Nutrition and Dietetics, B.S.

About the Program

Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics
120 South Riverside Plaza, Suite 2190
Chicago, IL 60606-6995
(800) 877-1600, ext. 5400
https://www.eatrightpro.org/acend

The program provides students with the academic requirements established by ACEND for entry-level dietitians/nutritionists. Graduates of the program receive a verification statement signed by the DPND program director. Graduates are then eligible to apply for an ACEND-accredited supervised practice program via dietetic internships or individualized supervised practice pathways that are available throughout the country. After completing the supervised practice requirements, individuals may take the registration examination administered by the Commission on Dietetic Registration. Passing the registration examination earns the credentials of Registered Dietitian/Nutritionist (RDN). Career opportunities are available to dietitians in health facilities, food service organizations, government agencies, and consulting work. Some individuals use this program to prepare for graduate study in nutrition-related areas.

Effective January 1, 2024, the Commission on Dietetic Registration (CDR) will require a minimum of a master’s degree to be eligible to take the credentialing exam to become a registered dietitian nutritionist (RDN). In addition, CDR requires that individuals complete coursework and supervised practice in program(s) accredited by the Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics (ACEND). In most states, graduates also must obtain licensure or certification to practice. Graduates who successfully complete the ACEND-accredited Didactic Program in Nutrition and Dietetics at Buffalo State are eligible to apply to an ACEND-accredited supervised practice program/apply to take the CDR credentialing exam to become an RDN.

Academic Requirements
All DPND students are required to maintain a cumulative GPA of 2.75 to continue as juniors as defined by the program. DPND student cumulative GPAs will be reviewed prior to starting any DPND junior courses (NFS 401 and/or NFS 330). Students failing to meet the GPA requirement cannot advance in the program until they have met the required GPA and therefore, cannot graduate with a degree in dietetics.