Admissions Process
Students who are interested in pursuing the didactic program in dietetics at Iowa State University should apply to the university and select the undergraduate program/major of dietetics to pursue a Bachelor’s degree or pre-diet and exercise to pursue concurrent Bachelor/Master’s degrees. The dietetics program is offered through the Department of Food Science and Human Nutrition, which is jointly administered under the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences and the College of Human Sciences. Students may select either college designation for application into the dietetics program.
Admissions Requirements
Incoming Freshmen
Incoming freshman students must meet the Iowa State University admissions requirements. Students who apply to Iowa State University directly from high school must also complete the following high school course requirements:
- Four years of English/language arts
- Three years of mathematics, including one year each of algebra, geometry, and advanced algebra
- Three years of science, including at least two years of courses which emphasize elements of biology, chemistry, or physics
- Two years of social studies
Transfer Students
Individuals who wish to transfer to Iowa State University must meet the transfer student admissions requirements. Students who have completed at least 24 credits of transfer coursework must have a minimum 2.25 transfer GPA, and individuals who have earned an associate’s degree need a minimum 2.00 transfer GPA.
Transfer Credits
When students apply to the university, the Office of Admissions provides a transfer credit evaluation to indicate how credits will transfer.
Credit earned by examination, such as AP and CLEP, may be applied toward graduation requirements based on Iowa State’s requirements.
Admission Timing
The ISU Office of Admissions processes applications beginning approximately one year prior to when a student indicates planned entry to the university. Students are encouraged to apply early for more options with financial aid, scholarships, course selection, and housing. Accepted students will be invited to orientation programs and meet with the departmental academic advisor for course registration.
Educational Costs
Tuition, Housing, and Dining
The Office of the Registrar at Iowa State University provides updated information on tuition and mandatory fees. For students who choose to live on-campus, the Department of Residence provides information on housing rates and ISU Dining provides information on dining rates. Please note that costs for housing and dining are university-provided options. Off-campus housing and meals may be higher or lower than university options. The Department of Residence can be reach by phone or email at: 800-854-9050 or 515-294-2900, halls@iastate.edu.
Books and Course Fees
Costs for textbooks and course materials varies widely between semesters. In general, costs for new textbooks each semester range from $100-500; this price can be reduced by purchasing used books or renting books. Prior to registration, textbooks and their associated costs are listed by department and course on the University Book Store textbook information page. Course fees are posted on the schedule of classes along with course offering days and times, prior to registration for the upcoming term. In general, course fees range between $50-125 per semester.
Courses with Immediate Access have digital course material that will be automatically billed to the U-Bill, and students will receive access to these items through Canvas on the first day of class. For more information, refer to the University Book Store immediate access web page.
Additional Program Costs
Students are required to wear and maintain a white professional lab coat for food preparation laboratory courses ($20) and wear a white shirt, black pants, and black closed-toe shoes for quantity food service experiences (estimated cost of $130-150). For nutrition assessment and medical nutrition courses, students are required to purchase a subscription to the electronic Nutrition Care Process Terminology (eNCPT) online publication (discounted annual price of $25 for Academy members or $50 for individual subscription plan). A verification statement processing fee ($30) is applied to the university bill during the academic term of program completion. Membership in the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics ($58 annual student dues) and the ISU Student Dietetic Association ($5 per semester or $8 per year) is recommended.
Technology Requirements
For optimized learning experiences, a student-provided personal computer with reliable Internet access is needed. While tablets, smartphones and other mobile devices may allow for some completion of coursework, they are not guaranteed to work in all areas. It is recommended to have access to a Windows or Mac-based computer to complete coursework. Students who need assistive technologies might have different computer and technology requirements. Students are encouraged to check with Student Accessibility Services to determine the requirements for specific technologies needed to support learning in online coursework.
Scholarship Opportunities
Students in the dietetics program may apply for scholarships available through:
Food Science and Human Nutrition Department
College of Human Sciences or College of Agriculture and Life Sciences
Additionally, individuals who are student members of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics may apply for scholarships at the national and state levels.
Academic Calendar
The Office of the Registrar at Iowa State University provides an updated academic calendar for fall, spring, and summer terms.
Spring semester: Registration for spring semester courses begins in October each year for continuing students.
Fall semester: Registration for summer and fall semester courses begins in March each year for continuing students.
Freshmen: Incoming freshman students are invited to June orientation sessions and complete course registration during orientation