Nutrition – Dietetics Major

About this Major

One of the career options for a student majoring in Human Nutrition – Dietetics is to become a registered dietitian (RD). The Human Nutrition – Dietetics major includes a didactic program in dietetics (DPD) which has been granted Accreditation by the Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics (ACEND), 120 South Riverside Plaza, Suite 2190, Chicago, IL 60606-6995, 312-899-0040 ext. 5400, [email protected]. Steps to become an RD:

1. Complete an ACEND accredited DPD program and obtain a bachelor’s degree***
2. Apply for and complete an ACEND accredited internship program
3. Pass a national examination administered by the Commission on Dietetic Registration (CDR)

If you plan to become an RDN without obtaining a master’s degree, please see an advisor. Spring match of 2022 may be the last time undergraduate students can become RDNs without also obtaining a master’s degree.

***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 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 Bachelor of Science in Human Nutrition – Dietetics at MSU Denver are eligible to apply to an ACEND-accredited supervised practice program. Graduates who successfully complete the ISPP are eligible to apply to take the CDR credentialing exam to become an RDN. For more information about educational pathways to become an RDN please visit https://www.eatrightpro.org/acend/students-and-advancing-education/information-for-students.

 

DPD Program Mission, Goals and Objectives

The mission of the MSU Denver DPD is to prepare diverse students from the Denver Metropolitan area for successful careers in food, nutrition and dietetics by providing quality education in the core knowledge requirements for the registered dietitian that is culturally sensitive and instills a desire for life-long learning.

Goal 1: Prepare students for a career using their knowledge of food, nutrition and dietetics.

Objectives:

1. 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%.
2. Seventy percent of graduates will report being employed in food, nutrition and dietetics; in graduate school; or in a supervised practice within 1 year of graduation.
3. Eighty percent of graduates in supervised practice rate themselves as prepared.
4. Supervised practice program directors rate at least 80% of graduates as prepared for supervised practice.