Dietetics Major

Ball State’s major in dietetics is a challenging program that prepares you for the first step of the three-step process of becoming a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RDN). Registered Dietitian Nutritionists (RDNs) are employed in more than 40 unique specialties within hospitals, public health clinics, senior care communities, sports organizations, schools, state and local government agencies, and more.If your goal is to become an RDN, your timing is perfect—employer demand for Registered Dietitian Nutritionists is much higher than the national average. Whatever your career goals, this major will equip you for success in the field of nutrition.

The Dietetics Program is fully-accredited by the Accreditation Council on Education in Nutrition and Dietetics (ACEND), a division of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics.

Steps to Become a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist

The three steps required to become a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist are as follows:

Complete a bachelor’s degree and earn a Verification Statement from an ACEND-accredited undergraduate program (like the Ball State Didactic Program in Dietetics).

Get matched to an ACEND-accredited supervised practice program (like the Ball State Dietetic Internship Program).

Pass the Commission on Dietetic Registration’s (CDR’s) dietetic registration exam.

What You Will Learn

The Didactic Program in Dietetics features immersive, real-world learning experiences and prepares students for opportunities in:

• Nutrition-related healthcare (direct patient care)
• Nutrition for wellness and health
• Clinical nutrition management
• Community-based nutrition care and program administration
• Food service systems management
• Food and nutrition policy development and implementation
• Food and nutrition-related research interpretation and application

We are committed to delivering an exceptional educational experience to our students and advancing our respective disciplines through research and scholarship. We engage in service to the university, the profession, and the community. We value health and wellbeing throughout the lifespan, interprofessional education and scholarship, community engagement for the advancement of evidence-based and best health practices, lifelong learning, and the unique qualities associated with a diverse population.

The faculty in Nutrition and Health Science are accomplished researchers in their respective fields, and have a track record of success not only in teaching, but in field practice. They take pride in providing Ball State students with a comprehensive education in and out of the classroom.