Bachelor of Science in Applied Science in Food and Nutrition Didactic Program in Dietetics

Why Choose Food and Nutrition Studies at YSU?

Standards of Excellence: ACEND Accredited Since 1970

92% of Recent Graduates Admitted to Graduate Programs

Advance Faster: 4+1 Accelerated Master’s Pathway

Program Overview

The Bachelor of Science in Applied Science in Food and Nutrition Didactic Program in Dietetics at Youngstown State University prepares students to turn a passion for food and wellness into a meaningful career. This four year, in-person program builds a strong foundation in nutrition science, food systems, and health promotion. 

 

Career Paths Include: 

  • Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RDN) 
  • Corporate and community wellness 
  • Health care and clinical nutrition 
  • Food service management 
  • Sports nutrition and performance 

Take the next Step Toward becoming a Registered Dietitian 

To meet the graduate degree requirement for RDN credentialing, YSU offers an accelerated BSAS-to-Master’s in Health & Human Services (MHHS) option—allowing students to complete both degrees in as little as five years. The MHHS program includes three customizable specialization tracks:

  • Health Promotion 
  • Health Informatics 
  • Healthcare Administration  

Broaden your Skillset With a Minor

  • Nutrition and Health: Built for life science and allied health majors, our minor dives deep into personal nutrition and health outcomes. Take courses in food science, medical nutrition, nutritional biochemistry, and more.  
  • Public Health: Gain added expertise as you prepare to help others live healthier, happier lives. Pursue courses in community health, environmental health concerns, urban environmental health practices, and more.  
  • Wellness: Blend exercise science, human performance, and nutrition to help individuals and communities thrive. Courses in the wellness minor include healthy lifestyles, nutrition, sports first aid and injury prevention, and more.  
 

Speak to a Faculty Member
Dr. Zara Rowlands
Program Director
[email protected]

Dietetic Registration and State Dietetic Licensure

The Registered Dietitian Nutritionist Credential is earned by passing the credentialing exam administered by the Commission on Dietetic Registration (CDR).  Starting January 1, 2024, the CDR requires a minimum of a master’s degree and 1000 hours of Supervised Practice to be eligible to take the credentialing exam to become a registered dietitian nutritionist (RDN). For more information visit CDR’s website.
 
Accredited Dietetics education programs report to ACEND on the RD Exam Pass Rate for graduates. The exam covers all domains of the dietetics core curriculum and is computer-based. YSU Dietetics offers Visual Veggies RD and DTR Exam Prep software so graduates of our programs may study and practice taking the exam.  Contact the program director for access.
 
The requirements for Licensure as a Dietitian in Ohio are described in Section 4759.06 to 4759.061 of the Ohio Revised Code.  Graduates who have passed the Dietetic Registration exam administered by CDR may apply for licensure in the state of Ohio.  A Limited Permit license is available for individuals who have met academic and pre-professional requirements and are planning to sit for the next available examination.  For more detailed information on applying for dietetic licensure in the State of Ohio, please visit: https://med.ohio.gov/Apply/Dietitian-LD.

Scholarships Available

Each year, thousands of dollars in scholarships are awarded to students who major in dietetics and nutrition. Scholarships come from a variety of sources, vary in amount, and are available to incoming and current students.  

Alumni Success Stories

Mary Akpadock

Mary Akpadock, RDN, LDN, Renal Dietitian
BSAS, Didactic Program in Dietetics, ’14
BSAS, Coordinated Program in Dietetics, ’17

“My dietetics journey began in 2010 when I majored in the BSAS Didactic Program in Dietetics with my goal of becoming a Registered Dietitian. Approaching graduation in 2014, I applied to the Coordinated Program in Dietetics at YSU and was graciously accepted into the program.

I chose the Coordinated Program because I couldn’t pass up the opportunity for a Supervised Practice/Dietetic Internship that was a step closer to my goal of becoming an RD in only two more years. My dietetics education and internship enabled me to pass the RD exam on the first attempt! The network that I built during my time at YSU greatly influenced my career and was integral in landing me my current role as a renal dietitian. Choosing my dietetics degree with YSU is one the best decisions I ever made!”

Jullianna Clementi
BSAS Didactic Program in Dietetics, ’24

“I’ve always been passionate about health and helping others, and I’ve seen firsthand how proper nutrition can truly change people’s lives. YSU offered the perfect balance of opportunity, support, and accessibility—with faculty who genuinely care and experiences that helped me grow both personally and professionally. 

My time in the experimental foods and food and culture labs showed me how food connects people from all backgrounds. Now, as I finish my graduate degree and prepare to become a registered dietitian, I’m grateful for the strong foundation YSU gave me to build my future.”

Mary Akpadock

Susan Payton
BSAS Didactic Program in Dietetics, ’14
Master of Health & Human Services, ’00

“As I always like to tell students, you never know where you will end up. Find what drives your passion and go for it! For several years I worked as an adjunct at YSU, never really knowing what I wanted to do, but knew it would be with the Youngstown community. 

Opportunities with Mercy Health’s Nutrition Prescription program got me excited about working in nutrition education and healthy cooking. Seeing clients try new foods and then getting the groceries to make the recipes proved to be quite fulfilling. When the “right” opportunity came along, I was very excited to have gotten the call. I am currently the Market Manager at the Glenwood Fresh Market located on the Southside of Youngstown. We are a Nutrition Prescription Program serving almost 2000 low-income clients in the tri-county area. Our goal is to provide free fresh fruits and vegetables in the hope that client health will improve. I work with clients offering education on nutrition, food safety, and healthy cooking. This is my passion and I am proud to be a part of it!”

What Can You Do With a Dietetics and Nutrition Degree?

Help others achieve and maintain optimal health. Graduates of our degree in dietetics and nutrition collaborate with individuals, communities, and health care systems—pursuing career opportunities in family health service facilities, hospitals and clinics, government agencies, schools, and the private sector. 

Some of our recent graduates, who have also earned their master’s degree in the field, are now working as registered dietitians at: 

  • Akron Children’s 
  • Austintown Local School District 
  • Canfield Local School District 
  • Cleveland Clinic 
  • Mercy Health 
  • Nutrition Action 
  • ONE Health Ohio 
  • Shepherd of the Valley 
  • Southwoods Health 

Many of our degree in dietetics and nutrition recipients also go on to pursue master’s degrees in business administration, counseling, food science, health education and promotion, or public health. No matter your career aspirations, you’re joining a rapidly growing profession. 

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the demand for registered dietitians and degreed nutritionists is projected to grow 8% during the next decade—faster than the average for all occupations. The increased emphasis on disease prevention through improved dietary habits is driving the growing demand for trained professionals in the field. 

Major in Dietetics and Nutrition: What You’ll Study

Prepare to help others make healthy food and nutritional choices. Our broad-based major in dietetics and nutrition offers a wide range of courses, including: 

  • Basic and Advanced Human Nutrition 
  • Community and Life Cycle Nutrition 
  • Food and Culture 
  • Food Science and Food Service Systems Management 
  • Medical Nutrition Therapy 
  • Nutrition in Fitness and Athletics 

You’ll also take on laboratory experiences in our Center for Nutrition Research, Main Food Lab, Nutrition Counseling Lab, and Quantity Foods Lab—giving you the hands-on expertise to succeed wherever your career takes you.  

Explore Our Dietetics and Nutrition Curriculum

Start Your Dietetics and Nutrition Journey at YSU

Become an influential force in promoting healthier lifestyle habits. When you major in dietetics and nutrition at YSU, you’ll be prepared to shape the future of health and well-being through better nutrition.