Dietetics

Dietitians are nutrition experts who strive for optimal health and nutrition of individuals and the population. The curriculum for the dietetics program as well as the diet and exercise program meet the academic requirements of the didactic program in dietetics and prepares students for a career in the field of dietetics. The program is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics, the accrediting agency for the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics.

Additional Links:

Program Information

Dietetics

Bachelor’s Degree Curriculum Requirements
2023-24 catalog requirements (PDF)

4-Year Plan
2023-24 sample 4-year plan (PDF)

Course Sequences
Course sequence flow sheet (PDF)

Accelerated Degree Option
An accelerated degree option is available for the bachelor’s degree program.

Concurrent Bachelor’s and Master’s Option
A 5-year program in diet and exercise.

Master of Professional Practice in Dietetics
A 1-year graduate program for individuals who have bachelor’s degrees.

Individualized Supervised Practice Pathway (ISPP)
A 6-month pathway for individuals who have doctoral degrees.

Pathways to Become a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RDN)

Effective January 1, 2024, the Commission on Dietetic Registration (CDR) will require a minimum of a master’s degree to be eligible to take the credentialing exam to become a registered dietitian nutritionist (RDN). In order to be approved for registration examination eligibility with a bachelor’s degree, an individual must meet all eligibility requirements and be submitted into CDR’s Registration Eligibility Processing System (REPS) before 12:00 midnight Central Time, December 31, 2023. For more information about this requirement visit CDR’s website. In addition, CDR requires that individuals complete coursework and supervised practice in program(s) accredited by the Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics (ACEND).

Graduates who successfully complete the ACEND-accredited didactic program in dietetics coursework at Iowa State University are eligible to apply to an ACEND-accredited supervised practice program, which is required to be eligible to take the CDR credentialing exam to become an RDN.

In most states, graduates also must obtain licensure or certification to practice. For more information about state licensure requirements visit the Commission on Dietetic Registration.

For more information about educational pathways to become a RDN visit the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics.

Read about career opportunities and salary information for registered dietitian nutritionists.

Accreditation

Iowa State University’s Didactic Program in Dietetics is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics (ACEND^®), the accrediting agency for the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics.

120 South Riverside Plaza
Suite 2190
Chicago, IL 60606-6995

800/877-1600, ext. 5400
https://www.eatrightpro.org/ACEND

Get Involved

Students are encouraged to develop leadership and professional skills and abilities through involvement in student organizations and other extra-curricular experiences. Work and volunteer hours are valuable for enhancing professional potential as well as study abroad experiences and Honors Program membership.