Dietetics Major

The Bachelor of Science (B.S.) degree in Dietetics is designed for the student who wants to work with in the field of nutrition and health.

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The undergraduate program is currently transitioning away from Didactic Program in Dietetics (DPD) accreditation and is no longer accepting new students into the DPD program. The DPD program will be retired effective June 15, 2028, and currently enrolled students must complete all requirements for their degree before June 15, 2028, if they wish to receive a DPD verification statement.

The DPD program remains accredited by the Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics (ACEND) until June 30, 2027, with request for extension to match closure date submitted to ACEND in May 2025.

Accreditation

Olivet Nazarene University’s Dietetic Program is reviewed and monitored by the Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics (ACEND) for assurance of quality dietetics education. The current accreditation cycle will end June 30, 2027. According to ACEND standards, all ACEND accredited programs leading to the registered dietitian nutritionist (RDN) credential must provide the following information.

“Effective January 1, 2024, the Commission on Dietetic Registration (CDR) will require a minimum of a master’s degree to be eligible to take the credentialing exam to become a registered dietitian nutritionist (RDN). In order to be approved for registration examination eligibility with a bachelor’s degree, an individual must meet all eligibility requirements and be submitted into CDR’s Registration Eligibility Processing System (REPS) before 12:00 midnight Central Time, December 31, 2023. For more information about this requirement visit CDR’s website.

Visit the ACEND website

The Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics
120 South Riverside Plaza, Suite 2190
Chicago, IL, 60606-6995
(800) 877-1600, ext. 5400

For more information about state licensure requirements, click here.

For more information on how the program meets each state’s licensure, click here.

Dietetics is the science of applying food and nutrition principles to health

A dietitian does much more than plan and supervise food and nutrition programs. Dietitians are also involved in helping to prevent and treat illnesses and diseases by promoting healthy eating habits.

Students who study dietetics complete 90 hours of field experience within two medical nutrition therapy courses; spend 10 hours working with the public health department and have the opportunity to work in community health fairs; complete 25 practicum hours in a quantity food service environment; network with professionals in foods and nutrition; and join the Student Dietetic Association. Olivet students enhance classroom learning through practicums with hands-on activities involving food and nutrition professionals.

Instruction Provided

To learn about Olivet’s Didactic Program in Dietetics (DPD), including information about internships, practicums, curriculum, program costs, degree completion and accreditation, download the student dietetics manual below. For prospective student information, download the prospective student brochure below:

Student Dietetics Manual (PDF)

Prospective Student Brochure (PDF)

*Program outcomes available upon request.

Graduate Program Application Process

Dietetic students complete a required graduate program after completing their Bachelor of Science (B.S.) degree in Dietetics. The Dietetic program faculty supports students during their graduate program application process.

Ludwig worker watering in-house grown greens

Career Opportunities

Dietetic majors prepare to enter a competitive professional environment. In addition to their rigorous academic studies, they also complete research projects. Students often have the opportunity to present their work at the annual Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics Food and Nutrition Conference and Expo (FNCE).