Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Yes, at ISU, the BS in Dietetics is the same as the Didactics Program in Dietetics (DPD) program. There are different pathways to fulfilling the accrediting associations’ requirements for undergraduate work. The ISU DPD program is an academic program that meets the knowledge requirements for dietetics practice. DPD programs must be located at a college or university recognized by the US Department of Education and require completion of a degree. Courses for the DPD must be part of the university requirements for whichever degree will be granted. Completion of a Didactic Program in Dietetics enables the individual to apply to a dietetic internship. Completion of the internship coupled with completion of a master’s degree makes you eligible to take the national registration examination for dietitians.

Most students apply in the spring of their junior year, once DPD prerequisites are complete or nearly complete. Exact deadlines and instructions are listed on the DPD application page.

A minimum GPA of 3.0 is required in both prerequisite and professional courses. Competitive applicants often have higher GPAs and demonstrate leadership, volunteer experience, and strong communication skills.

While some general education and lower-division courses may be taken part-time, the professional DPD coursework is typically structured for full-time study, especially in the final two years.

Yes, you will need to meet with the BS/DPD advisor to learn about which of your courses may be accepted as transfer credits and what additional courses you need to take at ISU. Our website has more information about transferring into the ISU BS/DPD program.

Some courses, especially general education or lower-division prerequisites, may be offered online or in hybrid format. However, most upper-division DPD courses are in-person due to the hands-on nature of the program, including lab work that requires specialized equipment and direct faculty supervision.

Yes, students opt to double major. Given the course offerings for the BS/DPD program, it may require an extra semester or year to complete a double major. Contact the BS/DPD advisor to review your goals and find out more about your individualized degree pathway.

Graduates with a BS in Dietetics can pursue a variety of roles in community and public health nutrition, foodservice management, health education, and wellness coaching. These positions may involve working in schools, community organizations, wellness centers, or corporate wellness programs, where the focus is often on promoting healthy eating, managing foodservice operations, or providing basic nutrition education.

However, becoming a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RDN) significantly broadens career opportunities. RDNs are qualified to work in clinical settings such as hospitals, outpatient clinics, and long-term care facilities, where they provide medical nutrition therapy and work as part of healthcare teams. Additionally, RDNs often hold leadership positions in healthcare, industry, government, research, and higher education, where advanced training and credentials are valued for roles involving program development, policy-making, and supervision of other health professionals.

No, ISU only offers a combined Master of Science in Nutrition and Dietetic Internship (MS/DI). The MS in Nutrition is not available as a stand-alone degree, and the Dietetic Internship is not offered independently of the MS program.

Yes, but there are important prerequisites.

To apply, you must first complete all required coursework as defined by the Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics (ACEND®). Most students with a degree outside of Nutrition and Dietetics will need to take additional prerequisite and professional courses before becoming eligible.

Once these courses are completed, you'll receive a Verification Statement, which is required to apply to the combined MS/DI program. If you do not currently have a Verification Statement, we recommend contacting the ISU DPD Director to determine what additional coursework you may need.

Interns rotate through clinical nutrition, foodservice management, and community nutrition sites. Additional electives in areas like sports nutrition or public health may also be offered.

The program is designed as a full-time, intensive experience that combines graduate-level coursework with 1,000+ hours of supervised practice.

It is generally very difficult to work while completing the MS/DI program. The supervised practice component of the program—often called "rotations", typically requires a full-time commitment of around 40 hours per week. These rotations are intensive and involve clinical, foodservice, and community placements that demand significant time, focus, and flexibility. Due to the demanding nature of the program, students seldom have time to engage in other jobs. Some students may take on occasional weekend or evening work, but it’s important to recognize that the priority during the MS/DI is completing the required hours and academic work needed to become a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RDN).

ISU places interns in Pocatello, Meridian, or Twin Falls. Students rank their location preferences, and placements are assigned based on availability and program fit.

Graduate assistantships, scholarships, and student loans are available. Some students also apply for external funding through professional organizations like the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics Foundation.

The MS in Nutrition at ISU is a clinical master’s degree, primarily designed for professional practice.

If you're planning to pursue a PhD or another doctoral program, you may need to complete additional coursework. such as advanced statistics or research methods, depending on the requirements of the doctoral program you’re considering.