Food and Nutrition Major

The Department of Food Systems, Nutrition, and Kinesiology offers a major in the study of food and nutrition. Students who choose the nutrition science option generally intend to pursue a health profession or research-related career such as medicine, dentistry, industry, academia, etc.

The dietetics option is designed for students wishing to become a registered dietitian. A graduate degree-level dietetic internship is required in order to be eligible to take the exam for dietetic registration. Admission to Montana State University's combined masters and internship program is on a competitive basis. Information about degree requirements can be obtained from the EHHD Advising office located in the Herrick Hall.

The nutrition science option is designed to prepare a student for admission to medical (allopathic or osteopathic), dental, or graduate school with an emphasis on nutrition and biochemistry.

Students must receive a grade of "C" or higher in all required courses as outlined in the major.

Dietetics Option

The dietetics option at Montana State University-Bozeman is accredited as a Didactic Program in Dietetics by the Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics (ACEND) of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, 120 Riverside Plaza, Suite 2190, Chicago, IL, 60606-6995, (312) 899-5400. An MSU graduate will attain a verification statement upon completion of the ACEND-accredited dietetics program curriculum with a minimum of a "C" or better in each required program course. A graduate is then eligible to apply for an ACEND-accredited dietetic internship with a master's option. Students who apply and are accepted into an internship and have completed a master's degree are eligible to take the national registration exam for dietitians. Once the individual has passed the exam, the individual has earned the credential "RD" (registered dietitian) or "RDN" (registered dietitian nutritionist) and must complete continuing education credits to maintain RD/RDN status.

The dietetics option has a strong foundation in food and nutrition, food service management, and clinical nutrition. Registered dietitians may find employment in health care facilities, industrial, school, and university food services, community nutrition services, private practice, sales for food service or health products, and other related fields.

Nutrition Science Option

The nutrition science option is designed to prepare a student for admission to medical (allopathic or osteopathic), dental, or graduate school with an emphasis on nutrition and biochemistry. A student can earn a verification statement if additional didactic program in dietetics course requirements are met. Although the nutrition science option provides a strong background for most professional schools, students must contact individual schools for specific post-baccalaureate entrance requirements.