Dietetics Program

A Registered Dietitian Nutritionist is a Food and Nutrition expert who has met academic and professional requirements including:

• Earned a master’s degree with course work approved by the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics Accreditation council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics (ACEND).  
• Completed a 1000 hour accredited, supervised practice program, a dietetic internship (DI), at a health care facility, community agency and foodservice corporation.*
• Passed a national examination administered by the Commission on Dietetic Registration (CDR)**
• Completes continuing professional education requirement to maintain registration on an ongoing basis.

* Dietetic Internships require students to utilize the Dietetics Inclusive Centralized application Services (DICAS), a web-based application service, for applying to Dietetic Internships. For more information, please visit the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics Website.

** In most states, graduates also must obtain licensure or certification to practice. For more information about state licensure requirements, please visit the Commission on Dietetic Registration Website. SUU MS Dietetic program meets the coursework requirement for the national registration exam required for state licensure or certification.

Source: Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics: Qualification of a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist

To achieve a verification statement, students must demonstrate professional, ethical behavior and academic integrity, complete Core Knowledge Requirements for Registered Dietitian Nutritionists (KRDN) assessments with a 75% or higher, complete program courses with a B- or better and meet all university bachelor’s and master degree requirements. For the master’s degree, per SUU Policy 6.62, a minimum cumulative grade point average (CGPA) of 3.0 is required on all work completed in a graduate program.

A Didactic verification statement will be issued upon program graduation.

SUU’s Master of Nutrition and Dietetics program is an accelerated 4+1 graduate program. Application for this program is competitive and based on review of all application materials. To be eligible for admission, students must have:

1. Undergraduate cumulative GPA of 3.0 or above on a 4.0 scale.
2. A cumulative GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale on all “Prerequisite Courses” with no course grade less than a C (C- is not accepted).
3. Completed all pre-requisite courses ( Please review Dietetics Program Curriculum Map Years 1-3)
4. Completed 5 dietetic related experiences, paid or volunteer, totaling 50 hours.  Dietetic Program Portfolio Experience Options.

Maximum enrollment in the Dietetic Program is 12 students per year, so completion of all admission requirements will not guarantee acceptance into the program.

Application Process:

Applications to the Dietetic Program are accepted once a year. The application deadline is 4 pm on the 2nd Friday in January. Each individual's application will not be reviewed until all application materials have been received. All applications will be reviewed, and admission determined by the selection committee. Provisional admission is made, and notifications are sent by email by March 1st. Students will reply by March 15th to the offer of admission, via the application portal. This allows for timely student registration for upcoming fall courses. To be officially admitted to the dietetics program, all those receiving provisional admission must successfully complete prerequisite courses (maximum 18 credits) taken during spring/summer semester. If these courses are taken at an institution other than SUU, students must submit official copies of their transcripts containing their spring semester grades. The committee will review spring/summer transcripts and make final admission decisions. Please note a GRE is not required.

Southern Utah University’s mission is to provide an exceptional educational experience. As a campus focused on supporting a growing diverse student body, we encourage applications from students with differing experiences, perspectives and backgrounds. In our application process, we do not discriminate based on race, religion, national origin, color, sex (gender), age, disability, marital, pregnancy or pregnancy related conditions, childbirth, veteran, sexual orientation, sexual identity, size and/or other legally protected status, unless otherwise required by law.

The MS/DPD program fully complies with Utah state law 53B-1-116 (effective July 1, 2024) by maintaining an admissions process that neither requires nor considers statements addressing applicants' views on diversity, equity, or inclusion. Our program grants no preferential consideration to applicants who voluntarily provide information related to personal identity characteristics or diversity perspectives, and all admissions decisions are based solely on academic qualifications, applicable experience, and other identity-neutral criteria that predict success in the dietetics field. We focus exclusively on academic preparedness, relevant experience, and demonstrated interest in the dietetics profession to ensure fair, objective evaluation of all applicants per state law.

In the application you will provide the following information:

1. Personal Statement-

   Describe your career aspirations - up to 250 words.
   Explain your personal characteristics, skills, values, or experiences that will contribute to the program and dietetic profession - up to 500 words.

2. Dietetic Experiences: a minimum of 5 different experiences (1 dietitian job shadowing, 2 nutrition and 2 nutrition or non-nutrition experiences).  Dietetic Program Portfolio Experience Options.
3. Recommendation from an employer or volunteer supervisor:
   Provide their name and email - CANNOT be a nutrition instructor. A recommendation form will be emailed to them – letters will NOT be accepted. The application portal will indicate when the recommendation has been received.
4. Academic Advisor Pre-requisite Course Completion Verification – requires meeting with your advisor after fall grades are posted (NFS 1000 Intro to Dietetics and NFS 3040 Nutrition Assessment required before applying to the program).
5. Not completed a previous bachelor's degree
6. Confirmation that you have read/understand all the information about the program on the website, including the policies and procedures.
7. Confirmation that you have read the Dietetic Program Technical Standards.

Online Application (opens Oct 1st - the application portal can be entered and exited as many times as needed to add information) : Apply Now

Application Instructions:

• Complete the Personal Information and Citizenship Sections
• Application Selection: Select Masters, Doctorate or Postgraduate Program
• Student Type: New Postgraduate
• Upload a 1-2 page resume that highlights work, education, skills, and experiences (leadership, volunteer, awards)
• How do you want to take classes: On Campus Only
• Select Your Program of Interest: Master of Science - Nutrition and Dietetics
• After fall grades are posted, meet with your academic advisor in person or via zoom. They will submit to the application portal, proof that all of your prerequisite courses have been completed with a C or higher.

Applicants will be notified by email by the 2nd Friday of February if they have been chosen to continue the application process.

Dietetic Program Year 1 - All credits, including graduate credits, are at the undergraduate rate. To be Pell grant eligible, students must take 12 undergraduate credits each semester. To see estimated costs, and other Financial Aid information visit SUU's Financial Aid FAQ page under the section “What does college cost”.

Textbooks:

• Fall: ~$600
• Spring: ~$200

Additional Program Costs:

• Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics Student Membership - ~$60/year Semester Fall

Dietetic Program Year 2 – Graduate Tuition MSDPD 

Textbooks: 

• Fall: ~$600
• Spring: None

Additional Program Costs:

• Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics Student Membership - Semester Fall ~$60
• Dietetic Internship Application Fees ~$150 Fall Semester

The program is taught during fall and spring semesters for two consecutive years. Classes in the program will be face-to-face, lockstep-taken in the assigned semester. Some credit hours will be formatted in a hybrid learning experience. All semesters have a full-time course load. Some summer Capstone Project work may be required between year 1 and year 2.

The block schedule has been created for the benefit of students to work, do homework, and organize child care utilizing a hybrid format for some of the 3 credit courses ( 2 credit hours will be face to face and 1 credit hour will be asynchronous/online)  

Students will need to demonstrate knowledge of basic computer operations, navigate the internet, use software such as Microsoft Office, Google Drive and Canvas, and be able to manage files and folders.

Program Semester Calendar

For a complete academic calendar, please visit the SUU Academics Website.

Fall Semester (16 Credits)

• NFS 1020 Nutrition Foundations (3 credits)
• BIOL 1610/15 Gen Biology & Lab (4 credits)
• *GE- ENGL 1010 (3 credits)

• *GE American Institutions (3 credits)

• (Math 1010 (4 credits) may be needed if Math ACT Score is less than 23)
• Elective (3 credits)

Spring Semester (15 Credits)

• NFS 1000 Intro to Dietetics (1 credit)
• NFS 2020 Nutrition in the Life Cycle (3 credits)
• BIOL 1620/25 Gen Biology II & Lab (4 credits)
• Math 1040 Statistical Inference (Math GE) (4 credits)
• Choose 1 of the following (Social Sci GE):
  • ANTH 1010 Cultural Anthropology (3 credits)
  • PSY 1010 Gen Psychology (3 credits)
  • SOC 1010 Intro to Sociology (3 credits)

Fall Semester (16 Credits)

• NFS 2140 Nutrition Infant & Child (3 credits)
• Biol 2320/25 Human Anatomy & Lab (4 credits)
• CHEM 1110/15 Elem Chemistry & Lab (4 credits)
• *GE - Fine Arts (3 credits)
• KIN 2010 Medical Terminology (2 credits)

Spring Semester (17 Credits)

• BIOL 2420/25 Human Physiology & Lab (4 credits)
• NFS 2480 Intuitive Eating (3 credits)
• CHEM 1120/25 Elem Organic Bio-Chem/Lab (6 credits)
• *GE- ENGL 2010 (3 credits)
• *GE- INFO 1010 (1 credit)

Fall Semester (16 Credits)

(Can currently be enrolled in prerequisite courses when applying)

• NFS 3040 Nutrition and Assessment (3 credits)

• BIOL 2060/65 Microbiology & Lab (4 credits)
• GE - Humanities Elective (3 credits)

Choose 1 of the following:

• SOC 3450 Applied Research Methods (3 credits)
• KIN 4020 Research Methods in Exercise Science (3 credits)
• SW 3600 Research Methods in Social Sciences (3 credits)

Upper Division Elective (3 credits)

Spring Semester (17 Credits)

Application to the Dietetic Program

• NFS 3020 Sports Nutrition (3 credits)
• BIOL 3060/65 Genetics & Lab (4 credits)
• KIN 3070/75 Exercise Physiology/Lab (4 credits)
• Elective (3 credits)

Fall Semester (15 credits) (13 + 1 Graduate Credits)

Start of the Dietetic Program and Graduate Courses

(Courses taken in order as listed)

(Students pay undergraduate tuition for graduate credits in this year)

• NFS 4000 Dietetic Professionalism I (1 credit)
• KIN 4080 Obesity & Weight Management (3 credits)
• NFS 4100/4105 Exploring Culture in Nutrition/Lab (3 credits)
  • Utah state law 53B-1-118 does not restrict or prohibit curriculum content related to diversity, equity, or inclusion as expected or required by our accreditor, ACEND. The law explicitly exempts "academic course teaching in the classroom" (Section 53B-1-118(10)(c)) and "requirements necessary for accreditation compliance" (Section 53B-1-118(10)(a)) from its prohibitions. Therefore, our program can and will continue to include all ACEND-required curriculum components related to cultural competence, health equity, and serving diverse populations, ensuring our students receive the complete education necessary to meet all accreditation standards.
• NFS 4481 Community Nutrition: Dietetics (3 credits)
• NFS 6991 Capstone Project I (1 credit)
• Electives (3 credits)
• Upper Division Elective (3 credits)

To be Pell Grant eligible, 12 undergraduate credits are required each semester

Spring Semester (18 credits) (10 + 8 Graduate Credits)

• NFS 4240 Food Sustainability Seminar (1 credit)
• NFS 4700 Eating Disorders Nutrition Therapy (2 credits)
• NFS 4990 Senior Seminar: Dietetics (1 credit)
• NFs 6200/05 Food Science & Lab (4 credits)
• NFS 6992 Capstone Project II (1 credit)
• NFS 6040 Nutrition Counseling: Dietetics (3 credits)
• Elective (6 credits)

Pell Grants are calculated on 12 undergraduate credits.  A percentage will be calculated if <12 credits.

120 undergraduate credits must be completed by the end of this semester to complete the bachelor’s degree

(Some Capstone Project work may need to be completed during the summer)

Fall Semester (11 credits)

Dietetic Graduate Program

• NFS 6000 Dietetic Professionalism II (1 credit)
• NFS 6020 Nutritional Biochemistry: Macronutrients (3 credits)
• NFS 6250 Foodservice (2 credits)
• NFS 6050 Medical Nutrition Therapy I (3 credits)
• NFS 6993 Capstone Project III (1 credit)
• NFS 6994 Capstone Project IV (1 Credit)

Spring Semester (10 credits)

• NFS 6030 Nutritional Biochemistry: Micronutrients (3 Credits)
• NFS 6300 Management in Dietetics (3 credits)
• NFS 6060 Medical Nutrition Therapy II (3 credits)
• NFS 6995 Capstone Project V (1 Credit)

Application to Dietetic Internships

Dietetics Catalog

Goal 1: Program graduates will utilize critical thinking skills and evidence-based nutrition knowledge in a dietetic internship or professional practice setting.

• Objective 1.1: At least 80% of students complete program requirements within 3 years (150% of planned program length)
• Objective 1.2: At least 80% of program graduates apply for admission to a supervised practice program prior to or within 12 months of graduation.
• Objective 1.3: Of program graduates who apply to a supervised practice program, at least 65% percent admitted within 12 months of graduation.
• Objective 1.4: 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%.
• Objective 1.5: At least 80% of responding graduates will indicate “prepared”** or higher that the program provided them with adequate evidence-based nutrition knowledge for a dietetic internship or professional practice setting.
• Objective 1.6: At least 80% of responding graduates will indicate “prepared” or higher that the program aided in the development of critical thinking skills for a dietetic internship or professional practice setting.
• Objective 1.7: At least 80% of responding graduates’ internship directors or employers will indicate “prepared” or higher on graduates’ overall evidence-based nutrition knowledge.
• Objective 1.8: At least 80% of responding graduates’ internship directors or employers will indicate “prepared” or higher on graduates’ overall critical thinking skills.

Goal 2: Program graduates will demonstrate professionalism and proficient communication skills in a dietetic internship or professional practice setting.

• Objective 2.1: At least 80% of responding graduates will indicate “prepared” or higher that the program aided in the development of professionalism skills for a dietetic internship or professional practice setting.
• Objective 2.2: At least 80% of responding graduates will indicate “prepared” or higher that the program aided in the development of communication skills for a dietetic internship or professional practice setting.
• Objective 2.3: At least 80% of responding graduates’ employers or internship directors will indicate “prepared” or higher on graduates’ overall professionalism skills.
• Objective 2.4: At least 80% of responding graduates’ employers or internship directors will indicate “prepared” or higher on graduates’ overall communication skills.

Student Performance Monitoring

Policy:Student performance will be monitored throughout each semester, students will receive regular report of their performance, and students not meeting expectations will be provided with student support resources.

Procedure: Early detection of concerning academic performance is assured as faculty must have grading done in a timely manner to provide students with a midterm grade per the university’s policy. Faculty will also reach out to students verbally or in writing, expressing concerns about academic performance. The faculty may also use the university’s Early Alert System to access additional student support and resources.*

At the end of each course, faculty will provide the Program Director a report of student learning for assessment of student progress. The report will include assessment of KRDN completion, if course grade was a B- or higher, and if students demonstrate professional/ethical behavior and academic integrity. This information will be documented on the Dietetic Program Canvas shell.

For more information, visit the Assessment of Student Learning Policy section. 

*Early Alert System: SUU Portal - “Class Lists & Photo Roster” - Semester - Course - Student - "Submit Alert”

Student Remediation and Retention

Policy: Faculty will make remediation efforts with the students on an individual basis.

Procedure: If the Early Alert System is utilized, the Early Alert Response Team will reach out to the student within 1-3 business days and assess the needs of the student and connect them with academic, mental, emotional, and/or social support and resources.

The Program Director will review all students’ progress at the end of each semester and make a plan of progress with the student.

For more information visit Program Retention and Remediation Policy section.

Equitable Treatment

Policy: As a program and university, we provide a supportive educational environment that meets the needs of diverse students from varying backgrounds. We do not discriminate based on race, religion, national origin, color, sex (gender), age, disability, marital, pregnancy or pregnancy related conditions, childbirth, veteran, sexual orientation, sexual identity, size, socioeconomic status and/or other legally protected status, unless otherwise required by law. https://www.suu.edu/policies/05/27.html

Students are supported in their needed accommodations, including pregnancy or pregnancy related conditions, through the Disability Resource Center to aid in academic success.

Program Complaint Process

Policy: Students have an option to file a program complaint.

Procedure:

1. If the complaint is related to a course, Students are recommended to first discuss the issue with the instructor.
2. If the issue remains unresolved or is a program issue, Students are then recommended to discuss issues with the Program Director and if needed schedule a meeting for formal discussion of the issue.
3. Students are recommended to first discuss issues with the Program Director on an informal basis. This should occur within two (2) weeks of the occurrence of the incident or discovery of the problem.
4. If unresolved, the complaint should be taken to the Department Chair and then on to the Dean of the College of Health Sciences, if needed. If a resolution has not been yet reached, the student may direct their complaint to the Office of Vice President for Student Affairs.
5.  Once the Program Complaint Process at the university level has been exhausted related specifically to program noncompliance with accreditations standards, complaints may be filed directly with ACEND. To prevent retaliation, students will remain anonymous if desired. 

Records of program complaints, including the resolution of complaints, are maintained for a period of no less than seven years.

Submission of Program Complaints to ACEND

Once the Program Complaint Process has been exhausted related specifically to program noncompliance with accreditations standards, complaints can be filed directly with ACEND.

Credit for Prior Learning

Policy: The SUU Dietetics Program is an on-site program and does not participate in the Assess Prior Learning program, therefore does not award credit for prior learning experiences.

Assessment of Student Learning

Policy: All KRDN assessments must be completed with a score of 75% or higher.

Procedure: All course grading will be completed in a timely manner resulting in university-required midterm and end of term grades to help students assess learning. At the end of each course, faculty will provide the Program Director a report of student learning for assessment of student progress.

Program Retention and Remediation

Policy: If the KRDN assessment is not completed with a 75% or higher after 3 remediation attempts, the remediation course will need to occur to assure understanding of knowledge requirements.

Procedure: Remediation could include any of the following: assignment, quiz, or exam resubmission without grade adjustment, written or verbal explanation, or new assessment method. If KRDN assessment is not completed with a score of 75% or higher after remediation, the course will need to be repeated. Any program course not passed with a B- or higher will need to be repeated. Courses can only be repeated twice. Any student needing to repeat a course will meet with the Program Director to review all available resources for Academic Success, ie, the Tutoring Center, the Writing Center, Withdrawal Support from Student Affairs, and the Counseling/Psychological Services. 

First-year program students will also have the benefits of support from assigned second-year graduate student mentors.

Disciplinary/Termination Procedures

Policy: If after two attempts, a student is unable to pass any course with a B- or better, their enrollment in the program will end.

Procedure: Students will be counseled regarding alternative paths to attaining the RDN credential and/or alternative career paths as appropriate.

Violations of ethical behavior or academic integrity will be addressed per the university’s procedures: “Scholastic dishonesty will not be tolerated and will be prosecuted to the fullest extent (SUU Policy 6.33). Students are expected to have read and understood the current SUU student conduct code (SUU Policy 11.2) regarding student responsibilities and rights, the intellectual property policy (SUU Policy 5.52), information about procedures, and what constitutes acceptable behavior.

Graduation/Program Completion Requirements

Policy: To graduate from the Dietetics Program, all program courses must be completed with a B- or higher, all KRDN assessments must be completed with a 75% or higher, students must demonstrate professional and ethical behavior and academic integrity, and all master’s degree requirements are met.

Procedure: A bachelor’s degree will be awarded after the first year of the program if all program courses are completed with a B- or higher, all KRDN assessments completed with a 75% or higher, and all bachelor’s degree and master's degree requirements must be met, and all students must demonstrate professional and ethical behavior and academic integrity.

The SUU MS/DPD program is a lock-step program in that all courses are taken as scheduled within the two year program. Retaking of any courses must be completed within 3 years of acceptance into the program.

Verification Statement

Policy:To earn a Didactic Program in Dietetics (DPD) verification statement, all program courses must be completed with a B- or higher, all KRDN assessments completed with a score of 75% or higher, and students must demonstrate professional and ethical behavior and academic integrity.

Procedure: Upon program completion and masters degree conferral, a verification statement, with a digital signature, is generated and emailed to the student. Additional copies are kept on file by the program director.

Student Identity Verification

Policy: The university’s technology and information systems are secure and are also protected by FERPA protocols.

Procedure: The following methods are used to confirm student identity:

• • Students login through the SUU system/portal to access Canvas
  • The following Proctorio exam settings are available:
    • Visual recording of student
    • ID verification
    • USB device

Program Withdrawal

Policy: A student may choose to withdraw from the program. 

Procedure: To be considered for reapplication, a written statement of withdrawal must be given to the Program Director indicating withdrawal date, reasons for withdrawal and date of reapplication, if any. Students may reapply by submitting a letter of request for readmittance to the Program Director one time within three years of withdrawal.

To officially withdraw from the university, please visit the Student Outreach and Support Website; it is recommended that you first contact the Office of Financial Aid and Scholarships.

Program Schedule

Policy: The program is taught face-to-face during Fall and Spring semesters for two consecutive years. 

Procedure: Program Schedule: Curriculum Map. Student vacation/holidays are based on the university’s academic schedule.

Student Information Protection

Data Governance and Protection Policy 

Information Technology Resource Security 

Student File Access

Policy: Under the federal Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA), students have certain rights with respect to their education records.

Procedure: Each student will have access to the Dietetics Program Canvas shell. In Canvas, students can view status of KRDN Assessments and leadership, professional, ethical, and academic integrity requirements. Canvas will also provide storage options for RDN exam study guides and portfolio work. Practice RDN exams will also be taken in this Canvas shell.

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