Dietetics is the science and art of applying the principles of food and nutrition to health…and a vital growing profession with many career possibilities.  Completion of the dietetics program is the first toward the professional credential R.D. – Registered Dietitian.
 

Program Description

The dietetics curriculum has been carefully designed so that foundation courses in general and organic chemistry, biochemistry, anatomy, physiology, and microbiology provide a science background necessary for the understanding of concepts in foods and nutrition.  Sequenced course offerings build from the basics to more complex learning experiences in food delivery systems, advanced human nutrition, and medical nutrition therapy.  Principles of social-psychological sciences and the application of management and communication skills in working effectively with people and within organizations is integrated throughout.

Accreditation
The undergraduate program in dietetics has been fully approved as a Didactic Program in Dietetics (DPD) for the over 20 years and is developmentally accredited1 by the Commission on Accreditation for Dietetics Education (CADE)2 of the American Dietetic Association (ADA).

By meeting the ADA requirements and completing the MSU graduation requirements for a Bachelor of Science degree, students receive a verification statement for the Didactic Program in Dietetics from the DPD Program Director, which is required for acceptance to a post-bachelor’s ADA-accredited dietetic internship program.  Successful completion of an accredited dietetic internship is essential for eligibility to take the National Registration Examination for Dietitians.

An individual who holds a degree in a closely related field may be able to complete required courses at MSU in order to earn a verification statement from MSU, allowing application and entry to a dietetic internship.  Similarly, persons who received a dietetics education outside of the US and who wish to become registered dietitians in the US but do not qualify for reciprocity3 with the Commission on Dietetic Registration, may be able to obtain a verification statement from MSU.  In both cases, a minimum of 10 credits in 300-400 level courses in dietetics at MSU must be completed, with a minimum grade of 2.0 or better in each course.  Upon review of the individual’s transcripts, the DPD Director will determine the courses required.

Mission and Goals
The mission of the MSU Didactic Program in Dietetics is to provide a high quality curriculum, which prepares students for eligibility for entrance into an American Dietetic Association-accredited Dietetic Internship.  The established goals of the program are:

  • To prepare students for a career utilizing their knowledge, skills and competencies in dietetics and encourage students to pursue the RD credential through participation in a dietetic internship;

  •  To provide a student environment that instills future graduates with a commitment to student professionalism and community service;

  • To recruit, retain, and graduate students exhibiting academic aptitude from a diverse population.

The 1998 Gourman Report ranked the MSU Dietetics Program second in the nation out of 240 programs evaluated.  The MSU Dietetics Program is one of the largest dietetics programs in the United States and one of the first programs established.

[1] Developmental Accreditation - program not previously accredited that is in compliance with the CADE eligibility requirements and accreditation standards (ERAS)
 

[2] Commission on Accreditation for Dietetics Education, American Dietetic Association, 120 South Riverside Plaza, Suite 2000, Chicago, Illinois 60606-6995; 313/899-0400; cade@eatright.org.

[3] The CADE guidelines regulating reciprocity are found at www.eatright.org/cade/intfactsheet.html.