Dietetics

Dietetics is a sequence in the Food, Nutrition, and Dietetics major. It’s also known as a Didactic Program in Dietetics (DPD).

Dietetics prepares you for internships and careers in the field. Jobs in dietetics promote optimal health by incorporating positive food choices and nutrition strategies to influence the overall well-being of individuals and communities.

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. This official statement is required for graduates to begin an ACEND-accredited dietetic internship after acceptance, and for other professional applications requiring verification of DPD Program completion. (As of 1/1/2024, a master's degree will be required to take the Commission on dietetic Registration RDN credentialing exam.)

Why Study Dietetics?

Dietetics at Illinois State prepares you to help individuals and communities incorporate positive food changes and nutrition strategies.

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.

Employment opportunities are diverse. The food processing industry is one of the largest in the US and throughout the world. Being trained in food service will give you many opportunities. Other employment options include:

Medical centers and clinics as well as long-term care facilities
Public relations
Corporate wellness
Food and medical product companies
School lunch programs
Education and research
Sports nutrition
Personal wellness training