Dietetics
Major
Dietetics degree
Do you see yourself helping others live healthier lives? In our program, you will go beyond the textbook, learning how to apply the science of nutrition to prevent and treat disease. Imagine designing hands-on programs, leading community events and creating activities that inspire people to make better choices. Whether you are in the classroom or out in the field, you will build the skills to help individuals towards healthier lifestyles.
AT A GLANCE
Why choose a dietetics degree at CMU?
At CMU, you will receive hands-on learning opportunities and one-on-one mentoring from Registered Dietitian Nutritionists and industry professionals in small class settings. Fieldwork will give you practical skills, from applying nutrition in food service and medical settings to educating vulnerable communities.
You can lead activities like grocery store tours, providing healthy (and tasty!) food choices, understanding food labels or developing personalized meal plans to improve eating habits.
You can expand your network by joining the Student Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics (SAND). This gives you the chance to attend seminars, conferences and events that help you learn and connect with other students and professionals.
Pathway to becoming a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RDN)
- Earn your bachelor's degree: Complete the Didactic Program in Dietetics (DPD), and receive a verification statement confirming you've met all program requirements.
- Pursue graduate studies: Apply for an ACEND-accredited dietetics internship after earning a graduate degree, or enroll in a Future Education Graduate Program (GP) or Coordinated Program (CP).
- Complete the internship: After completing the dietetic internship, you will be eligible to take the Commission on Dietetic Registration (CDR) exam to become an RDN.
From start to finish, our helpful dietetics advisors will guide you every step of the way!
Dietetics degree program highlights
With a dietetics degree, you'll:
- Study a specialized curriculum: Learn from a program built on the criteria set forth by the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, ensuring you meet industry standards.
- Gain hands-on experience: Accumulate 30 hours of fieldwork in the community, using the knowledge and skills you have learned - a feature that many other programs do not offer.
- Pursue a dietetic internship (DI): After completing your degree, you will be eligible to apply for an ACEND-accredited dietetic internship or a Future Education Graduate Program (GP). Graduates of an ACEND-accredited DPD can become Dietetic Technicians, Registered (DTR) by passing the Dietetic Technician Exam.
- Benefit from personalized mentorship: Work closely with seven full-time faculty members in small class sizes, averaging 35 students or less.
Dietetics jobs
This program readies you for opportunities in many health and wellness settings as a registered dietitian. Nearly 70 percent of dietetic students place into graduate programs or coordinated programs with supervised internships within the first year of graduation (the national average is 50 percent).
| Career | Projected Salary |
|---|---|
| Dietitian | $69,680 |
| Nutritionist | $69,680 |
| Dietetic Technician | $38,440 |
| Dietary Aid | $32,420 |
Professional kitchen serves hands-on experience
Twenty-four student workstations, commercial style stoves and a tech center with modern food service equipment allows CMU's dietetics and nutrition students to perfect their skills. The Allen Foundation Culinary Nutrition Center has professional-grade facilities that prepare students for careers in dietetics.
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