Arizona State University (Downtown Phoenix campus)
Dietetics, BS
Study detals
: Bachelor's degree : Dietetics, BS NHDIETCSBS : Full time : 48 MonthRequirements
Academic requirements
First-year students must:
- Have a 3.00 grade point average (GPA) (a "B" or better where "A"=4.00) from a secondary school. Some ASU programs may have higher admission or English proficiency requirements and may consider a minimum ACT or SAT score.
- Must have three years of high school coursework. (If you are currently in high school, ASU needs to see 9–11 grade coursework. If you have completed high school, ASU needs to see 10–12 grade coursework.)
- Must have and present a completed high school diploma or certificate.
Conditional admission
ASU may offer conditional undergraduate admission to international applicants to an on-campus program who meet the academic (aptitude) requirements but who are not proficient in English. This offer of conditional admission will give you time to improve your English proficiency before you start classes at ASU. Your conditional admission offer is good for up to three semesters, during which time you must meet one of these requirements to begin your ASU experience.
Competency requirements
International students who completed high school outside the U.S. are required to meet the following competency requirements:
- Math: four years (algebra I, geometry, algebra II and one course requiring algebra II as a prerequisite).
- Laboratory science: three years total (one year each from any of the following areas are accepted: biology, chemistry, earth science, integrated sciences and physics).
Provide evidence of English language proficiency (TOEFL 61)
Speciality
This program may be eligible for an Optional Practical Training extension for up to 24 months. This OPT work authorization period may help international students gain skills and experience in the U.S. Those interested in an OPT extension should review ASU degrees that qualify for the STEM-OPT extension at ASU's International Students and Scholars Center website.
The OPT extension only applies to students on an F-1 visa and does not apply to students completing a degree through ASU Online.
Additional information
Program description
The BS program in dietetics is a required initial step in the education and training of the dietetics professional. This program combines anatomy and physiology, food science, chemistry and nutrition to promote health and prevent disease through dietary choices.
Coursework prepares students to apply for a dietetic internship, which is required to sit for the registration exam to become a registered dietitian. In addition to nutrition courses, students complete a broad range of science, management and communication classes that can be applied in a variety of professional settings.
Beginning Jan. 1, 2024, before sitting for the registration exam, students are required to have a master's degree in addition to completing a dietetic internship. This is a change implemented by the credentialing body for registered dietitians, the Commission on Dietetic Registration, and is a nationwide requirement.
This program is accredited as a Didactic Program in Dietetics by the Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics, 120 S. Riverside Plaza, Suite 2190, Chicago IL 60606-6995
Concurrent program options
Students pursuing concurrent degrees (also known as a “double major”) earn two distinct degrees and receive two diplomas. Working with their academic advisors, students can create their own concurrent degree combination. Some combinations are not possible due to high levels of overlap in curriculum.
Accelerated program options
This program allows students to obtain both a bachelor's and master's degree in as little as five years. It is offered as an accelerated bachelor's plus master's degree with:
- Nutritional Science, MS
Acceptance to the graduate program requires a separate application. Students typically receive approval to pursue the accelerated master’s during the junior year of their bachelor's degree program.
Global opportunities
Global experience
With more than 300 Global Education program opportunities available to them, dietetics students are able to tailor their experience to their unique interests and skill sets. Whether in a foreign country, in the U.S. or online, students build communication skills, learn to adapt and persevere, and are exposed to research and internships across the world, increasing their professional network.
Career opportunities
The nutrition and dietetics field provides graduates with employment opportunities in a variety of areas:
client consultation, including for diabetes management or weight loss education
- food and nutrition industry
- food and nutrition marketing and sales
- nutrition and health promotion
- pediatric and geriatric settings
- public health
- school food service
Graduates may find opportunities in hospitals and other health care facilities or public health agencies.
- Most graduates of this program pursue further education and credentials such as:
- registered dietetic technician (DTR)
- registered dietitian or nutritionist (RD/RDN)
- school nutrition specialist (SNS)
- These credentials provide further job opportunities in clinical, community and food service settings as listed above.