Ball State’s major in dietetics is a challenging program that prepares you for the first step of the five-step process of becoming a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RDN). Registered Dietitian Nutritionists (RDNs) 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. If your goal is to become an RDN, your timing is perfect—employer demand for Registered Dietitian Nutritionists is much higher than the national average. Whatever your career goals, this major will equip you for success in the field of nutrition.
The Dietetics Program is fully-accredited by the Accreditation Council on Education in Nutrition and Dietetics (ACEND). ACEND is the accrediting agency for the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics.
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 you with a Bachelor’s degree.
Our Aspiring Dietitian MS in Nutrition and Dietetics is a great way to continue your education here at Ball State University.
2.
Complete a supervised practice requirement. Future RDNs will complete at least 1000 hours of supervised practice in a Dietetic Internship Program. Our
Aspiring Dietitian MS in Nutrition and Dietetics is combined with a
Dietetic Internship.
3.
Pass national exam for RDNs. After completing your degrees, you will be eligible to sit for
CDR’s Registration Examination for Registered Dietitians to become credentialed.
4. Meet Requirements to practice in your state. States have different regulatory laws (i.e. licensure) for Registered Dietitians. For more information click
here.
5.
Maintain continuing education. For more information click
here.
* Effective January 1, 2024, the Commission on Dietetic Registration (CDR) will require a minimum of a master’s degree to be eligible to take the credentialing exam to become a registered dietitian nutritionist (RDN). Learn more.
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.
- 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 (150% of planned program length).
- 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 (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 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.
*2021 One-year pass rate of 95%, other outcomes data available upon request.
The DPD Handbook and Policy and Procedure Manual (PDF) has information regarding the University, the Department of Nutrition and Health Science, and the Pre-Dietetics/Dietetics major. The purpose of this handbook is to provide a point of reference for important information regarding the Dietetics Program. It is not designed to replace regular appointments with your academic advisor, nor is it intended to replace the BSU Code of Student Rights and Responsibilities.
What It’s Like to Major in Dietetics at Ball State
If you like science and understanding how food and nutrition impact the human body, dietetics is for you!
Pre-Dietetics students (year 1 and 2) spend their first four semesters learning how the body works (through general chemistry, organic chemistry, biochemistry, anatomy, physiology, microbiology, and human nutrition), all while learning about the physical and chemical properties of food (food labs!).
After this foundation is complete as Pre-dietetic majors, students apply to be accepted into the Dietetics major, typically the second semester of the second year for most students.
Admission Requirements: a Grade Point Average (GPA) of 3.0 or higher including: Completion of the required CHEM series, ANAT 201, PHYS 215 obtaining a "C" or better in each class. Completion of the required NUTR 101 and 340 courses, obtaining a grade of "B" or better and a grade of "B" or better in all HOSP courses completed prior to application.
Once accepted into the Dietetics Major, students begin to explore human metabolism, nutrition counseling and education, nutrition needs of special populations, medical nutrition therapy, nutrition service management, and professional leadership. Students graduate from the program ready for the rigor of an ACEND-accredited supervised practice program.
For a full list of required courses and a suggested progression, please see our Dietetics Program Checksheet.
In addition to Interprofessional Education and Practice (IPE&P) activities offered through the College of Health, 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.
Most dietetics majors become actively involved in Ball State Dietetic Association (BSDA) from their first semester in the program. BSDA is a student-governed organization that focuses on early career development, mentoring, and philanthropy in nutrition and dietetics. BSDA functions as the Dietetics Program’s point of contact for all community outreach opportunities, and state and national professional associations in dietetics.
Learn More about Our Research and Community Impact
As one of our students, you will have the opportunity to gain hands-on experience helping solve real-world problems while earning course credits through immersive learning projects.
Our department’s faculty members have previously coordinated projects tailored to our own field, but you will also have the chance to work collaboratively with students and faculty from other programs within the College of Health and around campus.
I have grown both personally and professionally at Ball State. This growth gives me confidence that I will succeed in my dream profession.
—Katie Crawford
Dietetics Major
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The Ball State Didactic Program in Dietetics is fully accredited by the Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics, 120 South Riverside Plaza, Suite 2190, Chicago, IL 60606-6995, 800-877-1600, ext. 5400. http://www.eatrightPRO.org/acend