Nutrition

Our mission, goals, and measurable outcomes are focused on preparing students for careers in nutrition and in meeting the healthcare needs of the region and the state by providing a cohesive, up-to-date, and comprehensive program in nutrition. Program outcomes data are available on request. 

This is a four-year program that culminates in a Bachelor of Science degree in Nutrition.

The degree provides students with the foundation skills and knowledge necessary to apply for dietetic internships or graduate programs in healthcare or to become registered dietetic technicians.

The undergraduate program in dietetics is fully accredited

as a didactic program in dietetics (DPD) by the Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics (ACEND) of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics (AND), 120 South Riverside Plaza, Suite 2190, Chicago, IL 60606-6995, 800-877-1600, ext. 5400. Email: ACEND@eatright.org

Students who successfully complete the DPD program will receive an ACEND Verification Statement and are then eligible to apply for a supervised practice program (dietetic internship).

Successful completion of the dietetic internship will allow students to be eligible to take the CDR credentialing exam and become registered dietitian nutritionists. Many exciting career opportunities await registered dietitian nutitionists (RDN). Students who choose not to apply for a dietetic internship also have several career options in nutrition education, sales, public health, school nutrition, or food service management, as well as the option to become a Nutrition and Dietetic Technician, Registered, which requires sitting for the registration examination.

After receipt of the verification statement, students must apply through DICAS, as well as D&D Digital Computer Matching for internships. Additionally, students may apply to internships with a declaration of intent. 

Students who have already completed a bachelor's degree and who wish to become registered dietitians are required to complete the didactic program in dietetics (DPD) course work.

Following the completion of this coursework, students receive an ACEND Verification of Completion Statement and are then eligible to apply for a supervised practice program (dietetic internship).

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 order to be approved for registration examination eligibility with a bachelor’s degree, an individual must meet all eligibility requirements and be submitted into CDR's Registration Eligibility Processing System (REPS) before 12:00 midnight Central Time, December 31, 2023. For more information about this requirement visit CDR's website: https://www.cdrnet.org/graduatedegree. 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). Graduates who successfully complete the ACEND-accredited DPD program at ETSU are eligible to apply to an ACEND-accredited supervised practice program/apply to take the CDR credentialing exam to become an RDN. In most states, graduates also must obtain licensure or certification to practice. For more information about state licensure requirements click here.  For more information about educational pathways to become an RDN click here.

For more information and any questions you may have, an academic advisor is available. Meet Advisor

Information on Nutrition Honors-in-Discipline

East Tennessee State University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) to award baccalaureate, master’s, education specialist, and doctoral degrees. East Tennessee State University also may offer credentials such as certificates and diplomas at approved degree levels. Questions about the accreditation of East Tennessee State University may be directed in writing to the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges at 1866 Southern Lane, Decatur, GA 30033-4097, by calling (404) 679-4500, or by using information available on SACSCOC's website  (www.sacscoc.org).