Program Overview

Introduction to the Dietetics Major

The Dietetics major at Ball State University is a challenging program that prepares students for the first step of the five-step process of becoming a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RDN). Registered Dietitian Nutritionists are employed in more than 40 unique specialties within hospitals, public health clinics, senior care communities, sports organizations, schools, state and local government agencies, and more.

Bachelor of Science or Bachelor of Arts

Ball State's major in dietetics is a fully-accredited program by the Accreditation Council on Education in Nutrition and Dietetics (ACEND). The program equips students for success in the field of nutrition, with a focus on science and understanding how food and nutrition impact the human body.

Steps to Become a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist

The five steps required to become a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist through an accredited Registered Dietitian program are as follows:

1. Complete a minimum of a graduate degree from an ACEND accredited dietetics program. The Ball State Didactic Program in Dietetics will provide students with a Bachelor's degree.
2. Complete a supervised practice requirement. Future RDNs will complete at least 1000 hours of supervised practice in a Dietetic Internship Program.
3. Pass national exam for RDNs. After completing their degrees, students will be eligible to sit for CDR's Registration Examination for Registered Dietitians to become credentialed.
4. Meet Requirements to practice in their state. States have different regulatory laws for Registered Dietitians.
5. Maintain continuing education. For more information, students can refer to the Commission on Dietetic Registration (CDR) website.

Mission

The Ball State University Didactic Program in Dietetics has as its mission the preparation of students for acceptance into, and successful completion of, an accredited supervised practice program, an advanced degree program, and/or entry into a career in foods and nutrition as Registered Dietitian Nutritionists.

Goals and Objectives

The program has two main goals:

• Graduates will be prepared for acceptance to and successful completion of an accredited supervised practice program, graduate school, and/or a career in food and nutrition services.
  • Objective 1: At least 80% of students complete program requirements within three years.
  • Objective 2: At least seventy percent of program graduates apply for admission to a supervised practice program prior to or within 12 months of graduation.
  • Objective 3: Of program graduates who apply to a supervised practice program, at least seventy percent are admitted within 12 months of graduation.
• Graduates have attained the knowledge, skills, and attributes for competent supervised practice and careers in food and nutrition services in the region and beyond.
  • Objective 1: The program's one-year pass rate on the CDR credentialing exam for dietitian nutritionists is at least 80%.
  • Objective 2: Seventy percent of supervised practice program directors, graduate program directors, or employers will report that program graduates were "prepared" or "well-prepared" for supervised practice, graduate program or employment within 12 months of graduation.
  • Objective 3: Seventy percent of program graduates completing supervised practice, a graduate program or attainment of employment will report they were "prepared" or "well-prepared" for supervised practice, a graduate program or employment within 12 months of graduation.

What It's Like to Major in Dietetics at Ball State

If students like science and understanding how food and nutrition impact the human body, dietetics is for them. Pre-Dietetics students spend their first four semesters learning how the body works and the physical and chemical properties of food.

Admission Requirements

Admission to the Dietetics major requires:

• A Grade Point Average (GPA) of 3.0 or higher
• Completion of the required CHEM series, ANAT 201, PHYS 215 with a "C" or better in each class
• Completion of the required NUTR 101 and 340 courses with a grade of "B" or better and a grade of "B" or better in all HOSP courses completed prior to application

Hands-on Projects that Help the Community

In addition to Interprofessional Education and Practice (IPE&P) activities, dietetics majors often complete several hours of volunteer work, practicum hours, and professional service. Many students obtain employment in career-related jobs, while others collaborate with faculty to conduct nutrition-related research.

Immersive Learning Projects

As one of the students, they will have the opportunity to gain hands-on experience helping solve real-world problems while earning course credits through immersive learning projects. The department's faculty members have previously coordinated projects tailored to their own field, but students will also have the chance to work collaboratively with students and faculty from other programs within the College of Health and around campus.