Dietetics Major Entry Requirement

Enrollment in the dietetics major is limited. The Bachelor of Science degree in Dietetics is a professional degree which requires acceptance into a competitive post-bachelor’s dietetic internship/supervised practice experience in order to complete the requirements for eligibility to take the registered dietitian examination. Although a minimum cumulative grade-point average of 2.5 is required to be considered for admission, the actual GPA cut-off may be higher. The university requires an overall GPA of 2.0 for graduation.

Dietetics sophomores are automatically entered into the application pool when they reach junior status (56 credits or more). Juniors and seniors in other majors who wish to be considered for admission to the dietetics major may complete an Application for Admission Review. Admission decisions are made at the end of each semester after grades are posted. The application form is available in the FSHN Career Center, 106 G.M. Trout FSHN Building or may be downloaded via the link. Advising Center phone: (517) 353-3318.

Transfer students at the junior level or higher with a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.1 may be admitted to Dietetics if the equivalents to these prerequisite courses have been completed.

General Chemistry (CEM 141)
Chemistry Laboratory I (CEM 161)
Survey of Organic Chemistry (CEM 143 or 252)
College Algebra (MTH 103) or College Algebra and Trigonometry (MTH 116)
Statistical Methods (STT 200) or Statistical Methods (STT 201) or STT GCU

Transfer students with 42-55 transferable credits must have equivalent course work completed in these prerequisite courses in order to choose dietetics as a major preference, and then will be automatically entered into the application pool when they reach junior status.

Transfer students with 42 or more credits who have not completed the above prerequisites may be admitted to MSU; however, they will need to choose a placeholder major for a semester or two, then apply to the dietetics program using the application form as described above. We suggest food science, nutritional sciences, or food industry management for the placeholder major. Students in this category will meet with the dietetics advisor and will receive overrides for one or two semesters, as needed, to make progress in the dietetics major.

Freshman and sophomore-level transfer students with fewer than 42 credits may select dietetics as a major preference, and they will automatically enter the application pool when they reach junior status.

Persons who wish to receive a final Verification Statement for the fulfillment of ACEND-approved minimum academic requirements from Michigan State University, but who have not completed a Bachelor of Science degree with a Dietetics major at Michigan State University, must complete a minimum of 10 credits in 300-400 level courses in dietetics at Michigan State University with a minimum grade of 2.0 or better in each course.

Prior learning is initially assessed by consulting the MSU transfer website and meeting with the academic advisor. When prior learning is unable to be fully assessed through the transfer website, it must be evaluated on a case-by-case basis and students meet with both the academic advisor and program leadership to determine an appropriate academic progress plan moving forward. For additional information, refer to the Dietetics Handbook.

Use the MSU Transfer Equivalency Database to determine how and whether courses transfer. Apply to MSU via the Office of Admissions. MSU's academic calendar, including semester start dates and holidays, is available through the Registrar’s Office.

MSU Students may reserve an appointment with the dietetics advisor via the online Student Information System. Non-MSU students may contact the Dietetics Academic Advisor to arrange an appointment.