Program Overview

What's didactic mean?

The word didactic means to teach. ISU’s BS in Dietetics is a didactic program in dietetics, or DPD, which teaches and demonstrates to students how the science of nutrition is applied to the field of dietetics.

About the Didactic Program in Dietetics

The ISU DPD is planned for completion in 8 semesters or 4 academic years with a minimum of 120 credit hours:

Years 1 and 2: You’ll take prerequisite courses along with classes to meet the ISU general education requirements
Years 3 and 4: You’ll focus on the professional courses of the dietetics program

Students must apply to the professional portion of the program. Applications for a “seat” in the professional section of the program are reviewed every spring. Seats are awarded for fall semester of the final academic year (i.e. senior year).

Transfer students welcome. Applications from transfer students from other colleges and universities are also considered for acceptance into the professional section of the DPD. Transfer students must have completed prerequisites and have a GPA of 3.0 or higher (on a 4.0 scale) and no course with a grade of C- or lower.

The DPD program has been accredited by ACEND®to prepare students for a position as a registered dietitian nutritionist (RDN). After completing this four-year degree, students must earn a master's degree, complete a dietetic internship and take a national registration exam before becoming an RDN.

ISU Preps You to be Competitive for MS/Dietetic Internship Programs

Goal 1
Program graduates will perform proficiently in a dietetic supervised practice program in preparation to be a competent entry-level dietitian nutritionist.

Goal 2
Program graduates will promote leadership and service to enrich the graduate’s professional career.

Objectives

At least 80% of program students complete program/degree requirements within 3 years (150% of program length).
At least 70% of program graduates apply for admission to a supervised practice program prior to or within 12 months of graduation.
Of program graduates who apply to a supervised practice program, at least 60% are admitted within 12 months of graduation.
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%.
At least 70% of responding graduates will report an aggregate score of 4 or higher out of 5 indicating strong preparation that the DPD program prepared them for their supervised practice experience.
At least 70% of graduates from this program will receive an aggregate score of 4 or higher out of 5 indicating strong preparation on their knowledge and skill of dietetics from supervised practice program directors.

Objective

At least 50% of graduates will be active members of professional organizations, hold a leadership position and/or participate in service opportunities related to the field within 24 months of graduation.

Program outcomes data
are available upon request,
email jeniferreader@isu.edu

Didactic Program in Dietetics (DPD) Program

The DPD Degree Plan 2023-2024 is a helpful planning and tracking tool for dietetic majors
Students should meet with their advisor at least once every semester to ensure correct scheduling of course work
Students electing the dietetics major must fulfill the university general education requirements for a BS degree plus the required dietetic courses and additional electives to total 120 credits
Please pay very careful attention to the prerequisite courses required as well as other specific courses required to fulfill the university general requirements
NTD prefix courses must be taken in the sequence shown unless approved by your advisor

Financial Information

The figures quoted below are estimates of program expenses as of Fall Semester 2023:

Actual cost may be more or less than estimates
Housing and personal living expenses not included as these often vary considerably between individuals
Transportation to clinical facilities is the responsibility of the student (costs vary)

You may also want to check out information on financial aid and scholarships

Estimated Costs Associated with the DPD
Item	Fee
Application fee	$25
Health insurance	suggested
Lab coat (optional)	~$50 per coat
Books and supplies	$600-$900/year
Lab fees	$75/semester/lab course
Malpractice insurance	$5.00 per semester
Background check	~$50.00 one time
Academy student membership	$58 /year
Health screening and immunizations	Varies by health care provider
*ISU tuition and fees are subject to change by the Idaho State Board of Education.

DPD Calendar

The ISU DPD follows the ISU academic calendar for class dates and times, final schedules, course registration schedules, vacations and holidays.

Interested in the ISU BS in Dietetics?
Schedule an appointment with the DPD Director and primary program advisor, Jenifer Reader, MHE, RDN, LD,
to learn more about the profession, program requirements, and DPD course completion plan.

Professor and student discuss ISU Meridian program