Program(s) Available: B.A.S., B.S., Minor
Do you want to play a role in improving the well-being of others? Students majoring in foods and nutrition or dietetics help clients meet individualized nutritional needs and achieve happy and healthy lifestyles. If this is something that interests you, keep reading!
Foods and nutrition students study the science behind nutrition and how nutrition impacts the human body. Faculty teach students how to modify and assess individualized nutrition plans such as meal plans, and nutrition counseling as it relates to human behavior, food science, food preparation and food service management.
There are two tracks for this program. One provides education for those seeking the Registered Dietitian Nutritionist credential, and the other will offer a degree in foods and nutrition for students who do not wish to seek the Registered Dietitian credential.
At Northwest, becoming a registered dietitian nutritionist (RDN) is a four-step program.
Step 1: Undergraduate degree
Complete the requirements to be in the Didactic Program in Dietetics (DPD) and receive your undergraduate degree.Step 2: Dietetic internship
Complete the requirements to participate in the dietetic internship.Step 3: Master's degree
Northwest offers an M.S. in nutrition.Step 4: RDN Exam
Completing these steps through Northwest's offerings enables one to sit for the examination leading to registered dietitian nutritionist (RDN) status.Step 5: Licensure and Continuing Education
Many states require licensure to practice as a RD/RDN. Check out your state’s licensing regulations. To maintain the RD/RDN credential you are required to complete 75 hours of continuing education every five years. Learn more about registration maintenance.
Did you know? This program is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics (ACEND).
This track allows students to meet the knowledge requirements for dietetics practice through an undergraduate program. Students will be prepared to apply to a supervised practice program and/or masters program leading to eligibility for the registration examination for dietitians.
This track is designed for students not interested in the registered dietitian credential but who desire a strong foods and nutrition-focused educational background to prepare them for many careers in health, wellness, food service management, and other related fields.
For transfer students the Bachelor of Applied Science (B.A.S.) is a flexible, individually tailored degree for students pursuing a vocational, technical or associate degree. Coursework for these degrees build on workplace skills and practical career training provided by an associate degree. Students may find a B.A.S. appealing for the following reasons:
Please note this program is not a traditional four-year program. It is structured for transfer students. Check out more on the benefits of our B.A.S. programs.
You may also minor in food service or nutrition. These programs are designed for students interested in restaurant food service or business management. A minor in food service requires the completion of 24 credit hours. A minor in nutrition requires 23 to 24 credit hours and is perfect for students interested in nutrition and food science.
Wed, March 26, 2025
(applied health science, exercise science, pre-athletic training & public health)
Wed, March 26, 2025
(sport management, recreation management & therapeutic recreation)
Wed, March 26, 2025
(health/PE & foods/nutrition)
Kelli Wilmes
660.562.1451
wilmesk@dos5.net
Career ready
Foods and Nutrition: Dietetics
“I feel like I’ve gotten a personalized, individualized education. Being able to know that faculty care if I understand these concepts and care how I perform in my job in the future is one of the biggest things I love.” — Bri Hersom
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Northwest's dietetics program has been granted Full Accreditation by the Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics (ACEND) through 2031.
Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics
120 South Riverside Plaza
Suite 2190
Chicago, IL 60606-6995
Phone: 312.899.0040 ext. 5400
Site: http://www.eatrightpro.org/acend
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: http://www.cdrnet.org/graduatedegree. In addition, CDR requires that individuals complete coursework and supervised practice in program(s) accredited by the Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics (ACEND). Graduates who successfully complete the ACEND-accredited Didactic Program in Dietetics program at Northwest Missouri State University are eligible to apply to an ACEND-accredited supervised practice program/Dietetic Internship.
We recommend contacting:
Kelli Wilmes
Director, Didactic Program in Dietetics/Instructor
Advisor, Kappa Omicron Nu
Advisor, Northwest Student Dietetics Association
Email: wilmesk@dos5.net
800 University Drive
ADM 311
Northwest Missouri State University
Maryville, MO 64468
The mission of the Didactic Program in Dietetics is to instill in dietetics graduates a desire to be life-long learners, leaders, to prepare them for dietetics internships and to deliver food and nutrition services throughout society and across the lifespan to sustain or enhance their quality of life.
The goals for the DPD program at Northwest are appropriate for the mission of the present program and are consistent with the vision of the university and mission of the School of Health Science and Wellness. Each set of goals at our university really highlights the importance of helping that student accomplish their goals to excel in their studies and ultimately becomes excellent professionals in their field. At Northwest we pride ourselves on the focus we put on students each and every day. We strive to provide excellent learning opportunities, a supportive environment, and the knowledge they need to become successful in their professional careers and personal endeavors. Our goals are as follows:
Goal 1. The DPD program will prepare competent graduates with the knowledge and skills to be successful in dietetic internships or post-secondary schooling or employment in a food and nutrition related field.
Objectives:
Goal 2. The DPD will prepare graduates to elevate the dietetics profession through membership in the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics (AND), to become leaders, and develop a commitment to working with families and individuals to sustain or enhance their quality of life.
Program outcomes data is available upon request.
Entrance into the Didactic Program in Dietetics requires completion of an application . Please check the requirements below before applying, and if you have any questions contact the Program Director.
Kelli Wilmes
Director, Didactic Program in Dietetics/Instructor
Advisor, Kappa Omicron Nu
Advisor, Northwest Student Dietetics Association
Email: wilmesk@dos5.net
A description of fees charged by Northwest Missouri State University is outlined in the undergraduate course catalog and is on the Northwest web site. The textbook rental fee covers only one textbook per class. Required laboratory manuals or special texts will need to be purchased by the student. Also, transportation to and from sites required in 47-338 Practicum in Dietetics, will be defrayed by the student, and a $50 liability insurance will be billed. Student memberships in professional organizations are optional, but highly recommended. The cost for student membership in the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics is $58/year. This fee also covers membership in the Missouri Dietetic Association. The cost of membership in the Northwest Student Dietetic Association is $20 annually. The lab fee for 47-230 Food Science is $50 and the lab fee for 47-333 Quantity Foods lab is $50, 47-433 Medical Nutrition Therapy I is $30 and 47-434 Medical Nutrition Therapy II is $30.
Scholarships are available to dietetic students. The Dr. Mary Rose Gram scholarship, Phyllis Combs Leet Scholarship, and the Jake Cavanaugh Memorial Scholarship are all scholarships with a focus on dietetic students. In addition, students who participate in the Kappa Omicron Nu Honor Society and meet membership criteria may apply for undergraduate and graduate scholarships. Application information is distributed to eligible students during the application period. Students may search for scholarships. Other financial assistance resources are available through the Financial Assistance office.
University calendar: Our program follows the university’s academic calendar.
To earn a B.S. in Foods and Nutrition: Dietetics students must complete 120 credit hours consisting of the university’s core requirements and the courses specified below. Students majoring in Foods and Nutrition must earn a grade of C or above in all courses required for the major.
The Verification Statement signifies that all the classes and requirements of the didactic program have been successfully met and the student is eligible to apply for a supervised practice/dietetic internship program. The policy for issuing verification statements follows: