Health Sciences – Nutrition and Foods (BS)

The Dietetics option of the Nutrition and Foods major is accredited as a Didactic Program in Dietetics by the Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics (ACEND), 120 S. Riverside Plaza, Suite 2190, Chicago, IL, 60606-6995; phone: 800-877-1600, ext. 5400; https://www.eatrightpro.org/acend  

Mission and vision

The mission of the Didactic Program in Dietetics at NAU is to effectively prepare students for supervised practice leading to eligibility for the CDR credentialing exam to become a registered dietitian nutritionist through provision of experiential learning opportunities, with an emphasis on culinary skills acquisition. 

Goal #1

Program graduates will be well prepared with the core knowledge and skills necessary for entry into dietetic internships, graduate school, or the nutrition-related workforce. 

• “At least 80% of students complete program requirements within 3 years (150% of planned program length)”. (RE  2.1.c.1.a)* 
• “At least 50 percent of program graduates apply for admission to a supervised practice program prior to or within 12 months of graduation”. (RE 2.1.c.1.b.1)* 
• “Of program graduates who apply to a supervised practice program, at least 40 percent are admitted within 12 months of graduation”. (RE 2.1.c.1.b.2)* 
• “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%”. (RE 2.1.c.1.c)* 
• At least 80% of post-baccalaureate program directors will rate program graduates as satisfactory or higher within 12 months of graduation. (RE 2.1.c.1.d)* 

Goal #2

Program graduates will possess basic culinary knowledge and skills that benefit the nutritional health of diverse populations.

• On a 5-point Likert scale, at least 80% of program graduates will indicate a 4 or higher in their reported confidence of culinary skills, such as knife skills, baking, roasting, sauteing, preparing fresh and frozen fruits and vegetables, and using herbs and spices.* 
• On a 5-point Likert scale, at least 80% of program graduates will indicate a 4 or higher in their reported confidence of planning and preparing healthy meals and snacks for diverse populations, such as older adults, those with chronic disease, and people from varied cultures.* 

*Program outcomes data available by request 

Becoming a dietitian

To become a registered dietitian nutritionist (RDN), you will need to: 

1. Earn at least a master’s degree from a college or university accredited by a U.S. Department of Education–recognized accrediting agency (or an international equivalent), along with completing coursework through an ACEND–accredited Didactic, Coordinated, Graduate, or International program. 
2. Fulfill the required supervised practice experience through an ACEND-accredited Dietetic Internship, Coordinated Program, Graduate Program, or an Individualized Supervised Practice Pathway. 
3. Successfully pass the national registration examination administered by the Commission on Dietetic Registration (CDR). Details about the exam are available on CDR’s website (https://www.cdrnet.org). 
4. Meet state-specific requirements for practice. Many states have licensing or regulatory laws for food and nutrition professionals, and all states accept the RDN credential for licensure. 
5. Maintain the RDN credential through continuing professional education. After passing the national exam and earning the credential, engage in ongoing professional development to stay current with new research, recommendations, and best practices in dietetics. 

Northern Arizona University’s ACEND-accredited Didactic Program in Dietetics (DPD) awards a Bachelor of Science degree and a DPD verification statement. The program provides the coursework required to apply to ACEND-accredited Coordinated Programs, Graduate Programs, and Dietetic Internships. Graduates are also eligible to take the national registration exam to become a Nutrition and Dietetics Technician, Registered (NDTR). 

Calendar and schedule

The program will follow the Northern Arizona University calendar with university holidays and vacations observed. Find the university calendar here.  

Prior learning experiences

Students who transfer with undergraduate course credit must follow NAU’s policies for credit transfer.  Students who previously completed a non-DPD bachelor’s degree but wish to be awarded a DPD verification statement will be required to send transcripts to the program director for evaluation. Syllabi may be requested to determine course equivalency.  

To receive DPD verification, students will be required to take equivalent courses to all courses on the NAU DPD course list. Any course deficiencies identified will need to be fulfilled through the appropriate NAU courses. Additionally, regardless of equivalent course completion, students will be required to take 12 credit hours of upper level (300- and 400-level) Nutrition and Foods courses from NAU.