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Dietetics Program Overview

Why Study Dietetics at Mizzou?

The Accelerated Master’s Coordinated Program in Dietetics at Mizzou is among the oldest accredited Coordinated Programs in the U.S. and is well known for its expertise in clinical nutrition.

This program prepares students to become registered dietitian nutritionists (RDN). Upon completion of the program, students are eligible to take the national Registration Examination for Dietitians (RD Exam). Recent reports show Mizzou’s pass rate for test takers passing the exam within one year of first attempt is 100%. The national pass rate for test takers passing the exam on the first attempt is 70.4%.

Note: The next open application period will be November 2022, with applications due January 2023.

How the Coordinated Program Works

The Coordinated Program (CP) is recognized as an accelerated program resulting in both a bachelors and master’s degree. Students complete:

  • Three years of prerequisites. This is considered the pre-dietetics sequence.
  • Two years in the Coordinated Program in Dietetics.

Admittance to the Accelerated Master’s CP in Dietetics is a selective process. (See Application Process below). The maximum number of students admitted to the CP is 20 per year. To determine if you meet the overall 3.0 GPA to be eligible to apply, please check your current degree audit or contact your Nutrition and Exercise Physiology academic advisor. This GPA includes courses taken within the University of Missouri system (Mizzou, Rolla, UMSL, UMKC) and courses from other institutions you have transferred to Mizzou. This GPA includes grades through December for a January application.

Starting January 1, 2024, a master’s degree is required to be eligible to take the CDR credentialing exam for registered dietitian nutritionists. Within the two years of the CP, students complete their Bachelor of Science (BS) – Nutrition, and Food and Master of Science (MS) – Dietetics degrees including all didactic and supervised practice required for eligibility to take the Registration Examination for Dietitians. Verification statements are only given after completion of all of these requirements. No verification statement is given after completion of only the bachelor’s degree.

The two years of the CP is a continuous program, meaning that students maintaining academic and professionalism requirements will transition seamlessly to the graduate curriculum. No GRE is required. The graduate curriculum is non-thesis.

This program is not a stand-alone master’s program. It is not designed for individuals who already have their RDN. Students in this program complete two years in the CP, regardless if they have a previous bachelors or master’s degree.

For more information about the program, please contact:

Amy Marek, Senior Academic Advisor
amarek@missouri.edu
(573) 882-1144
Current students may schedule an appointment with Amy using MU Connect in Canvas. She will provide information about the degree program and transfer information.

Exploring a Career in Dietetics


About the Program

The Coordinated Program in Dietetics (CP) at the University of Missouri has a rich tradition. Established in 1972, it is among the oldest accredited Coordinated Programs in the United States.
The CP prepares students to become registered dietitian nutritionists (RDN). RDNs specialize in applied nutrition and work in a variety of practice settings, such as hospitals and clinics, schools, business and industry, private practice and public health clinics. Upon completion of the program, students are eligible to take the national Registration Examination for Dietitians (RD Exam). Recent reports show Mizzou’s pass rate for test takers passing the exam within one year of first attempt is 100%. The national pass rate for test takers passing the exam on the first attempt is 70.4%.
The University of Missouri’s accredited Coordinated Program in Dietetics, housed in a world-class research institution, provides academic training to prepare entry-level registered dietitian nutritionists. The program strives to improve health of Missourians and beyond by offering high-quality educational experiences, culminating in a master’s degree, and including a concentration area in nutrition therapy.

Goal 1: The CP will prepare competent graduates.

  1. At least 80% of program students complete the program/degree requirements within 4.5 years (150% of the program length).
  2. Of graduates who seek employment, 70% are employed in nutrition and dietetics or related fields within 12 months of graduation.
  3. 80% of program graduates take the CDR credentialing exam for dietitian nutritionists within 12 months of program completion.
  4. The program’s one-year pass rate (graduates who pass the registration exam within one year of first attempt) on the CDR credentialing exam for dietitian nutritionists is at least 80%.
  5. 80% of employer survey respondents will report being satisfied (score 2-3) with graduate’s preparation for entry-level practice.

Goal 2: CP graduates will recognize the importance of professional development.

  1. At least 50% of alumni respondents will report being a member of a professional organization.
  2. At least 50% of alumni respondents will report having sought information about obtaining a specialty certification.
  3. At least 50% of alumni respondents practicing in nutrition and dietetics or related fields will regularly (at least monthly) seek out current research findings for application in their practice.

Outcomes data are available upon request by contacting the Department of Nutrition and Exercise Physiology.

The Coordinated Program in Dietetics at the University of Missouri provides all didactic and supervised practice needed for eligibility to take the Registration Examination for Dietitians (RD Exam). For more information, check out the following websites:

Federal regulations require the Coordinated Program in Dietetics to disclose whether its degree programs meet U.S. states’ educational requirements for licensure [34 CFR 668.43 (a)(5)(v)].
The University of Missouri Office of eLearning’s State Authorization office maintains information by jurisdiction for students and prospective students on the respective institutions’ state authorization web pages.
The Coordinated Program in Dietetics has not made a determination as to whether the program curriculum meets the educational requirements for licensure in states outside of Missouri.
Current and potential students are encouraged to determine the requirements for any jurisdiction in which they intend to seek admission by contacting the state licensing board.

Requirements

Supervised practice sites require that students complete immunizations, drug screen and other health requirements prior to placement in that facility. The MU Student Health Center on campus can assist students in this process. The requirements change frequently, and students may be asked to update their health records multiple times while in the program.
The Student Health Center does not cover services performed outside the Student Health Center. In addition, some supervised practice sites require proof of health insurance as a requirement for student placement. Therefore, students are encouraged to be covered under a health insurance plan.
An Accident and Sickness Insurance plan is available to purchase through the Cashier’s office.
Internship sites require that students complete and successfully pass background checks, and drug and health screenings.
The University Academic Calendar registrar.missouri.edu/academic-calendar/
The CP follows the University academic calendar. Students entering their master’s year must return for orientation and class activities on Thursday and Friday prior to the start of the fall semester.

See a complete list of course requirements for dietetics.

Equivalent transfer credits are accepted. Some courses may require department review and this review requires syllabus from the semester you took the course.
For other questions, please contact Amy Marek, academic advisor for Nutrition and Exercise Physiology, at amarek@missouri.edu or (573) 882-1144..

To be eligible for consideration, the applicant must:

  • Have a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0.
  • To determine if you meet the overall 3.0 GPA to be eligible to apply, please check your current degree audit or contact your Nutrition and Exercise Physiology academic advisor. This GPA includes courses taken within the University of Missouri system (Mizzou, Rolla, UMSL, UMKC) and courses from other institutions you have transferred to Mizzou. This GPA includes grades through December for a January application.
  • Have completed or be able to complete prior to starting the CP the first four semesters of courses listed under Course Requirements for Dietetics.
  • Be enrolled in or already have completed NEP 2340 and BIOCHM 3630 at the time the application is submitted. Students must achieve a final course grade of B- or better in pre-professional courses of both NEP 2340 and BIOCHM 3630, or equivalent transfer course approved by faculty. Failure to meet these criteria may result in forfeiture of a space in the CP.
Students must first be admitted to the University of Missouri.
The next open application period will be November 2022, with applications due January 2023.

The application process typically involves, at a minimum, the following:

  • Dietetics application
  • Original transcript for each institution attended
  • Résumé
  • Cover letter
  • References
  • Documentation of job shadowing
  • Grocery store assignment

Selected individuals will be invited to a personal interview and group interview, both of which are done in person and on campus. A brief writing activity follows the interview.
Admission to the University does not guarantee admission to the CP. The maximum number of students who can be accepted to the CP each year is 20.

Tuition and Fees
Students are responsible for their own funding for their education. University tuition and fees are listed at cashiers.missouri.edu. Note the cost of graduate courses is higher than for undergraduate courses.
Financial Aid
Contact the University’s financial aid office for information on scholarships, grants, loans and other types of monetary support. financialaid.missouri.edu
Additional Costs

Books, course packets, supplemental material, technology $700/semester
Laptop $1,000
AND Annual Student Membership $58/annual
Health screenings, drug screens, background checks $400/program
Program Nametags $20/program
Individual RD Exam study material. Cost varies depending upon material. $200
RD Exam Workshop (optional) $400
Official Transcript $15
Professional Development varies
Cost of attendance at local, state and national meetings is the responsibility of the student. Expenses may include transportation, lodging, meals and registration. Cost varies, depending on meeting and location.

Note: At time of writing of this document, general liability cost pending.
Supervised Practice
For supervised practice (internship hours), additional expenses are incurred by the student. Costs vary. These expenses typically include the following:

  • Transportation (including travel to/from assigned supervised practice sites, parking, gas, car insurance, car maintenance, etc.)
  • Food and beverage
  • Housing
  • Lab coats and other dress-specific requirements (discussed in each course)
  • Health requirements, drug screen and background checks are required
  • Additional pre-rotation requirements as determined by the site.
  • Health insurance-proof of health insurance may be required depending upon site.
  • Supplies for presentations and other SPE activities

Registration Examination

Examination Fee $200
Annual Registration Maintenance Fee $60
Licensure Fee varies by state
*Paid after program completion

Website: Accreditation

The Coordinated Program in Dietetics is accredited by:

Academy of Education in Nutrition and Dietetics
120 South Riverside Plaza, Suite 2000
Chicago, IL 60606-6995

Phone: (312) 899-0040 or 1(800) 877-1600, ext. 5400
eatrightpro.org/acend