Dietetics

You truly believe that you are what you eat. You're attuned to the latest news about nutrition, and you want to help other people have healthful diets as well. If this describes you, consider the dietetics program offered through the Department of Foods and Nutrition. Our top-ranked program will help you become a registered dietitian, the nationally recognized credential of nutritional experts. Purdue offers options for completing the dietetics program:

Didactic Program (DPD)

This is a four-year academic program followed by application elsewhere for your supervised experience (available throughout the United States and usually lasting about 10 months). An advantage to the DPD is the extra time to take elective courses in other areas of interest such as business, fitness, etc.

Coordinated Program (CPD)

This program includes the supervised experience component during your senior year at Purdue. An advantage to the CPD is that you are eligible to take the examination for registration after completion of your BS degree. The CPD requires a separate application after attaining at least junior status. All the didactic course work for the CPD is taken the first 3 years of the curriculum.

Dual Program

Dietetics majors can expand their career options by completing a double major in dietetics and nutrition, fitness, and health.

Plans of Study

Career Options

  • clinical nutrition specialist
  • community dietitian
  • dietetic consultant
  • foodservice manager
  • journalist
  • public health officer
  • sales representative
  • wellness and fitness program director
  • Visit CFS Graduates at Work to see how alumni are using their degrees in the real world

Where You Might Work

  • community health centers
  • educational institutions
  • food manufacturing companies
  • medical centers and hospitals
  • military services
  • nursing homes
  • private practice and consulting firms
  • rehabilitation centers
  • wellness and fitness programs in business

Coursework

  • chemistry
  • diet selection and planning
  • foodservice systems management
  • human anatomy and physiology
  • medical nutrition therapy
  • nutrition
  • nutrition assessment
  • complete course list

Learn from Experience

  • Take advantage of the unique opportunity to work and learn in a clinical research setting within the nationally recognized Department of Foods and Nutrition. 
  • Complete a practicum in nutrition, fitness, and health at Purdue's A.H. Ismail Center for Health, Exercise, and Nutrition where you'll provide individual nutrition and fitness counseling to actual clients. 
  • Get practical experience communicating nutrition information to consumers by speaking to groups in the community.
  • Experience foodservice systems management by working in a foodservice facility.
  • Meet high-level food industry executives and explore career opportunities through an executive-in-the-classroom program. 

You'll Have Help Finding a Job

  • The Foods and Nutrition Job Board is an online resource for foods and nutrition students hat offers resumé posting and information on job openings.
  • Purdue's Center for Career Opportunities provides a variety of job search services including a list of internships, employer profiles, salary surveys, and interview and job search clinics. 

For more information, contact:

CFS Undergraduate Student Services
700 W. State Street
Stone Hall, Room 110
West Lafayette, IN 47907-2059
Phone: (765) 494-8533
E-mail: cfsundergrad@purdue.edu