Bachelor of Science in Nutrition – Dietetics/Master of Dietetics and Nutrition
Accelerated Combined Degree
You can earn your Bachelor of Science in Nutrition – Dietetics and Master of Dietetics and Nutrition (BSND-MDN) in 5 years! Qualified students majoring in human nutrition - dietetics can save time and money by completing an accelerated, combined undergraduate/graduate degree to meet the educational requirements to become a registered dietitian nutritionist (RDN).
Program Timeline
Year 1+2
Focus on earning above-average grades in foundational science courses and seek out nutrition-related volunteer and work experiences.
Year 3
Enroll in HUMNNTR 4596 Dietetics Seminar course. Apply to the MDN program and ensure all MDN prerequisite courses will be met by spring of year 3.
Year 4
If admitted, this will be the overlap year where students take both undergraduate and graduate courses. Students should enroll in required MDN graduate courses and remaining DPD courses to complete all BSND degree requirements by spring of year 4.
Year 5
In addition to MDN graduate courses, students begin supervised experiential learning working with nutrition and dietetics professionals in the areas of foodservice management, clinical and community nutrition.
Qualified students majoring in Human Nutrition with a specialization in Dietetics may complete a combined undergraduate/graduate degree program via a 5-year (3+2) model in order to meet all of the educational requirements to become a registered dietitian nutritionist (RDN). Students have the opportunity to complete both the BSND and MDN degrees more efficiently than had the degrees been completed separately. Years 1, 2 and 3 involve completion of undergraduate courses required for the Dietetics major; Year 4 is a combination of undergraduate courses and MDN graduate courses, and Year 5 is all graduate coursework.
Review information about the Master of Dietetics and Nutrition Program at go.osu.edu/mdn. If you have questions about the MDN, please contact one of the Co-Directors: Dr. Julie Kennel or Dr. Chris Taylor.
Program Benefits
Reduces time to meet educational requirements to become an RDN
Up to nine credits of the MDN graduate courses can count toward the bachelor’s degree
Students pay three semesters of graduate tuition vs. traditional five semesters
Meets all supervised experiential learning requirements to sit for the RDN exam
Get more information about the traditional Master's Program from the College of Health & Rehabilitation Sciences.
Program Eligibility
Requirements
- Current Ohio State Human Nutrition – Dietetics major
- Completion of ≥ 90 undergraduate credit hours including MDN prerequisites
- Minimum of 3.5 cumulative GPA in all previous undergraduate work (including credit hours from other institutions) by time of MDN admission
- Students must complete an application and meet with their College of EHE advisor to submit the eligibility form
More program requirement information
Funding Opportunities
Individual scholarships ranging from $500-25000 each
The college annually awards scholarships to its students to support their academic goals.
Award scholarships annually.
Student Experiences
A student group dedicated to learning more about the dietetic profession through meetings, community involvement and organizational unity related to dietetics and nutrition.
A community of nutrition students who explore the world of nutrition and dietetics through community outreach efforts, expert lectures, exposure to the most recent nutrition-related media productions and other beneficial resources.
An annual judged research presentation opportunity for undergraduate students of all majors to share the impacts of their research findings.
Gives students the opportunity to help the surrounding community towards the goal of making food accessible to underprivileged neighborhoods and educate on issues including food inequity, accessibility and nutrition.
Career Opportunities
Application information
Step one
Declare Human Nutrition – Dietetics as a major upon admission to Ohio State. Schedule a meeting with your assigned EHE academic advisor each semester to discuss course planning and assess progress towards degree requirements. Additional resources can be found on the EHE Advising Resource Guide.
Step two
Enroll in HUMNNTR 4596 Dietetics Seminar course in your sophomore or junior year to learn more about the dietetics education requirements and MDN eligibility.
Step three
Apply to the BSND – MDN combined degree program during autumn semester of your third year. Meet with your EHE academic advisor to complete the required eligibility form and submit all required elements for the MDN application.
Please talk with your advisor about the application process.
Licensure and Accreditation
Ohio State's Didactic Program in Dietetics prepares students to obtain dietetics licensure in Ohio. If you plan to pursue licensure or certification in a state other than Ohio, please review state educational requirements for licensure and certification and state licensing board contact information at go.osu.edu/onground.
The MDN is accredited by the Accreditation Council on Education in Nutrition and Dietetics (ACEND) as a Future Education Model program. As such, students are assessed on attainment of ACEND-required competencies. Complete details regarding graduation requirements are contained in the MDN Handbook.
The Ohio State University’s Didactic Program in Dietetics is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics 120 South Riverside Plaza, Suite 2190, Chicago, IL 60606-6995, (312) 899-0040 ext 5400, acend@eatright.org. https://www.eatrightpro.org/acend.