Program Overview
With this program, graduates can positively impact health outcomes by collaborating with individuals, communities, or health care systems. Career opportunities abound in various sectors, including hospitals, family health service facilities, government agencies, schools, and the private sector.
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the demand for dietitians and nutritionists is projected to grow by 8% from 2019 to 2029, 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 of dietetics.
Speak to a Faculty Member
Dr. Zara Rowlands
Program Director
zcshah@ysu.edu
The YSU Didactic Program in Dietetics is currently accredited by ACEND through June 2028.
ACEND (Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics), may be contacted as follows:
Phone: 800/877-1600, ext. 5400
Mail: 120 South Riverside Plaza, Suite 2190, Chicago, IL, 60606-6995
Program Options
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.
Mary Akpadock, RDN, LDN, Renal Dietitian
BSAS, Didactic Program in Dietetics, 2014
BSAS, Coordinated Program in Dietetics, 2017
“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!”
Susan Payton
BSAS Didactic Program in Dietetics, 2014
Master’s Health & Human Services, 2000
“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!”
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:
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.
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:
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.
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.
Nearly 11,000 students
Over $8 Million in Scholarships Given Annually
21 Average Class Size
5 University Residence Halls with plenty of nearby apartments
14:1 Student-to-Faculty Ratio
Tuition and fees may vary by major, college, area of study or based on your location. The university reserves the right to assess fees for special services and programs applicable to students. First-time International undergraduate students’ tuition rate is established based on first enrollment and remains unchanged for four consecutive years. Graduate students should plan for a yearly tuition increase of approximately 5%.
For a complete list of additional fees and detailed tuition information please visit the University Bursar website here.
Cost of the most popular room and meal plan combination; Your cost will depend on the plans you select. Costs in the box cover the most popular room and meal plan combination (on-campus); If you choose to live off-campus, the estimated cost of room and meals will be around $12,000 based on 12 months.
Based on average books & supply costs
Health insurance is required for international students.
Estimate based on one academic year of study
9 Months – based on 12 – 18 credit hours
*Estimate
+1 330-941-2336
www.ysu.edu/ifs
intadm@ysu.edu
Applicants must have graduated from high school or have successfully completed the General Education Development (GED) test to be considered for admission. Freshman applicants applying for admission to Youngstown State University must submit a high school transcript or GED transcript. Submission of American College Test (ACT) or Scholastic Assessment Test (SAT) scores is optional. Please note: some majors require test scores to be admitted into the program.
Applicants must have a cumulative weighted high school grade point average of 2.00 (on a 4.00 scale) or higher, a core unweighted grade point average* of 2.00 (on a 4.00 scale) or higher and have an ACT composite score of 17 or higher or a SAT composite score of 920 or higher (evidence-based writing and reading and math) to be admitted unconditionally. (*Core gpa is calculated based on grades earned in the following courses – English, mathematics, science, social science and foreign language, if applicable, from 9th through 12th grade).
Fall Application Deadline is
August 1
