Dietetics Programs

Students wishing to pursue academic preparation to become a Registered Dietitian (RD) at the University of Connecticut can do so in the College of Agriculture, Health and Natural Resources.

The Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics (AND), through its credentialing agency, the Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics (ACEND), establishes the requirements necessary for an individual to earn the credential of Registered Dietitian. In order to be eligible to sit for the Registration Examination for Dietitians, an individual must have completed the following:

  • Baccalaureate degree from an accredited university
  • An ACEND accredited dietetics program curriculum
  • A minimum of 1200 hours of supervised practice experience

CAHNR RD Program Comparison

In the College of Agriculture, Health and Natural Resources (CAHNR), students interested in pursuing a career in dietetics can consider the following educational preparations:

Department of Allied Health Sciences

Coordinated Program in Dietetics

  1. 2 Years
    ACEND accredited Didactic Coursework
  2. Application
  3. 2 Years*
    ACEND accredited Didactic Coursework and supervised practice experience
  4. BS in Dietetics
  5. 6 weeks*
    Externship including supervised practice experience
  6. Eligible to take the RD exam

Department of Nutritional Sciences

Didactic Program in Dietetics

  1. 4 Years
    ACEND accredited Didactic Coursework
  2. BS in Nutritional Sciences
  3. Application
  4. 9-12 Months
    Minimum 1200 hours supervised practice experience in a Didactic Internship
  5. Eligible to take the RD exam

Undergraduate Programs Contacts

Undergraduate Coordinated Program in Dietetics* (Dietetics major)
Department of Allied Health Sciences
Contact: Ellen Shanley
Telephone: (860) 486-2834
Email: Ellen.Shanley@uconn.edu

Didactic Program in Dietetics* (Nutritional Sciences major)
Department of Nutritional Sciences
Contact: Rhonda Brownbill
Telephone: (860) 486-3605
Email: Rhonda.Brownbill@uconn.edu

Post-Baccalaureate Programs Contacts

Graduate Coordinated Program in Dietetics** (MS in Health Promotion Science option)
Department of Allied Health Sciences
Contact: Ellen Shanley
Telephone: (860) 486-2834
Email: Ellen.Shanley@uconn.edu

Dietetic Internship**
Department of Allied Health Sciences
Contact: Jillian Wanik
Telephone: (860) 486-0035
Email: Jillian.Wanik@uconn.edu

*Minimum 1200 hours supervised practice experience is completed (in total) during these two time periods.

**ACEND-designated program categories