This program prepares students for careers as dietetics professionals who will enhance the quality of life for individuals, groups, families, organizations, and communities in the state, region and nation. The didactic program in dietetics provides the knowledge, skills, and values required for successful entry into a supervised practice program, graduate school, or the job market. Many work environments, particularly those in medical and health care settings, require that an individual be credentialed as a registered dietitian nutritionist (RDN). Registered dietitian nutritionists are employed in a wide variety of settings, including hospitals, public health departments, nursing homes/retirement centers, food service establishments, private practice, colleges and universities, food and nutrition-related businesses, contract food service companies, and military service.
There are three steps to becoming a registered dietitian nutritionist (RDN):
- Earn a bachelor’s degree and complete the didactic program requirements for entry-level dietitians in an accredited program;
- Successfully complete an accredited supervised practice program/dietetic internship; and
- Earn a passing score on the national Registration Examination for Dietitians.
Nutrition and Dietetics (Didactic Program in Dietetics) BS Degree Requirements (120 hours)
Nutrition and Dietetics (Didactic Program in Dietetics) BS Semester Guide
Availability: Hattiesburg Campus
Admission Requirements: See University Admission Policies
Program Academic Policies and Requirements:
- See University Academic Policies and Requirements
- All students must meet and maintain the following requirements in order to enroll in each subsequent NFS course and/or semester:
- Earn a minimum grade of B in NFS 362 , and
- Earn a minimum grade of C in all courses and maintain a minimum GPA of 2.5 within the Program Curriculum (DEG 01 and DEG 02).
- Earn a minimum grade of C and a GPA of 2.5 on all required science courses (DEG 02) prior to enrolling in NFS 410 , and
- Program Curriculum courses (DEG 01 and DEG 02) may be repeated one time only.
- Students who fail to meet program requirements after two consecutive semesters may not continue in the program and must seek a new major.
Accreditation: This program is currently granted continued accreditation by the Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics (ACEND), 120 South Riverside Plaza, Suite 2190, Chicago, IL 60606-6995, (312) 899-5400.
