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Nutrition – Dietetics
Bachelor of Science
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Nutrition – Dietetics Bachelor's Degree

The Nutrition Major with a Dietetics Concentration is for those interested in clinical nutrition, nutrition counseling, public health, community nutrition, wellness, sports nutrition, and food service management careers.

Accreditation: The program is currently accredited by the Accreditation Council for Education Nutrition and Dietetics (ACEND), the accrediting agency for the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics (AND), 120 South Riverside Plaza, Suite 2190, Chicago, IL 60606-6995, 800.877.1600 extension 5400, ACEND@eatright.org.

Careers with a Nutrition – Dietetics Major

The dietetics concentration is for those interested in clinical nutrition, nutrition counseling, public health/community nutrition, wellness, sports nutrition, retail nutrition, and food service management careers.

Health-care facilities, community agencies, schools, and food service operations all employ those with a dietetics background. This concentration allows graduates to pursue the NDTR and RD/RDN credentials. Graduates are also prepared for graduate study in dietetics, nutrition, some health professional schools, and other areas.

Next Steps in a Dietetics Careers

healthy foods, including salmon, avocado and carrots

Admission Requirements

Admission requirements to the dietetics program are the same as those for admission to Ohio University in general. No special prerequisites need to be met prior to declaring a major in Nutrition – Dietetics. Candidates are encouraged, however, to begin the program early in their college careers. High school chemistry and biological science courses also are strongly recommended.

OHIO Admissions

  • Tuition & Fees

    OHIO is committed to your lifelong success through our Guarantee+, which offers fixed tuition and fees, a graduation plan and lifelong benefits to our students. We're continuously striving to make college more affordable and accessible, while maintaining the high quality and value of an OHIO education.

    Tuition & Fees

  • Financial Aid & Scholarships

    Our Office of Student Financial Aid and Scholarships provides services to students and parents both in-person and remotely. You can visit our office on the ground floor of Chubb Hall or reach us at financial.aid@ohio.edu or 740.593.4141.

    Financial Aid & Scholarships

Nutrition – Dietetics Major (B.S.) Courses & Curriculum

View Courses & Requirements in the Official Academic Catalog

Students enrolled in the Nutrition – Dietetics major must earn and maintain a minimum GPA of 2.0 or higher to complete the degree conferral process. For students applying to dietetic internships programs, a GPA or 3.25 or higher is considered competitive.

Additional Information

View the Didactic Program in Dietetics Student Handbook

Please see the Didactic Program in Dietetics Student Handbook to learn more about the program calendar, financial aid, scholarship opportunities, technology requirements, policies and procedures to evaluate prior credit, and more. PDF available by contacting the DPD Program Director Jana Hovland.

How to Become a Nutrition and Dietetics Technician, Registered (NDTR)

Completing the dietetics concentration of the nutrition program qualifies the student to sit for the examination to become a Nutrition and Dietetics Technician, Registered (NDTR). The examination is offered by the Commission on Dietetic Registration (CDR), the credentialing agency for AND.

How to Become a Registered Dietitian (RD) or Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RDN)

Completing the dietetics concentration is the first step to becoming a Registered Dietitian (RD) or Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RDN).

Effective January 1, 2024, the Commission on Dietetic Registration (CDR) requires a minimum of a master’s degree to be eligible to take the credentialing exam to become a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RDN). In addition to the graduate degree, CDR requires individuals to complete coursework and supervised practice in program(s) accredited by ACEND. In most states, RDNs also must obtain licensure or certification to practice. 

More Information about State Licensure Requirements

Most ACEND-supervised practice programs utilize the Dietetics Centralized Application Services (DICAS), a web-based application service.

Application Process for Supervised Practice Programs and Dietetics Trafficking Rules

How to Earn a Master of Science in Food and Nutrition Sciences

Graduates who successfully complete the ACEND-accredited dietetics concentration at Ohio University are eligible to apply to the combined Master of Science and Dietetic Internship program at Ohio University or other ACEND-accredited supervised practice programs. Completion of the master’s degree and Dietetic Internship experience will enable them to apply to take the national credentialing exam administered by CDR to become an RDN.

Post-Graduation Graduate Programs

Note: Admission to post-graduation dietetics supervised practice or graduate programs can be very competitive, with most programs requiring a minimum accumulative GPA of 3.0 (B) or better. Completing the graduation requirements of Ohio University and the nutrition program (dietetics concentration) does not guarantee that the student will be accepted into post-baccalaureate programs for professional experience after graduation. The student must apply to and be granted acceptance into such programs.

More Information about the Field of Dietetics, AND, ACEND, and CDR

Get Hands-On Experience in the Atrium Café

This student-run café specializes in plant-based foods and offers more traditional options, as well. With this learning opportunity, you’ll get to practice planning menus, preparing food, and adjusting to feedback.
Atrium Café
More Nutrition Experiences

Gain Experience at the Food Innovation Lab

Here you’ll get to work with a knowledgeable food scientist on various projects, like studying the effects of antioxidants in the local pawpaw fruit, the nutritional composition of different foods, and the creation of healthier food options.
Nutrition Research Labs

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