Kansas State University

Dietetics

K-State's CPD and DPD programs are recognized among the dietetics profession as some of the top programs in the nation. The dietetics programs at K-State prepare students for careers as credentialed dietitians who will provide leadership in the delivery of foodservice management and nutrition services for the people of Kansas and around the world.

Program Philosophy

Dietetics education at K-State is based on the belief that dietitians are uniquely qualified to provide the latest information and guidance relating to questions of normal and clinical nutrition and foodservice management. The dietetics curriculum combines courses in biological and physical sciences, the humanities, quantitative studies, business, and communications with in-depth courses in food science, nutrition and foodservice management to provide a strong base for professional success. Every effort is made to prepare students for professional practice in our service-oriented, information-based society. The importance of quality and service is emphasized because client needs and expectations must be the central focus of innovative dietetics practice. As a professional, the KSU dietetics graduate will practice on-going self-evaluation, lifelong learning, and adherence to both a personal and professional code of ethics.

Our Programs

Didactic Program in Dietetics (DPD)

The DPD at KSU provides the necessary coursework to meet the academic requirements of the American Dietetic Association. Upon graduation, the graduate is eligible to apply for a post-baccalaureate supervised practice experience in a dietetic internship. Once the internship is completed, the graduate is then qualified to sit for the national Registration Examination for Dietitians of the Commission on Dietetic Registration. For further information about the DPD, contact:

Betsy Barrett, PhD, RD
Associate Professor
Director, Didactic Program in Dietetics
(785) 532-2208

During the semester students are taking HMD 341 Principles of Food Production Management, they will need to apply to the DPD. 

Admission requirements are:

  • Minimum 2.75 GPA on a 4.0 point scale
  • No grade lower than a C in a science course or a professional (HMD or HN) course.
  • Completion of 150 hours of experience projects. (Refer to information on experience projects in the student handbook). These must be documented by submission of your portfolio with your application.
  • Completion of application with transcript and verification of experience projects with portfolio.
  • Application for the DPD
  • Suggested Course Sequence
  • Work Experience Verification Form

Coordinated Program in Dietetics (CPD)

The CPD at KSU meets BOTH the academic and supervised practice experience requirements of the American Dietetic Association. The last two semesters of the program provide a 900-hour supervised practice experience: the management semester gives the student 450 hours of experience in foodservice management while the clinical semester gives the student 450 hours of experience in clinical/community nutrition. Practicum sites for the management experience include K-State residence hall foodservice operations and other foodservice operations around the state of Kansas and eastern Missouri. During the clinical semester, students are assigned to facilities in Kansas City, Topeka, Wichita, Leavenworth, Joplin or other sites offering outstanding clinical practice opportunities.

Upon completion of the CP, the graduate is immediately eligible to sit for the national Registration Examination for Dietitians of the Commission on Dietetic Registration. For further information about the CPD, contact:

Roni M. Schwartz, MBA, RD, LD
Instructor and Director, Coordinated Program in Dietetics
(785) 532-5576

Students who wish to apply to the Coordinated Program will need to sign a letter of intent and pass screening for continuation toward Coordinated Program admission while taking HMD 341 Principles of Food Production Management.

Screening requirements are:

  • Minimum 2.75 GPA on a 4.0 point scale
  • No grade lower than a C in a science course or a professional (HMD or HN) course.
  • 30-50% of 140 hours of work experience projects need to be completed by this point.
  • Meet with the Coordinated Program Director to review the portfolio and GPA.
  • Sign a letter of intent to pursue supervised practice in the Coordinated Program in Dietetics.

During the semester students are finishing the professional coursework, they will apply for admission to the Coordinated program.  All coursework in the degree plan should be completed by the end of this semester so that the only courses the student has left to take are the supervised practice courses, HMD 520, 521, 510, 516, 517, 562, 560, and 570 and 561.  All work experience projects must be completed at the time of application.