Dietetics and Nutrition

Frequently Asked Questions

I have a Bachelor's degree in another field but now I want to
become a nutritionist. What do I have to do to reach this career goal?
- Answer: First you need to decide if you want to be a Registered Dietitian or if you want to add graduate course work in nutrition to your educational background. To help you decide, visit the website of the American Dietetic Association (www.eatright.org). At this site click on "Careers and Students". From this page you can click on "Registered Dietitians" to read the education requirements and employment opportunities for RD's.
  
  If you decide that you need to be an RD to accomplish your career goals, click on "Education Programs" to find out which universities offer the undergraduate course work that is the first step to becoming an RD.

I have a nutrition degree from a country other than the U.S.
How can I become a Registered Dietitian in the U.S.?
- Answer: Visit the website of the American Dietetic Association (www.eatright.org). At this site click on "Careers and Students". From this page you can click on "International Fact Sheet".

Which universities in the area offer an undergraduate degree in
nutrition and the course work necessary to apply for a dietetic internship at KU?
- Answer: Two of the closest programs reside at University of Central Missouri in Warrensburg, Mo., and Kansas State University in Manhattan, Kan. Both on-campus and online course work is available at these institutions.

What is the difference in the positions available to a Registered
Dietitian versus a non-RD with a degree in nutrition?
- Answer: Positions in health care organizations, physicians' clinics and some other organizations usually require an RD credential. Some other positions are available to both RDs and people with a nutrition degree such as positions in government agencies, food industry, research, community and public health settings, sports nutrition, wellness programs and public schools. Some individuals obtain an MS in Nutrition at KU to place them at an advantage to apply for medical school.

Do I have to be a registered dietitian to enter the Master
of Science program?
- Answer: No. An undergraduate degree is required and may be in any field as long as the prerequisite courses have been completed with the minimum GPA. You will need at least one course in each of the following: biochemistry, physiology, and nutrition.

How much does the Dietetic Internship program cost?
- See the estimated program costs page.
  
  Expenses listed on this Web site are not an official quote and are provided as a guide only. Program costs are established by the Kansas Board of Regents and are subject to change at any time without notice.

My grades are not quite good enough, or I don't have all
the prequisites or a GRE score. Can I begin the Master's
program in Dietetics and Nutrition now?
- There is more than one category of degree-seeking students. A potential graduate student who does not meet all the requirements for regular graduate status may qualify for probationary or provisional graduate status and be able to start the MS immediately. These graduate students are re-evaluated after the equivalent of a semester of full time study to see if they qualify for advancement to regular graduate status. The course work taken can be applied to the MS degree.

Is financial aid available?
- Yes. Financial aid is available for degree-seeking students, and information can be obtained at www.kumc.edu/studentcenter or by calling (913) 588-5170. Submit applications for financial aid by February 14 for fall admission. Although students will be notified in April if they have been matched with the program, financial aid applications need to be submitted in February to ensure timely processing.

Are there scholarships available?
- Yes. The KU Department of Dietetics and Nutrition sponsors scholarships and awards for students annually including the Sevie Nelson Scholarship, Marian Boelte Scholarship, Ruth Gordon Award, and Rowena Sherrill Award. Additional scholarship opportunities are available from the School of Allied Health. Students are also encouraged to apply for scholarships from the city and state dietetic association and the American Dietetic Association Foundation. ADAF application information can be accessed at www.adaf.org.

Is housing on campus for students?
- No, there are no university-sponsored dormitories in the area. Students are responsible for living and transportation expenses. The Student Services Housing Office maintains a searchable database of housing near the KUMC campus. Visit their website for more information.