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The Food, Nutrition and Dietetics (FND) sequence prepares students for dietetic internships and careers in promoting optimal health by incorporating positive food choices and nutrition strategies which influence the overall well-being of individuals and communities.
The FND sequence is a 120–121 semester hour program that includes extensive coursework in the sciences, social sciences, management and specialized courses covering the broad field of food, nutrition and dietetics. Students gain comprehensive knowledge of foods and nutrition and develop professional skills in medical nutrition therapy, food service management, community health and nutrition counseling. Graduates are eligible to apply for a post-graduate dietetic internship during their last semester. Dietetic internship are a minimum of six months and typically 10-12 month long.
The FND degree option is an accredited Didactic Program in Dietetics (DPD) program, one of 227 accredited programs in the United States. The DPD program meets the American Dietetic Association Standards of Education and prepares students for a post-graduate dietetic internship and a career as a registered dietitian (R.D.). Registered dietitians work in many areas using their specialized knowledge of food and nutrition. Employment opportunities are diverse and include medical centers, corporate wellness, school lunch programs, long-term care facilities, food companies, medical clinics, public relations companies, medical product companies, education and research, sports nutrition, personal wellness training, and others.
Graduates who do not complete a dietetic internship seek entry-level employment in a food and nutrition related area upon graduation.
For more detailed information about the process of becoming a Registered Dietitian check out the Food, Nutrition and Dietetics at ISU and Steps to Becoming a R.D. link.
Four-year and two-year plans of study are helpful in reviewing the curriculum and course planning. The two-year plan of study is most appropriate for transfer students.
Information on current rates of tuition and fees and other costs is available at: http://www.comptroller.ilstu.edu/studentaccounts/tuition-rates/
- Recruit, advise, retain and graduate students for acceptance into and success in a supervised practice programs resulting in success completion of the R.D. exam.
- Educate students by providing opportunities within dietetics courses for students to develop knowledge, problem solving and critical thinking skills necessary for success in a supervised practice program.
- Introduce professional standards, ethical issues and government policies related to dietetics to develop student understanding of their role in the dietetics profession.
The Didactic Program in Dietetics (DPD) at Illinois State University is currently accredited by the Commission on Accreditation for Dietetics Education (CADE) of the American Dietetics Association (ADA). CADE is recognized by the United States Department of Education and the Council for Higher Education Accreditation, and can be contacted at 120 South Riverside Plaza, Suite 2000, Chicago, IL 60606-6995, (312) 899-0040, Ext. 5400.
This laboratory houses six complete kitchen units and is used for our food preparation; food planning, marketing and cost controls; and food science courses. Our food science equipment is stored in this lab. An adjoining conference room is used to serve meals and banquets for the food planning, marketing and cost controls class and for FND Club activities.
A number of facilities are routinely used by food, nutrition and dietetics students. All food and nutrition students enroll in chemistry courses taught in the new Science Building, a state-of-the-art instructional facility. Required courses also use the biology lab faculties. Upper-level dietetics students participating in our Nutrition Mission Program use diet analysis software to analyze the diets of Illinois State students and offer suggestions on improved food habits and provide related health information. The Nutrition Mission Office is located in the Student Services Building. The required management class is taught in the College of Business Building, the newest building on campus. Food and nutrition majors enrolled in the required Quantity Foods course work in the Campus Dining Services facilities.
Food, nutrition and dietetics students are encouraged to become members of the Food, Nutrition and Dietetics Club at Illinois State . The monthly meetings provide information about job opportunities available in the field. Members gain experience through the catering events including planning the menu, food purchasing and preparation, and organizing the food and service at the event. Community service projects also provide FND students with volunteer experiences and opportunities to network and develop friendships with fellow students.
