BS/MS Accelerated Coordinated Program in Nutrition Science and Dietetics (CPD)
The BS/MS Accelerated Coordinated Program in Nutrition Science and Dietetics is intended to provide comprehensive education and supervised practice to enable students to develop competencies needed to function as successful entry-level Registered Dietitian Nutritionists. The BS/MS Accelerated Coordinated Program in Nutrition Science and Dietetics is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics (ACEND), 120 South Riverside Plaza, Suite 2190, Chicago, IL, 60606-6995; (800) 877-1600 ext. 5400; https://www.eatrightpro.org/acend
The Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics defines dietetics as “the science and art of applying the principles of nutrition to health.” The RDN credential is required for most careers where providing nutritional services to individuals and groups is needed.
Possible careers in nutrition and dietetics include:
- Sports nutrition – professional sports teams, K-12 sports, collegiate sports
- Healthcare – hospitals, clinics, long-term care
- Foodservice – hospitals, early childhood and school nutrition, long-term care
- Community – public health programs, wellness and health promotion
- Private practice – consulting firms, client counseling for special populations, fitness facilities, public speaking
Explore a Career in Dietetics and learn about what registered dietitian nutritionists do and how they help people improve their health with food and nutrition.
There are five steps involved in becoming an RDN.
- Complete a minimum of a master's degree and complete coursework through an ACEND-accredited dietetics program.
- Complete supervised practice experience through an ACEND-accredited Dietetic Internship, Coordinated Program, Graduate Program, or an Individualized Supervised Practice Pathway.
- Pass the Commission on Dietetic Registration exam.
- Gain licensure in your state of practice, if applicable.
- Maintain continuing professional education requirements.
NDSU’s BS/MS Accelerated Coordinated Program in Nutrition Science and Dietetics includes all steps required to take the Commission on Dietetic Registration exam.
Student Information
Before applying to the CPD program, students must receive full admission to NDSU. View the CPD Application Process for more information.
Students may be eligible for financial aid or scholarships. There may be some additional costs associated with the program, which are listed in the handbook. We are not able to provide exact amounts for these costs, so please be aware that the figures listed are estimates. This list is not meant to be all-inclusive but is included to aid students financial planning.
Please refer to the handbook for the academic calendar, program completion requirements, and policy on assessment of prior learning.
Program Mission and Goals
Mission Statement: The mission for the BS/MS Accelerated Coordinated Program in Nutrition Science and Dietetics at North Dakota State University is to prepare competent professionals who will contribute to the profession and community as entry-level Registered Dietitian Nutritionists (RDNs) in clinical, foodservice or community nutrition.
Program Goals and Objectives
Goal 1: Program graduates will function successfully as entry-level Registered Dietitian Nutritionists (RDNs) in the profession of nutrition and dietetics.
- At least 80% of students complete program requirements within 4.5 years (150% of planned program length).
- Of graduates who seek employment, at least 70 percent are employed in nutrition and dietetics or related fields within 12 months of graduation.
- At least 80% of program graduates take the CDR credentialing exam for dietitian nutritionists within 12 months of program completion.
- The program’s one-year pass rate (graduates who pass the registration exam within one year of first attempt) on the CDR credentialing exam for dietitian nutritionists is at least 80%.
- Based on surveys at 1-year post-graduation, 80% or more of graduates’ employers will state that they are satisfied or extremely satisfied with graduate’s preparation for entry-level practice.
Goal 2: Program will produce graduates who contribute to the profession and community through involvement in organizations and volunteering at the local, state, or national level.
- Based on surveys given at 1- and 5-years post-graduation, 60% or more of graduates will report they are members of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics.
- Based on surveys given at 1- and 5-years post-graduation, 50% or more of graduates will report they engaged in community service defined as volunteering time, giving a presentation to a community group, organizing a fundraising activity, or other activities involving donation of time or services.
- Based on surveys given at 1- and 5-years post-graduation, 25% or more or graduates will report that they have held a leadership position in an organization.
*Program outcome data is available upon request.