ACEND is the accrediting agency for education programs that prepare students for careers in nutrition and dietetics. ACEND accreditation publicly assures the quality and continued improvement of nutrition and dietetics programs. SEMO’s Bachelor of Science of nutrition is also an ACEND accredited didactic program in dietetics, meaning nutrition and dietetics students will be in an accredited program for their undergraduate and graduate programs at SEMO.  

“The most exciting part is that we were approved to offer many options that will keep our program flexible and adaptable,” said Dr. Joel Ramdial, nutrition instructor and program director at SEMO. “The options built into the program allow students from different backgrounds, including non-traditional students, to complete our program. We are accredited as an online program with options to complete remote field experience.”

The accreditation process requires a self-study to assess the development, assembly, and documentation of administrative and curricular components of the program. SEMO’s M.S. applied nutrition program also underwent its first accreditation site visit in 2023. Accreditation site visitors met with students, graduates, field experience preceptors, faculty, program stakeholders, advisory boards, and university support staff to ensure the program met ACEND standards.

 “The self-study and site visit reinforced many excellent aspects of our program and also led to several program improvements,” said Ramdial. “As a result of the accreditation process, we are better prepared for the future and have implemented flexible processes to facilitate students from many backgrounds.”

The accreditation is important for the program and for students. Students seeking the registered dietitian credential must attend an ACEND accredited program.

 For more information on SEMO’s M.S. in applied nutrition program, visit the website. 

Applying To SEMO
Eligible new Missouri undergraduate students with a 2.75 high school GPA and who are eligible for Pell Grants won’t pay any tuition or fees at Southeast Missouri State with the Will To Do Award. SEMO also offers one tuition rate nationwide for domestic students. Apply at semo.edu/apply.

Prospective students are encouraged to visit campus. SEMO is hosting two Show Me Days this fall, on October 5 and November 16. Visit the Show Me Day website to register.

For more information or to visit campus, visit the Southeast Admissions page or admissions@semo.edu.admissions/index