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:

• Academic Preparation through a Coordinated Program:
  https://www.eatrightpro.org/acend/accredited-programs/accredited-programs-directory?rdType=url_edit&rdProj=acend_prog&rdInfo=cp
• Career Opportunities and CDR Credentialing (RD Exam):
  https://www.cdrnet.org/certifications/registered-dietitian-rd-certification
• Licensure:
  Licensure requirements vary by state. Information regarding licensure of RDNs in Missouri can be found at: https://www.pr.mo.gov/dietitians.asp.

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.

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

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