Nutrition and Dietetics Program
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Dietetics is the high-tech science of applying food and nutrition to health. It is a vital, growing field open to creativity and opportunity. A Nutrition and Dietetics degree is designed to prepare students to apply for a supervised practice experience (dietetic internship) and ultimately sit for the national registration exam to become a registered dietitian nutritionist (RDN).
Our curriculum provides students with an understanding of the basic and behavioral sciences and the knowledge and skills required to help others make informed decisions about food, nutrition and health.
The master’s in nutrition and dietetics (NDMS) program is an accelerated bachelor’s to master’s program with an internship. This program prepares students to sit for the credentialing exam to become a registered dietitian nutritionist (RDN). Students accepted into the program with the required NDMS prerequisites can complete the program in three years. Including prerequisites, completion of the entire bachelor’s to master’s degree program takes approximately five years.
A minor in nutrition can be beneficial to individuals who are pursuing an undergraduate degree in many health-related fields and pre-professional programs. The minor does not allow students to become a registered dietitian, but it provides a strong fundamental knowledge of metabolism and the complex interaction between foods and body systems.
Opportunities
Hospitals, clinics or other health-care facilities, educating patients about nutrition and administering medical nutrition therapy as part of the health-care team. They may also manage the foodservice operations in these settings, or schools, day- care centers or correctional facilities, overseeing everything from food purchasing and preparation to managing staff.
Sports nutrition and corporate wellness programs, educating clients about the connection between food, fitness and health.
Food and nutrition-related business and industries, working in communications, consumer affairs, public relations, marketing, product development or consulting with chefs in restaurants and culinary schools.
Private practice, working under contract with healthcare or food companies, or in their own business. RDs or RDNs work with foodservice or restaurant managers, food vendors and distributors, athletes, nursing home residents or company employees.
Community and public health settings, teaching, monitoring and advising the public and helping improve quality of life through healthy eating habits.
Universities and medical centers, teaching physician’s assistants, nurses, dietetics students, dentists and others about the sophisticated science of food and nutrition.
Research areas in food and pharmaceutical companies, universities and hospitals directing or conducting experiments to answer critical nutrition questions and find alternative foods or nutrition recommendations for the public.
Source: "Careers in Dietetics", Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics. 2013
Accreditation
The South Dakota State University Nutrition and Dietetics (M.S.) program is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics (ACEND). ACEND is the accrediting agency for the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics. Graduates who successfully complete the ACEND accredited Nutrition and Dietetics (M.S.) program at ³ÉÈËÊÓƵ are eligible to take the Commission on Dietetic Registration (CDR) credentialing exam to become a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RDN). Phone: 800-877-1600, ext. 5400 Mail: 120 South Riverside Plaza, Suite 2190, Chicago, IL 60606-6995
State Licensure
In most states, graduates also must obtain licensure or certification to practice. For more information about state licensure requirements, visit
South Dakota (SD) is among 46 states that have enacted legislation regulating the practice of dietetics. State licensure and state certification are separate from the registration exam by CDR. The SD codified law and administrative rules regarding dietetics and nutrition and the state licensure process are found at . Application information for the SD Licensed Nutritionist process is available at the . Graduates of the Nutrition and Dietetics (M.S.) who are issued a verification statement are eligible to apply for a temporary SD Licensed Nutritionist license which is good for 1 year. Successful passing of the CDR examination for Registered Dietitian Nutritionists is required for application to be issued permanent SD Licensed Nutritionist status.
While state interpretations of statutes may vary, it is ACEND's considered opinion that the program meets the educational requirements for dietetics licensure and certification in all states. However, completing an ACEND-accredited academic program alone does not qualify an individual for licensure or certification as a dietitian in any state. Individuals should review their to understand the specific requirements, including supervised practice and examinations, needed to obtain a dietetics license.
