Program Overview
Director: K. Witt
Dietetics is a profession concerned with the science and art of human nutrition care. Messiah is one of the few Christian colleges offering students a nutrition major which is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics (ACEND). The Messiah University Nutrition and Dietetics major provides excellent preparation for careers in nutrition science, public health, dietetics, and food service. Students study a wide variety of subjects, including anatomy and physiology, chemistry and biochemistry, food science and technology, nutrition science, business, education and counseling, and medical nutrition. Hands-on learning is emphasized throughout the curriculum. In addition to course work, students are strongly encouraged to obtain work or volunteer experience in nutrition and dietetics.
Many jobs in nutrition care require that an individual be credentialed as a registered dietitian nutritionist (RDN). To earn the RDN credential, an individual must complete a three step process:
- Complete a minimum of a bachelor’s degree at a US regionally accredited college or university and course work through a dietetics program accredited by the Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics (ACEND).
- Be accepted by and successfully complete an ACEND-accredited supervised practice program or dietetic internship. These programs are offered by health care facilities, community agencies, foodservice corporations or educational institutions, and are typically 9 - 12 months in length. The dietetic internship application process occurs primarily through a competitive national match.
- Pass a national examination administered by the Commission on Dietetic Registration (CDR).
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 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). In most states, graduates also must obtain state-licensure or certification to practice.
Graduates who successfully complete the ACEND-accredited Didactic Program in Dietetics at Messiah University are eligible to apply to an ACEND-accredited supervised practice program or dietetic internship. Messiah University also offers an ACEND-accredited dietetic internship as a graduate certificate program which may be used towards a Messiah College MBA. Senior Nutrition and Dietetics majors who meet the pre-select criteria may apply to the Messiah College dietetic internship in the fall of their senior year, bypassing the national match process. For more information about educational pathways to become an RDN please visit https://www.eatrightpro.org/acend/students-and-advancingeducation/information-for-students or contact ACEND at Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, 120 South Riverside Plaza, Suite 2000, Chicago, Illinois 60606-6995, Phone: 312-899-0040 ext. 5400.
In addition to the RDN credential, Nutrition and Dietetics majors can also pursue graduate education in public health, nutrition science, or nutrition education. With additional math and science courses, the major can also provide preparation for applying to medical or dental school or physician assistant programs. Graduates who do not continue their education are employable as dietetic technicians in health care institutions and businesses, nutrition counselors in community nutrition programs, and food service managers in health care institutions, schools, and industry.
The Department of Health, Nutrition, and Exercise Science also offers a verification program for individuals who already have at least a bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution but have not taken all of the course work required by ACEND. Individuals seeking to obtain verification of the ACEND Didactic Program in Dietetics academic requirements complete an individualized plan of study based on evaluation of their academic transcripts, including at least 18 credits in Food and Nutrition courses at Messiah University. Individuals who complete the verification program requirements are eligible to apply for ACEND-accredited supervised practice programs.
Progression requirements: In order to progress into NUTR 410, NUTR 411, and NUTR 425, students must have completed the following courses with no grades lower than a C- in each and an average GPA in them of 2.5 (2.75 if more than one of these courses is transferred to Messiah): CHEM 105, CHEM 106, and CHEM 204 or CHEM 309/ CHEM 310, BIOL 185 or BIOL 160, NUTR 121 and NUTR 222. Students who do not achieve the required minimum GPA will not be able to complete the Nutrition and Dietetics major. Repeat Policy: One course from the list may be repeated one time. An attempt at a course will include all letter grades as well as W. When extenuating circumstances arise (i.e. significant illness or death in the family), students may appeal this policy by submitting a written letter explaining the rational for the exception to the DPD Director. If the appeal is denied, the department decision may be appealed to the dean of the School of Science, Engineering and Health.