Frequently Asked Questions
What types of jobs are available in the field of dietetics?
Job opportunities include positions in healthcare facilities such as hospitals, clinics and nursing homes; public health agencies; food and nutrition management in healthcare, schools, colleges and food processing; and in food and nutrition service and marketing industries. As the recognized professional in this field is the Registered Dietitian, many positions are limited to individuals with this credential. See Careers in Dietetics.
What are the steps to becoming a Registered Dietitian?
Becoming a Registered Dietitian (RD) requires completion of three steps: 1) a bachelor of science degree that provides the necessary knowledge base for the practice of dietetics; 2) a supervised practice program (dietetic internship) of planned clinical and applied experiences; and 3) the Registration Examination, a national examination administered by the American Dietetic Association (ADA) to assure competence of practicing dietitians.
What is the purpose of our program in Dietetics?
The Dietetics major provides students with a BS degree and the course work needed to apply to a supervised practice program. The mission of the Dietetics major is to 1) provide a high-quality, broad-based education that will equip graduates with the foundation knowledge and skills needed for the successful practice of dietetics and 2) produce competent graduates who will be able to continue to pursue their professional goals.
What are the admission and course requirements?
Students matriculate through the College of Agricultural and Life Sciences (CALS). Enrollment in the major is unrestricted. However, students must meet the University and College/School criteria for a student in good standing. These are described in the Undergraduate Catalog. Course requirements are described on our Required Courses webpage. In addition, students must earn a grade of C or better in Nutritional Sciences 332 and Physiology 335 to be admitted to Nutritional Sciences 431.
Are there any specific costs while enrolled?
There are no specific fees associated with the Nutritional Sciences/Natural Science BS degree. The Office of the Registrar Page lists per credit costs for a resident or nonresident undergraduate.
Explain the "Supervised Practice Program."
Supervised Practice Programs are post baccalaureate programs that provide applied experiences and run for 6-12 months; longer for part-time and graduate programs. There are approximately 1800 openings offered by 250 programs. Although some programs provide a stipend, many charge tuition ranging from $2,500 to $8,000. Competition for supervised practice programs is keen and approximately 30% of the applicants do not receive appointments. Although programs have varying selection criteria, successful applicants usually have a 3.0 GPA, more than one year of paid work experience in dietetics, and strong recommendations from employers and faculty.
How can I improve my chances of obtaining acceptance to a supervised practice program?
"Looking Ahead" information meetings are provided each semester for new and continuing students in the Dietetics major. These meetings provide specific information, including a "Looking Ahead" manual (JH add link to document), designed to help you improve your chances of obtaining acceptance to a supervised practice program. Manuals may also be obtained from Lynette M. Karls, MS, RD, karls@nutrisci.wisc.edu. Students should check the Dietetics Program Bulletin Board outside room 290 Nutritional Sciences Building for meeting times/locations, and additional information on supervised practice programs, opportunities for employment in dietetics and volunteer positions. Also see Improving Your Chances for a Dietetic Internship.
What is a "Verification Statement?"
All students completing the BS degree in Dietetics at UW-Madison will be given a signed "verification statement" which documents completion of the Dietetics major. This is issued at the time of graduation upon submission of an official transcript with the degree posted, and used when preparing for professional membership or registration.
The Dietetics major at the Department of Nutritional Sciences, College of Agricultural and Life Sciences, University of Wisconsin-Madison, is currently granted approval status by the Commission of Accreditation for Dietetics Education (CADE) of The American Dietetic Association, 216 W. Jackson Blvd., Chicago, IL 60606-6995, 312/899-4876.
Can I study abroad?
Studyng abroad can be a great experience during your undergraduate career. However, to study abroad for a semester or more and still graduate in four years requires careful planning. See your advisor for assistance in planning for a study abroad experience.
How do I find a faculty member with whom I can do research?
Review the nutritional sciences departmental and graduate faculty web pages. Once you identify labs in which you'd like to work, contact those professors directly by telephone or email and ask them if you could meet with them in person to determine whether they would consider taking you into their laboratory. If possible, talk with several professors so you can make comparisons and achieve the best match to your interests. Circumstances in each laboratory constantly change and some professors might not be in a position to take you. If a faculty member declines, you should keep looking. This campus has a large number of laboratories and if you are persistent, you should be able to find an appropriate fit.
How do I get into the Honors Program?
Please read the information provided here.
