Program Overview

Overview

Illinois State's ACEND accredited Didactic Program in Dietetics (DPD program) includes extensive coursework in the sciences, social sciences, management, and specialized courses covering the broad field of food, nutrition, and dietetics. All DPD students will need to complete an undergraduate professional practice experience as a program requirement.

The Didactic Program in Dietetics provides the first step for students planning to become a registered dietitian nutritionist (RDN) by preparing graduates for the required ACEND accredited dietetic internship. The program culminates with students receiving a B.S. degree in Food, Nutrition and Dietetics and an ACEND Verification Statement of DPD Program Completion, which verifies that graduates have met the required Standards of Education established by ACEND, the accrediting agency of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics.

Effective 1/1/2024, a master's degree will be required to take the Commission on Dietetic Registration RDN credentialing exam. Illinois State University offers multiple master’s program pathways that will enable qualified students to meet the master’s requirement while continuing their educational path to becoming an RDN at ISU.

Program Details

• Accelerated Master’s Program: Qualified juniors can apply to the accelerated master’s program which allows students to complete an undergraduate and master’s degree in 5 years. Accelerated dietetics master’s students have the option of being preselected to our distance internship.
• Traditional Graduate Program: Illinois State has a traditional graduate program that cumulates in a M.S. in Nutrition.
• Dietetic Internship (DI) Program: We offer two tracks of an accredited Dietetic Internship (DI) program, including a combined Master’s-Dietetic Internship and a Distance Dietetic Internship Graduate Certificate Program.

Careers

• Employment Opportunities: Graduates of our program work in a variety of settings after completing all steps to become a dietitian, including:
  • Medical centers
  • Acute care facilities
  • Long-term care facilities
  • Corporate wellness
  • Community dietitian (WIC, University Extension, etc.)
  • Food and medical product companies
  • School nutrition programs
  • Education and research
  • Sports nutrition
  • Private practice
• Alternative Career Paths: Students who choose not to pursue all steps to become a dietitian can become a Nutrition and Dietetics Technician, Registered (NDTR) with a FND bachelor’s degree, DPD verification statement and successful completion of the NDTR examination.

Point of Pride

• 5-year Pass Rates: The 5-year pass rates for the Registered Dietitian exam (for the Didactic Program in Dietetics and Dietetic Internship programs) is 91%.

Why Study Dietetics?

• Program Overview: Dietetics at Illinois State prepares you to help individuals and communities incorporate positive food changes and nutrition strategies.
• Coursework: As a student in this program, you'll take extensive coursework in sciences, social sciences, management, and take specialized courses covering the broad field of food, nutrition, and dietetics.