Dietetics Programs
Fueling Health, Empowering Communities
Dietetics is at the heart of better health – for individuals, families, and entire communities.
As nutrition-related diseases continue to rise, the role of Registered Dietitian Nutritionists (RDNs) has never been more critical. At UConn’s College of Agriculture, Health and Natural Resources (CAHNR), students in dietetics receive an exceptional education grounded in science, clinical expertise, and community engagement. With flexible program paths, hands-on experience, and nationally accredited training, CAHNR’s fully ACEND-accredited programs prepare students to lead in a field where evidence-based nutrition can truly change lives.
“Joining the 4+1 coordinated dietetics program has been the best decision I’ve made. The program’s structure, which involves earning two degrees in five years and completing over 1,200 supervised practice hours...”
Jaiden Swanson ‘25
“The [sports nutrition] class opened my eyes to how nutrition can help enhance performance in athletes […] and let me know that this field was something I could make a career in.”
Jordan Mazur ’12, Director of Performance Nutrition for the San Francisco 49ers
What Is Dietetics & Why It Matters
Dietitians play a vital role in clinical care, community health, research, education, and food systems, working everywhere from hospitals, schools, and private practice to sports teams and nonprofit organizations. Dietetics is the science and practice of using food and nutrition to promote health, prevent disease, and improve quality of life. The field is expected to grow by 7% by 2033, much faster than the overall job market. It blends biology, chemistry, behavioral science, and public health to help individuals and communities make informed choices about what they eat.
At CAHNR, students gain a strong foundation in both the science and human-centered practice of dietetics, preparing them for a variety of careers and to make meaningful contributions to the well-being of others through nutrition.
Career Paths & Outcomes
Graduates leave our program ready for diverse roles, including:
- Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (clinics, hospitals, pediatrics, athletics, schools)
- Community and public health nutritionist
- Food service and systems manager
- Wellness consultant or private practice (group or individually)
- Researcher or academic professional
- Communications
- Food companies
- Launchpad for advanced healthcare fields like Physical Therapy, Athletic Trainer, Physician Assistant, medical or dental school, public health
CAHNR’s Pathways to the Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RDN) Credential
Jumpstart your career in healthcare with flexible, accredited programs in Dietetics and Nutritional Sciences. Whether you're looking for a 4+1 BS/MS combo, an accelerated path, or an online option, we’ve got you covered. Gain real-world experience, prepare for credential exams, and graduate ready to make an impact in clinical, community, or wellness settings. Your journey to becoming a nutrition expert starts here.
Key Features
- 4+ 1 in Dietetics: BS + MS in 5 years
- 4+2 in Dietetics: BS + MS for students transferring in with a DPD BS or who meet prerequisite course requirements
- Both combine ACEND-accredited coursework and supervised practice for streamlined RDN pathway
Supervised Practice
Students are placed through the program in supervised practice settings across clinical, community, food service, and specialty settings
Outcome
- Graduates are ready to sit for the RDN exam
Key Features
- Graduates earn a BS in Nutritional Sciences with a DPD concentration
- Prepares students for a variety of potential healthcare careers with ACEND-accredited coursework
Supervised Practice
Students independently complete ACEND-accredited Supervised Practice
Outcome
- Graduates are well prepared for further training or entry in varied healthcare careers, but must seek independent Supervised Practice and graduate education to be eligible for RDN exam
Key Features
- BS (DPD) + MS in 5 years
- Graduates earn a BS in Nutritional Sciences with a DPD concentration
- Students may choose to complete their MS through the Online MS in Personalized Nutrition program. See below for more information.
Supervised Practice
Students independently complete ACEND-accredited Supervised Practice
Outcome
- Graduates are well prepared for further training or entry in varied healthcare careers, but must seek independent Supervised Practice and graduate education to be eligible for RDN exam
- Graduates of the MS in Personalized Nutrition program meet the majority of academic requirements for the Certified Nutrition Specialist (CNS) credential – an alternative to the RDN credential which requires a separate exam and flexible Supervised Practice process
Supervised Practice
Students independently complete ACEND-accredited Supervised Practice and ACEND-required BS coursework
Outcome
- This program meets the majority of the academic requirements to sit for the Certified Nutrition Specialist (CNS) exam after completing Supervised Practice, and graduates are well prepared for further training or entry in varied healthcare and science careers.
- Graduates must complete independent ACEND-accredited dietetics coursework and Supervised Practice to be eligible for RDN exam
Experiential Excellence
Regardless of which path you choose, we offer exciting opportunities to gain hands-on learning, which is core to CAHNR’s approach:
Clinical rotations: Students are placed in state-of-the-art clinical settings to prepare them for future career options. Placements can include pediatrics, athletics, ICU, long-term care, schools, and community agencies. Students in the Coordinated Program are placed directly with Supervised Practice partners, while students in our Didactic Program in Dietetics can seek their own experiences with external partners in locations across the US that vary in areas of focus and specialization.
Research experiences: Lab or community-based projects to meet critical needs in fields like gestational diabetes, cholesterol, sports nutrition, and more. Students have the opportunity to work alongside our internationally recognized faculty in the Department of Allied Health Sciences and/or the Department of Nutritional Sciences.
Supportive mentorships: All of CAHNR’s options ensure small class sizes from dedicated, expert faculty and staff advisors to help you succeed and meet your personal goals.
Learn More about CAHNR Dietetics
Connect with our faculty, advisors, and current CAHNR Dietetics students to learn more about which path is best for you.
Frequently asked Questions
Are CAHNR’s programs accredited?
Yes, CAHNR’s Coordinated Program and Didactic Program in Dietetics are ACEND-accredited. The Online MS in Personalized Nutrition is not ACEND-accredited.
What is ACEND accreditation and why is it important?
The Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics (ACEND®) is the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics' accrediting agency. It is important, because it evaluates and confirms the quality of nutrition and dietetics programs, including efforts to continually improve and meet student and community needs.
Who should apply to CAHNR’s programs in Dietetics?
Students in all of our programs have an interest and passion to better understand how nutrition can promote health and prevent disease. The variety and quality of our programs allows students to select the path that is the best for them. To find out which program best meets your academic and career goals, fill out our form.
What is the biggest difference between the Coordinated Program and the Didactic Program?
The inclusion of the Supervised Practice hours, undergraduate, and graduate coursework is the biggest difference between the student experience in between the Coordinated and Didactic Programs. The Coordinated Program is efficient, promotes learning, and direct application. It requires the student to be ready and focused on obtaining the requirements for the RDN and the MS in Health Promotion Sciences.
The Didactic Program in Dietetics may take students additional time due to the external Supervised Practice to achieve the RDN credential. However, it also allows students greater flexibility and participation in additional undergraduate experiences at the University, like completion of honors thesis, dual majors, minors, study abroad, transfer to the major at a later stage in their undergraduate career, external volunteer and research experience, etc.). The Didactic Program in Dietetics allows students to pursue Supervised Practice experiences that are specific to their interests, budgets, and geographical location, as Supervised Practice programs are offered in locations all across the US, and vary in duration, cost, and specialty areas of training. The Didactic Program in Dietetics additionally provides students with flexibility to pursue graduate education in their specific areas of interest at UConn or other institutions.
Does either program run during the summer?
Summer courses and hours are not required. However, students may choose to take summer courses, summer research experiences, or gain outside employment during the summer.
I have a BS/BA in another field. Am I eligible to apply?
Yes. To find the best option to meet your needs, start by completing this form to learn more about our programs.
How do I complete Supervised Practice?
Supervised Practice is required to be eligible for the RDN exam. Students in the Coordinated Program are automatically assigned to Supervised Practice locations with one of our many partners, and thus seamlessly meet their Supervised Practice requirements. Students in the Didactic Program in Dietetics apply to Supervised Practice programs with an external partner of their choosing, and can pursue an MS degree at UConn or other institutions.
Are there part-time options?
Yes, our online program can be completed part-time. The asynchronous format offers students schedule flexibility. Learn more about our Online MS in Personalized Nutrition.
The Didactic Program in Dietetics could also be completed on a part-time basis. Learn more about our Didactic Program in Dietetics BS Program.
Are there Scholarships available?
Yes, to learn more about CAHNR Scholarships.