Nutrition & Dietetics
College of Allied Health and Nursing | Department of Family Consumer Science
College of Allied Health and Nursing | Department of Family Consumer Science
The Professional Program in Nutrition & Dietetics at Minnesota State Mankato provides students pursuing a dietetics career the highest quality advisory, academic and interactive opportunities. The Professional Program in Nutrition & Dietetics is a transitional graduate program where students complete a Bachelor of Science in Nutrition & Dietetics and a Master of Science in Dietetics with all Supervised Experiential Learning integrated in the pathway, preparing them to sit for the Registration Examination for Dietitians and enter practice upon graduation. A student coming to MSU as a freshman could complete the combined Bachelor's and Master's degree pathway in 5 years.
Nutrition & Dietetics majors help people make healthy food and nutrition choices. Whether it's through a career in food science, as a community dietitian, food service management, or medical nutrition therapy, dietetics is a growing and in-demand profession.
At Minnesota State Mankato, nutrition & dietetics majors get to learn in the Foods Lab. This space includes Cambria counters, an herb garden, state-of-the-art appliances such as ovens that can cook multiple trays of food at multiple temperatures, commercial gas ranges, video screens that double as computer monitors at each station and collaboration space.
Stepping up to the plate: Dietetics graduate returns to MSU as campus dietitian
College of Allied Health and Nursing | Family Consumer Science
Registration open: FACS to the Max, April 14
College of Allied Health and Nursing | Family Consumer Science | College of Allied Health and Nursing Events
College to provide free dental, health services during Health for Heroes
College of Allied Health and Nursing | Dental Education | Family Consumer Science | Health Science | Speech, Hearing, and Rehabilitation Services
Dietetics majors Chance and Payton dish about their summer internship and career goals
College of Allied Health and Nursing | Family Consumer Science
FCS hosts Play Day, Adventure Playground
College of Allied Health and Nursing | Family Consumer Science | Mavericks in Action | Community Connection
The Department of Family Consumer Science at Minnesota State University Mankato trains professionals to promote the well-being of individuals and families through degrees in nutrition and dietetics, child development and family studies, and family consumer science education. The 2-year Master of Science in Nutrition & Dietetics as part of the 3-year Professional Program in Dietetics prepares competent, caring, entry-level Registered Dietitian Nutritionists (RDNs) who can navigate the changing landscape of an evidence-based practice in clinical, community and management settings through innovative, student-centered education that integrates didactic and experiential learning.
Goals and Objectives of the 2-year Master of Science in Dietetics:
Program Outcome Data is available upon request.
The philosophy of the Professional Program in Nutrition & Dietetics at Minnesota State University, Mankato is to provide opportunities for personal growth today and professional success tomorrow. Experienced faculty, challenging coursework, and a variety of extracurricular activities all contribute to the growth of well-rounded and grounded students. Students are guided to develop appreciation for diversity in peoples globally and to respect the dignity and integrity of each person they encounter.
Students in the Professional Program in Nutrition & Dietetics at MSU are highly encouraged to engage in their education. This includes participating in the Student Dietetic and Nutrition Organization (SDNO), attending at least two professional meetings while in the program and meeting with their faculty advisor every semester for careful academic planning.
Completion of the full program, including the Master of Science in Nutrition & Dietetics, leads to a career as a healthcare professional and provides abundant opportunities to interact with faculty, peers in healthcare profession programs at MSU, the community, Registered Dietitian Nutritionists (RDNs) and other food professionals. The program strives to maximize opportunities for engagement and prepare students for a smooth transition to becoming a professional after graduation from Minnesota State University Mankato.
Details about the program for prospective and current students, including application details, pre-requisite courses, curriculum requirements and plans of study, Supervised Experiential Learning (SEL) requirements, course descriptions, program calendar, costs and financial aid information, technology requirements, distance education, prior learning policy, graduation and licensure – and all related program policies and procedures - can be found in the Student Handbook posted here.
Students who apply for graduation for the Bachelors in Nutrition and Dietetics must meet all of the following:
To be eligible to receive a Verification Statement from the Nutrition & Dietetics Program Director and be eligible to take the CDR registration examination for dietitians, students must complete the Masters in Dietetics with the degree transcripted.
Students who apply for graduation for the Masters in Dietetics must met all of the following:
The Professional Program in Nutrition & Dietetics is as demanding as it is rewarding. Minnesota State Mankato provides the first two steps toward becoming an RDN (Registered Dietitian Nutritionist), as follows:
In the state of Minnesota, Dietitians are licensed. Graduates successfully passing the national Registration Exam for Dietitians can apply for a Dietitian License from the State of Minnesota Board of Dietetics and Nutrition Practice.
Minnesota State University Mankato (MSU) has been continuously accredited to offer a Didactic Program in Dietetics (DPD) since 1977. The DPD program is closing effective 9/1/2025 and is not currently accepting new students. As of 1/1/2024, a Master’s degree is required to be eligible to take the Commission on Dietetic Registration (CDR) credentialing exam to become a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RDN). MSU has developed a Master of Science in Nutrition & Dietetics which has been granted candidate status by the Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics (ACEND) and information about that program can be found elsewhere on this site.
Information about the DPD Program:
Minnesota State University Mankato’s Master of Science in Nutrition & Dietetics has been granted candidate status by the Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics (ACEND) of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics. Graduates who successfully complete the Master of Science in Nutrition & Dietetics are eligible to take the Commission on Dietetic Registration (CDR) credentialing exam to become a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RDN).
Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics
120 South Riverside Plaza, Suite 2190
Chicago, IL 60606-6995, (312) 899-0040 ext. 5400
http://www.eatrightPRO.org/ACEND
Learn more about the profession, accreditation, updates to the Nutrition & Dietetics program, and get faculty contact information.