About this Major
Students who attain a Bachelor of Science degree with a major in Nutrition and Dietetics will be prepared for traditional, non-traditional, and entrepreneurial positions in health care that utilize knowledge of food, nutrition and dietetics. Professionals trained in nutrition have numerous career options due to the growing emphasis on nutrition, health and wellness. One of the career options for a student majoring in Nutrition and Dietetics is to become a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RDN).
The Nutrition and Dietetics major includes a didactic program in dietetics (DPD) which is a required initial step in the education and training of dietetics professionals. In order to become a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RDN), a DPD Verification Statement is required. Students wishing to become RDNs with the new CDR requirement* are encouraged to apply to our Nutrition and Dietetics Accelerated BS to MS Program, where students can earn their bachelor’s and master’s degrees.
*The CDR now requires a minimum of a master’s degree to be eligible to take the credentialing exam to become a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist. For more information about educational pathways to become an RDN please visit the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics.
Accreditation
MSU Denver’s Bachelor of Science in Nutrition and Dietetics
Didactic Program in Dietetics is accredited by the
Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics
of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics
120 South Riverside Plaza, Suite 2190
Chicago, IL 60606-6995, 800-877-1600 ext. 5400
http://www.eatrightPRO.org/ACEND.
Curriculum
Courses are offered in various formats in this program, although some courses may only be offered in one format. Formats include in-person, online and hybrid. Engaging in the classroom with peers and faculty members deepens the learning experience, broadens perspective, and will strengthen your professional network. The online content of the hybrid format enhances the convenience of the program, allowing us to meet your needs as a busy individual.
Due to the hybrid format, students are required to have access to the internet, computers/laptops and other technology items related to attending a hybrid or online class such as cameras, speakers or headphones. ProctorU assessments will be paid for by the University.
Students enrolled in the BS in Nutrition and Dietetics can complete the degree as either a full-time or part-time student.
Didactic Program in Dietetics (DPD) Option
The Didactic Program in Dietetics (DPD) Option is a required initial step in the education and training of a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist. In order to become a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RDN), a DPD Verification Statement is required.
DPD Mission and Goals
The mission of the MSU Denver Didactic Program in Dietetics (DPD) is to prepare diverse students from the Denver Metropolitan area for successful careers in food, nutrition and dietetics by providing quality education in the core knowledge requirements for the registered dietitian that is culturally sensitive and instills a desire for life-long learning.
Goal 1: Prepare students for a career using their knowledge of food, nutrition and dietetics.
Objectives:
- 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%.
- Seventy percent of graduates will report being employed in food, nutrition and dietetics; in graduate school; or in a supervised practice within 1 year of graduation.
- Eighty percent of graduates in supervised practice rate themselves as prepared.
- Supervised practice program directors rate at least 80% of graduates as prepared for supervised practice.
Goal 2: Students from a diverse background will graduate and be successfully placed in jobs, internships or graduate school.
Objectives:
- At least 80% of full-time students who enter the program complete the program/degree requirements within three years (150% program length). At least 80% of part-time students complete the program/degree requirements within four and a half years (150% of the program length).
- 35% of students will be males, persons of color, Hispanic, non-traditional age (> 25 years at admission), Military Veterans, LGBT+ or have documented disability.
- At least fifty percent of the program graduates apply to a supervised practice program prior to or within 12 months of graduation.
- Of program graduates who apply to a supervised practice program, at least thirty percent are admitted within 12 months of graduation.
Goal 3: Students will embrace life-long learning to improve professional practice by participating in continuing education after graduation.
Objective:
- Seventy percent of graduates responding to the graduate survey indicate they have attended or participated in a continuing education activity such as a seminar, conference, webinar or self-study
Programs outcome data are available upon request by emailing: [email protected].
Becoming an RDN FAQ's
The steps to become an RDN are:
- Receive a verification statement from an ACEND-accredited program (DPD programs are one way to receive a verification statement). *Effective January 1st 2024, students must have a masters degree to be eligible for a dietetic internship.
- Apply for and complete an ACEND-accredited supervised practice dietetic internship or Individualized Supervised Practice Pathway program
- Pass a national examination administered by the Commission on Dietetic Registration (CDR) Please visit the Academy website for more information.
Students enrolled in the B.S. Nutrition and Dietetics program are not required to pursue becoming an RDN. Career opportunities for non-RDN nutrition professionals do exist. However, students are encouraged to meet with an advisor to discuss the option of becoming an RDN and how the RDN vs non-RDN pathway could impact their future career. To schedule an advising session, please email [email protected] or call 303-615-0990.
Students who complete all required Didactic Program in Dietetics (DPD) coursework, receive a DPD verification statement and complete a Master’s degree can apply for a dietetic internship.
For further questions, please email us at [email protected]
Most Dietetic Internship programs cost money to complete. Students are paying for an experiential learning opportunity while enrolled in a Dietetic Internship program. Costs for Dietetic Internships approximately range from $5,000-$50,000, depending on location, completion of a master’s degree along with the internship, etc. Dietetic Internships tied to graduate credit are eligible for financial aid to cover expenses.
Further, it should be noted that most Dietetic Internships are full-time programs which require the student to complete rotations in the field on a full-time, 40 hour a week, basis. Students are not paid for this time.
Dietetic Internships are therefore, unpaid experiences that have a cost. The Department of Nutrition can help you determine strategies for overcoming cost barriers associated with the Dietetic Internship. To schedule an appointment with an advisor to speak more about this, call 303-615-0990 or email [email protected].
Full-time Dietetic Internships typically range from 6-12 months. Part-time Dietetic Internships typically range from 1-2 years in length.
The Department of Nutrition offers many resources for students as they prepare for applying to Dietetic Internships including:
- Individual advising sessions with faculty and staff to review internship application materials (application, resume, personal statement, etc.)
- Workshops to discuss the application process
Effective January 1, 2024, the CDR will require a minimum of a master’s degree to be eligible to take the credentialing exam to become a RDN. For more information about educational pathways to become an RDN please visit the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics.
Student Resource Links
Undergraduate Tuition and Fees
| Credit Hour | Auraria Bond | Intercollegiate Athletics | Campus Recreation | Tivoli Park Facility | Clean Energy | Student Affairs | Student Technology | Phoenix Center | Metro Bond | Health & Wellness | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | $53.40 | $50.20 | $39.00 | $6.94 | $10.52 | $57.50 | $9.14 | $3.68 | $29.20 | $108.60 | $368.18 |
| 2 | $53.40 | $50.20 | $39.00 | $6.94 | $10.52 | $57.50 | $18.28 | $3.68 | $58.40 | $108.60 | $406.52 |
| 3 | $53.40 | $50.20 | $39.00 | $6.94 | $10.52 | $57.50 | $27.42 | $3.68 | $87.60 | $108.60 | $444.86 |
| 4 | $66.60 | $50.20 | $39.00 | $6.94 | $10.52 | $57.50 | $36.56 | $3.68 | $116.80 | $108.60 | $496.40 |
| 5 | $66.60 | $50.20 | $39.00 | $6.94 | $10.52 | $57.50 | $45.70 | $3.68 | $146.00 | $108.60 | $534.74 |
| 6 | $66.60 | $50.20 | $39.00 | $6.94 | $10.52 | $92.80 | $54.84 | $3.68 | $175.20 | $108.60 | $608.38 |
| 7 | $82.80 | $50.20 | $39.00 | $6.94 | $10.52 | $92.80 | $63.98 | $3.68 | $204.40 | $108.60 | $662.92 |
| 8 | $82.80 | $50.20 | $39.00 | $6.94 | $10.52 | $92.80 | $73.12 | $3.68 | $233.60 | $108.60 | $701.26 |
| 9 | $82.80 | $50.20 | $39.00 | $6.94 | $10.52 | $92.80 | $82.26 | $3.68 | $262.80 | $108.60 | $739.60 |
| 10 | $82.80 | $50.20 | $39.00 | $6.94 | $10.52 | $92.80 | $91.40 | $3.68 | $292.00 | $108.60 | $777.94 |
| 11 | $82.80 | $50.20 | $39.00 | $6.94 | $10.52 | $92.80 | $100.54 | $3.68 | $321.20 | $108.60 | $816.28 |
| 12 | $107.90 | $50.20 | $39.00 | $6.94 | $10.52 | $92.80 | $109.68 | $3.68 | $350.40 | $108.60 | $879.72 |
| 13 | $107.90 | $50.20 | $39.00 | $6.94 | $10.52 | $92.80 | $118.82 | $3.68 | $379.60 | $108.60 | $918.06 |
| 14 | $107.90 | $50.20 | $39.00 | $6.94 | $10.52 | $92.80 | $127.96 | $3.68 | $408.80 | $108.60 | $956.40 |
| 15 | $107.90 | $50.20 | $39.00 | $6.94 | $10.52 | $92.80 | $137.10 | $3.68 | $438.00 | $108.60 | $994.74 |
| 16 | $107.90 | $50.20 | $39.00 | $6.94 | $10.52 | $92.80 | $146.24 | $3.68 | $467.20 | $108.60 | $1,033.08 |
| 17 | $107.90 | $50.20 | $39.00 | $6.94 | $10.52 | $92.80 | $155.38 | $3.68 | $496.40 | $108.60 | $1,071.42 |
| 18 | $107.90 | $50.20 | $39.00 | $6.94 | $10.52 | $92.80 | $164.52 | $3.68 | $525.60 | $108.60 | $1,109.76 |
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Giving
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Your tax-deductible donation will be used to help the Department of Nutrition continue to provide scholarships to Nutrition and Dietetics students.
Connect with Us
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For more information on the Nutrition and Dietetics Major, please contact the Department of Nutrition. Click below to send us an email!
Email UsDepartment of Nutrition
Phone:
303-615-0990
Office Location:
West Classroom 254
Office Hours:
8:00am – 5:00pm
Mailing Address:
Metropolitan State University of Denver
Department of Nutrition
Campus Box 33N
P.O. Box 173362
Denver, CO 80217-3362