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Program Overview

ISU’s BS in Dietetics is a didactic program in dietetics, or DPD, which teaches and demonstrates to students how the science of nutrition is applied to the field of dietetics.

About the Didactic Program in Dietetics

The ISU DPD is planned for completion in 8 semesters or 4 academic years with a minimum of 120 credit hours:

  • Years 1 and 2: You’ll take prerequisite courses along with classes to meet the ISU general education requirements
  • Years 3 and 4: You’ll focus on the professional courses of the dietetics program

Students must apply to the professional portion of the programApplications for a “seat” in the professional section of the program are reviewed every spring. Seats are awarded for fall semester of the final academic year (i.e. senior year).

Transfer students welcome. Applications from transfer students from other colleges and universities are also considered for acceptance into the professional section of the DPD. Transfer students must have completed prerequisites and have a GPA of 3.0 or higher (on a 4.0 scale) and no course with a grade of C- or lower.


The DPD program has been accredited by ACEND® to prepare students for a position as a registered dietitian nutritionist (RDN). After completing this four-year degree, students must earn a master's degree, complete a dietetic internship and take a national registration exam before becoming an RDN.

Didactic Program in Dietetics (DPD) Program 

  • The DPD Degree Plan 2023-2024 is a helpful planning and tracking tool for dietetic majors
  • Students should meet with their advisor at least once every semester to ensure correct scheduling of course work
  • Students electing the dietetics major must fulfill the university general education requirements for a BS degree plus the required dietetic courses and additional electives to total 120 credits
  • Please pay very careful attention to the prerequisite courses required as well as other specific courses required to fulfill the university general requirements
  • NTD prefix courses must be taken in the sequence shown unless approved by your advisor 

Financial Information

The figures quoted below are estimates of program expenses as of Fall Semester 2023:

  • Actual cost may be more or less than estimates
  • Housing and personal living expenses not included as these often vary considerably between individuals
  • Transportation to clinical facilities is the responsibility of the student (costs vary)

You may also want to check out information on financial aid and scholarships

Estimated Costs Associated with the DPD

Item

Fee

Application fee

$25

Health insurance

suggested

Lab coat (optional)

~$50 per coat

Books and supplies

$600-$900/year

Lab fees

$75/semester/lab course

Malpractice insurance

$5.00 per semester

Background check

~$50.00 one time

Academy student membership 

$58 /year

Health screening and immunizations

Varies by health care provider

*ISU tuition and fees are subject to change by the Idaho State Board of Education

DPD Calendar

The ISU DPD follows the ISU academic calendar for class dates and times, final schedules, course registration schedules, vacations and holidays.

 

Interested in the ISU BS in Dietetics?
Schedule an appointment with the DPD Director, Jenifer Reader, MHE, RDN, LD, to learn more about the profession, program requirements, and DPD course completion plan.

Professor and student discuss ISU Meridian program

Male and female BS in Dietetics students at ISU Health Fair exhibit table

Career Path Interns helps out at community health fair