Department of Food, Nutrition, Dietetics and Health

Dietetics

Registered Dietitian Nutritionists (RDN) are the experts in providing evidence-based practice and medical nutrition therapy. As specialists in nutrition and nutrition services management, RDNs offer expertise to individuals and groups desiring to maintain, improve, or restore health. These services are provided in a variety of settings ranging from acute care hospitals to military foodservice operations. Opportunities also exist in diverse areas such as journalism, sports medicine, consulting, information technology specialties, sales, and research and development. Many work environments, particularly those in medical and health-care settings, require that an individual be credentialed as an RDN. The broad range of opportunities for practice within the profession provides RDNs with maximum flexibility as they move through their professional careers. As of 2024, the Commission on Dietetics Registration (CDR) will require a minimum of a masters’ degree to be eligible to take the credentialing exam to become a Registered Dietitian.

K-State has been producing outstanding dietetics professionals for over 100 years. Our program is one of the oldest and most prestigious programs in the country providing the required coursework to become a dietitian. We are proud that we have grown and adapted with ever-changing expectations in the field of dietetics. The program is offered in both an on-campus and an online format. The Kansas State University Bachelor of Science in Dietetics is an ACEND-accredited Didactic Program in Dietetics (DPD) and provides coursework that prepares students for application to a post-baccalaureate supervised practice or professional degree program. Courses focus on foundational concepts, evidence-based practice, and the skills necessary for health-focused care.

Students completing the DPD may apply to the 12-month Kansas State Master of Science Dietetic Internship (MSDI). The MSDI provides supervised practice experiences throughout the state of Kansas and KC-Metro area in conjunction with graduate coursework. Students interested in pursuing the MS Dietetic Internship can visit the Master of Science in Nutrition, Dietetics, and Sensory Science page. DPD graduates may also apply to other supervised practice programs. You can see a complete list of ACEND-accredited programs on the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics' website. Another option for DPD graduates is their immediate eligibilty to take the NDTR exam, earning the Nutrition and Dietetics Technician-Registered credential

Program Highlights

  • 97% acceptance rate to dietetic internships
  • 95% RDN exam pass rate
  • Campus and online format available
  • Experiential learning experience in multiple courses
  • Proactive advising provides guidance to students for managing both academic and personal goals and challenges
  • Accelerated program format available, offering a faster track to graduation with both a BS and MS

The Kansas State 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, (312) 899-0040 ext. 5400.

Program Details

Program Contacts

Student Learning Outcomes

Note: The Coordinated Program in Dietetics (CP) at Kansas State University has been reorganized into a master’s level dietetic internship (MSDI). As of 2024, we are no longer accepting new students into the coordinated pathway. The program, as it exists, will sunset in 2026 as our final cohort of students complete their graduate studies. The Coordinated Program at Kansas State was reorganizing voluntarily and did so in good standing. This in no way impacts the reputation or respectability of the education you received. For CP alumni needing documentation or information, your documents will remain within the dietetics program. Please contact the deptepartment of Food, Nutrition, Dietetics and Health (fndh@k-state.edu or 785-532-5508) with any questions.

Coordinated Program Accreditation and Program Outcomes

The Coordinated Program in Dietetics will remain housed in the Department of Food, Nutrition, Dietetics and Health (FNDH) within the College of Health and Human Sciences on the Manhattan campus of Kansas State University (K-State) throughout the sunsetting process. The CP will officially end in 2026 as the final cohort of students complete their graduate studies.

K-State has been continuously accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC) of the North Central Association of College and Schools since 1916. The university participates through the Open Pathway reaffirmation of accreditation process. K-State completed a comprehensive university self-study and site visit in 2022.

The K-State Coordinated Program in Dietetics is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics (ACEND) 120 South Riverside Plaza, Suite 2190, Chicago IL 60606, 312-899-0040, ext. 5400; as it completes the teach-out plan for the final cohort of students in 2026. ACEND has established Standards for Dietitian Education Programs which include knowledge and competency requirements that accredited programs must meet. A comprehensive self-study report and an on-site evaluation will take place in 2026. Current program accreditation is based on the 2022 Standards. You can view the ACEND Standards on the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics' website.