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872 Arch Ave.
Chaska, Palo Alto, CA 55318
[email protected]
ph: +1.123.434.965
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[email protected]
ph: +1.321.989.645
Standards of Excellence: ACEND Accredited Since 1970
92% of Recent Graduates Admitted to Graduate Programs
Advance Faster: 4+1 Accelerated Master’s Pathway
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:
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:
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, ’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.”

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!”
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.
872 Arch Ave.
Chaska, Palo Alto, CA 55318
[email protected]
ph: +1.123.434.965
[email protected]
ph: +1.321.989.645