Nutrition & Dietetics

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:

1. To prepare, in a timely manner, competent Registered Dietitian Nutritionists who have the knowledge and skills to succeed on the registration examination and enter the workforce.
   • Objective 1.1: At least 80% of students complete the program requirements within 3 years (150% of the program length).
   • Objective 1.2: At least 80% of program graduates take the CDR credentialing exam for dietitian nutritionists within 12 months of program completion.
   • Objective 1.3: 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%.
2. To prepare program graduates for entry level practice as Registered Dietitian Nutritionists with the knowledge and skills in clinical nutrition, community nutrition and foodservice management to successfully gain employment to their and their employer’s satisfaction.
   • Objective 2.1: Of graduates who seek employment, at least 80% are employed in nutrition and dietetics or related fields within 12 months of graduation.
   • Objective 2.2: At least 80% of employers will indicate on a survey that program graduates were prepared or very prepared for entry-level practice.
   • Objective 2.3: At least 80% of graduates will indicate on a survey that they felt prepared or very prepared for entry-level practice.

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.

*Student Handbook*

Students who apply for graduation for the Bachelors in Nutrition and Dietetics must meet all of the following:

1. Must have completed 120 semester hours (at least 30 hours from the college of your major) and meet all requirements for general education, cultural diversity, and your major (and the minor if you are taking one). Forty credits must be in 300-400 level classes.
2. Must have a grade point average (GPA) of at least 2.50.
3. All transfer work needs to be verified by an official transcript sent to Minnesota State University, Mankato from the school giving the credit.
4. All required substitution/waiver forms must be filed.
5. All courses need to be completed by graduation date.
6. All grades of I (Incomplete) or IP (In Progress) need to be removed before graduation date.

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:

1. Must have completed the 40 credits required for the degree.
2. Follow all policies of the Graduate School.
3. Complete all graduate courses with a C or better and maintain a 3.0 GPA average per Graduate School policies.
4. All transfer work needs to be verified by an official transcript sent to Minnesota State University, Mankato from the school giving the credit.
5. All required substitution/waiver forms must be filed.
6. All courses need to be completed by graduation date.
7. All grades of I (Incomplete) or IP (In Progress) need to be removed before graduation date.

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:

1. Graduating from Minnesota State Mankato with a MS degree in Nutrition & Dietetics which includes 1000 hours of Supervised Experiential Learning (SEL).
2. Receiving a Verification Statement from the Director certifying that all requirements have been met.
3. Passing the national registration examination.

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:

• Program policies, procedures and practices including policies on costs, application, admission, program calendars, graduation and completion requirements can be found in DPD Student Handbook here.
• Program mission, goals and objectives can be found in the DPD Student Handbook here.
• Program outcomes are available upon request.
• This program is not accepting new students and will permanently close effective 9/1/2025.
• This program is being replaced by the new MSU Master of Science in Nutrition & Dietetics.
• The DPD program is accredited by:
  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