for financial aid or scholarships.

There may be some additional costs associated with the program, which are listed in the handbook. We are not able to provide exact amounts for these costs, so please be aware that the figures listed are estimates. This list is not meant to be all-inclusive but is included to aid students financial planning.

Please refer to the handbook for the academic calendar, program completion requirements, and policy on assessment of prior learning.