Program Overview

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. 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 DPD Program

Why the ISU DPD Program?

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: Students take prerequisite courses along with classes to meet the ISU general education requirements
Years 3 and 4: Students 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).

Academic Planning and Course Sequencing

The DPD BS Degree Plan 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

Transfer Information for Prospective Dietetics Students

Students currently attending another college or university who are interested in transferring to Idaho State University (ISU) should review the university’s transfer process and requirements.

For general questions about transferring to ISU, contact the Transfer Advisors.

For specific inquiries about transferring into the Bachelor of Science in Dietetics program, contact:

Jenifer Reader, MHE, RDN, LD
Director, Didactic Program in Dietetics / Clinical Associate Professor
Phone: (208) 282-1238
Email: jeniferreader@isu.edu

The ISU Dietetics program has established articulation agreements with select Idaho colleges and universities to support a smooth transfer process for students. Currently, agreements are in place with the following institutions:

Boise State University
Brigham Young University - Idaho
College of Southern Idaho
College of Western Idaho

Estimated Costs of the DPD Program

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.

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 Program 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, Jenifer Reader, MHE, RDN, LD, to learn more about the profession, program requirements, and DPD course completion plan.