Dietetics

The Dietetics Specialization consists of Prerequisite and Supporting courses and Core Dietetics Nutrition courses. Detailed information about the course requirements can be found in the Undergraduate Catalog (see Curricular Requirements).

The OU Pledge is our commitment to provide experience-based and hands-on learning through participation in programs, student and professional organizations, research, community engagement and more. 

Possibilities include:

• Nutrition Student Association
• Community Health Engagement and Empowerment Research (CHEER) Lab
• ECLIPSE Leadership Initiative

How to become a Registered Dietitian

A registered dietitian is a recognized expert in food and nutrition. To become a registered dietitian, you must complete both a bachelor’s and master’s degree, and complete 1000 hours of supervised practice. At least one of the degrees must be from an Accreditation Council on Education in Nutrition and Dietetics (ACEND) accredited dietetics program; supervised practice hours must also be from an ACEND accredited program. Following this training, students take a national registration exam. For more information on becoming a registered dietitian, please visit the website for the Commission on Dietetic Registration.

Students in the Oakland University Dietetics Specialization DPD will receive career and graduate school guidance as they progress through the program. Graduates will be eligible to apply to a variety of ACEND accredited masters programs.

Career Outlook for Registered Dietitians

According to the Bureau of Labor and Statistics, demand for jobs in nutrition and dietetics are expected to grow 7%. Median annual salary in this field is $69,680. For practicing registered dietitians, median annual salary is $79,000. This varies by area of practice and years of experience. For more information, see the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics 2024 Compensation and Benefits Survey of the Dietetics Profession.

Mission of the Dietetics Specialization

The Dietetics Specialization within the Nutrition program will prepare graduates for entry into supervised practice leading to eligibility to become a registered dietitian nutritionist by providing interdisciplinary education, experiential learning opportunities in nutrition and a strong community engagement focus.

Program Goals and Objectives

Goal 1. To prepare graduates to apply knowledge of biological, chemical, social and behavioral sciences to nutrition practice through coursework, supervised experiential learning and community engagement.

1. At least 80% of graduates complete program/degree requirements within 3 years of entering the program (150% of program length).
2. At least 80% of graduates who work in the field of nutrition and dietetics will rate their preparation from/by the dietetics specialization program  for their careers as a 4 out of 5.

Goal 2. To prepare graduates for supervised practice programs, graduate school, or employment in nutrition related fields. 

1. Seventy percent of program graduates apply for admission to a supervised practice program prior to or within 12 months of graduation.
2. Seventy percent of program graduates are admitted to a supervised practice program prior to or within 12 months of graduation.
3. The program’s one year pass rate (graduates who pass the registration exam within one year of the first attempt) on the CDR credentialing exam for dietitian nutritionists is at least 80%.
4. Eighty percent of supervised practice program directors rate their satisfaction with the preparation of graduates for supervised practice as a 4 or higher on a 5 point scale.
5. Of students who seek employment immediately after graduation, 60% will be employed in a nutrition related field.

Goal 3. To prepare graduates to impact local communities through engagement in meaningful community nutrition service.

1. Students will complete a minimum of 20 hours of nutrition-focused community service upon graduation.
2. Eighty percent of students will rate their experience in Community Engaged Nutrition Practice as satisfied (4) or better on a 5-point scale.
3. Eighty percent of community partners with nutrition and dietetics students placed for service opportunities in Community Engaged Nutrition Practice will rate their experience as satisfied (4) or better on a 5-point scale.

Program outcomes data are available upon request.

Applications for entry into the Specialization in the Fall of 2025 are due March 16, 2025 at 11:59pm. Please see application instructions for more information.  Applications may be accepted after the deadline if there are still open slots.

If you are interested in applying, please download BOTH the application instructions and the application document, posted below.

Tuition costs are based on the number of credits taken per semester. Cost per credit hour varies based on residency, class standing and College or School in which the course is taken. There are no associated program fees. The information below pertains to courses taken within the School of Health Sciences, which is where all of the core Dietetics Specialization nutrition courses are sponsored.

Academic year 2024-2025 costs for credits taken within the School of Health Sciences are represented below.

0000-2999 Course Level: $546.00 per credit  
3000+ Course Level: $638.25 per credit

For out-of-state residents, credit costs are based on number of credits taken, or level status:

Lower division (0-55 credits): $795.75 per credit
Upper division (56+ credits): $853.25 per credit

Cost for books and other supplies will vary with courses taken, however, there are no lab fees.

For more information regarding tuition, scholarships and to calculate costs, please refer to the Financial Services Website. 

2024-2025 Dietetics Specialization Student Handbook

The Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics (professional website)
The Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics (public website)
The Commission on Dietetic Registration
The Michigan Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics
Nutrition Student Association
Oakland University Important Dates

Amanda Lynch, Ph.D., R.D.
Director and Associate Professor
Nutrition/Dietetics, Interdisciplinary Health Sciences
[email protected]

Academic Advising
3070 Human Health Building
[email protected]
(248) 370-2369