Graduates of Southeast’s Dietetics Program obtain the knowledge and skills required for acceptance into dietetic internships/supervised practice, graduate education, or related entry-level positions. Entering the profession of dietetics as a Registered Dietitian (RD)/ Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RDN) consists of successful completion of the following:

Steps to Obtaining the RDN Credential to be a Nutrition Expert and Credential Health Care Provider:

• A minimum of a bachelor's degree at a US regionally accredited university or college and course work approved by the Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics (ACEND) such as our program here at Southeast.

1. Acceptance and completion of an ACEND-accredited dietetic internship program or pathway offering supervised-practice. Southeast offers an accredited MSAN program offering a combined supervised practice/Master of Science.
2. Pass a national examination administered by the Commission for Dietetic Registration (CDR).
3. Complete continuing professional educational requirements to maintain registration.

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. 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 Southeast Missouri State University are eligible to apply to an ACEND-accredited supervised practice program.

In most states, graduates also must obtain licensure or certification to practice.

More information about state licensure requirements.

More information about educational pathways to become a RDN.

Admission to the Dietetics Option: Didactic Program in Dietetics Track

The Declaration of Major does not constitute admission to the program. Students may complete the Declaration of Major form and be assigned an advisor in the department of Human Environmental Studies anytime after they have been admitted to the University and have begun attending classes.

Students wishing to be formally admitted into the Dietetics Option must meet the following admission criteria:

1. Completion of 45 semester hours with a minimum grade point average of 3.0 overall including the following course work (or equivalent) with a minimum grade of “C”: MA134; PY 101; CH 181; AD 101; EN 140; FN 235; BS 113; BS 114; Economic Systems.
2. Completion of all developmental courses (if applicable).

Admission Procedures

1. Each student will complete a declaration of major form. When eligibility requirements have been met, an application for admission must be completed and submitted to the departmental office. The Director of the Didactic Program in Dietetics will determine if all admission criteria are met. The Administrative Assistant will send letter of acceptance with copy of admission policy to successful applicants. Those individuals who do not meet the admission criteria will be notified in writing.
2. Each semester, grades will be reviewed by the DPD director. Any student failing to meet retention requirements will be notified by mail within ten days of final grade postings. Students must complete an application for reinstatement if they wish to re-take coursework that failed to meet retention requirements.

Retention Requirements

Students will be retained as dietetic majors providing the following retention criteria are met:

1. Completion of all required courses as outlined in the degree requirements in the Undergraduate Bulletin.
2. Maintenance of a cumulative grade point average of 3.0 each semester and an overall GPA of 3.0 in all required coursework for the major courses – as outlined in the degree requirement in the Undergraduate Bulletin.

Graduation Requirement

In order to receive a verification statement for completion of the required didactic curriculum, accredited by the Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics, the accrediting agency for the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, students must meet all requirements put forth for both admission and retention and be approved for graduation by the Registrar at Southeast Missouri State University. The student who completes this degree must additionally complete a minimum of 1200 supervised practice hours of preprofessional experience accredited by The Commission on Dietetic Registration of The Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics and successfully complete the Registration Examination for Dietitians.

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. 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 Southeast Missouri State University are eligible to apply to an ACEND-accredited supervised practice program.

In most states, graduates also must obtain licensure or certification to practice.

More information about state licensure requirements.

More information about educational pathways to become a RDN.

Admission/Retention Grievance Policy

Any student denied admission or retention to the dietetics program will be notified in writing by the Program Director. Students are given the opportunity to discuss the rationale of the decision with the Program Director. If a student is not satisfied with the explanation, he/she may request a review of the decision by the Chair of the Department of Human Environmental Studies. An official request for review must be received by the Department Chair in writing within 10 business days from the mailing date of the denial letter.

• Lab fees and course number
  • FN240 $50.00
  • FN320 $50.00
  • FN450 $50.00
  • FN503 $10.00
  • FN504 $10.00
• Books
  • Textbook Rental $36.31 per course
  • Serve Safe Exam: $30
  • Medical Nutrition Therapy: A Case Study Approach, 5th ed. $119.99
• Chef coat ($16-20) (Used for FN240, FN320, and FN450)
• 24 hour Recall Kit: $5.00
• Software cost
  • FN235 NutriCalcPlus Diet Analysis software: $20
  • FN 525 NutriCalcPlus Diet Analyiss software or Food processor $15-$20
• Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics Student Membership: encouraged not required: $58
• Tuition: Missouri Resident: $267.75 per credit hour
• Nonresident: $437.50 per credit hour
• Please refer to link for all University Fees: Residence Hall Fees and Meal Plans