Program Coordinator/Contact
Kendra Kattelmann, Distinguished Professor and Director
School of Health and Consumer Sciences
Wagner Hall 425, Box 2275A
605-688-5161
Program Information
The M.S. in Nutrition and Dietetics prepares graduates to take the Registered Dietitian Nutritionists (RDN) examination to become a credentialed practitioner. The program is an accelerated B.S. + M.S. competency-based dietitian nutritionist program integrating coursework and 1,000+ hours of supervised experiential learning. Graduates who successfully complete the ACEND-accredited MSND at SDSU are eligible to take the CDR credentialing exam to become a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RDN).
Students apply during the second semester of their sophomore year and are accepted by the School of Health and Consumer Sciences into the accelerated pathway at the beginning of junior year. The Nutrition and Dietetics program seeks to develop research skills, stimulate independent thought, and provide up-to-date knowledge in nutrition and dietetics. Registered Dietitian Nutritionists (RDN) work in a variety of settings, including healthcare organizations, private practice, foodservice operations to include schools, wellness programs, Cooperative Extension, and national and international food production corporations.
Student Learning Outcomes
Foundational Knowledge: Applies foundational sciences to food and nutrition knowledge to meet the needs of individuals, groups, and organizations.
Client/Patient Services: Applies and integrates client/patient-centered principles and competent nutrition and dietetics practice to ensure positive outcomes.
Food Systems Management: Applies food systems principles and management skills to ensure safe and efficient delivery of food and water.
Community and Population Health Nutrition: Applies community and population nutrition health theories when providing support to community or population nutrition programs.
Leadership, Business, Management and Organization: Demonstrates leadership, business, and management principles to guide practice and achieve operational goals.
Critical Thinking, Research and Evidence-Informed Practice: Integrates evidence-informed practice, research principles and critical thinking into practice.
Core Professional Behaviors: Demonstrates professional behaviors and effective communication in all nutrition and dietetics interactions.
Accreditation, Certification, and Licensure
Accreditation
The South Dakota State University Master’s in Nutrition & Dietetics program is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics (ACEND), https://www.eatrightpro.org/acend. ACEND is the accrediting agency for the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics. ACEND can be contacted by phone or mail. Phone: 800/877-1600, ext. 5400 Mail: 120 South Riverside Plaza, Suite 2190, Chicago, IL 60606-6995
Certification
Upon completion of the program, students are eligible to take the national registration examination from Commission on Dietetics Registration to receive the registered dietitian nutritionist credential (RDN).
Licensure
In most states, graduates also must obtain licensure or certification to practice. For more information about state licensure requirements, visit CDR’s State Licensure webpage: https://www.cdrnet.org/state-licensure. South Dakota (SD) is among 46 states that have enacted legislation regulating the practice of dietetics. State licensure and state certification are separate from the registration exam by CDR. Information on state licensure which may be required before an RD/RDN can practice in several states is provided on the CDR website: https://www.cdrnet.org/state-licensure. The SD codified law and administrative rules regarding dietetics and nutrition and the state licensure process are found on the SD Legislature Legislative Research Council website: https://sdlegislature.gov/Statutes/Codified_Laws/2059940. Application information for the SD Licensed Nutritionist process is available on the SD Board of Medical & Osteopathic Examiners site: http://www.sdbmoe.gov/.
Course Delivery Format
The program consists of lecture, laboratory, and experiential learning opportunities.
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