COLLEGE OF APPLIED & NATURAL SCIENCES

Bachelor’s Degree in Nutrition and Dietetics

Employment of dietitians and nutritionists is projected to grow 15 percent from 2016 to 2026, much faster than the average for all occupations. The role of food in preventing and treating diseases, such as diabetes, is now well known. More dietitians and nutritionists will be needed to provide care for patients with various medical conditions and to advise people who want to improve their overall health.

Dietetics has been ranked one of the 100 Best Jobs in the US News and World Report Rankings. The median annual wage for dietitians and nutritionists is $60,130.

The field of dietetics and nutrition is growing at a rapid pace. Join our program for the opportunity to make a difference in the lives of many. Our graduates have a 96 percent registered dietitian exam pass rate, for testers within one year of first attempt, among other Nutrition and Dietetics Programs.

If you pursue the registered dietitian option, an internship is required upon completion of your bachelor’s degree.

Career Opportunities

  • Clinical Dietitian Specialist
  • Food Technologist
  • Food Broker
  • Culinary Medicine Chef
  • Nutrition Policy Advocate
  • Co-op Extension Agent
  • Sports Nutritionist
  • Health Educator
  • Research Nutritionist

Scholarships

  • Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics Foundation Scholarships
  • Louisiana Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics Scholarships
  • Louisiana Tech University School of Human Ecology Scholarships
  • Lettie Pate Whitehead Scholarship
  • Quota International of Ruston

Scheduling and Program Calendar

Please refer to the University Academic Calendar for the quarter schedule, vacations, breaks, and holidays.

Special fees or costs

The basic cost of the baccalaureate program in dietetics is that associated with a college education.   Please refer to the cost of attendance calculator located at the University Financial Aid Resources webpage.

Tuition and other institutional fees shall be set by Louisiana Tech University.  Tuition is charged on a sliding scale determined by the number of credit hours carried by the student.  Tuition fee sheets are available from the Registrar’s Office and are available on the Louisiana Tech University at the Current Fees webpage.

Cost of books is difficult to estimate, but usually averages between $300 and $450 per quarter. Students who choose to rent books may spend less than this. Students should be aware that many of the books used in Upper Division FNU courses are used in multiple classes. Thus, the expense of books may be highest during the fall quarter.

Dietetics is a professional program, so there are professional costs in addition to academic costs. These include:

  • Liability insurance – Approximately $40/year
  • Professional association dues (Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics $58, SDA $10) – $68/yr
  • Lab coat, scrubs, shoes, patches, name tag – $200
  • Field trips/field experience expenses (yearly) – Approximately $250
  • Medical testing(TB and drug) and background checks—approximately $100

Cost of Attendance

The Cost of Attendance calculator provides an estimate of the costs associated with attending Louisiana Tech University.  The elements associated with the Cost of Attendance include, but are not limited to the following:

  • Tuition and Fees
  • Books, Course Material, Supplies, and Equipment
  • Transportation
  • Miscellaneous Personal Expenses
  • Living Expenses (Food and Housing)

To calculate your estimated Cost of Attendance, click here to be taken to our Cost of Attendance calculator.

Accreditations and Associations

The Didactic Program in Dietetics (DPD) at Louisiana Tech University is currently granted full accreditation status by the Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics (ACEND) of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, a specialized accrediting body recognized by the United States Department of Education.

Location and contact information:
120 South Riverside Plaza, Suite  2190
Chicago, IL 60606-6995
800.877.1600, Ext 5400
https://www.eatrightpro.org/acend

In addition, the program is affiliated with:

  • Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics
  • Louisiana Tech University Student Dietetic Association

Program outcomes data are available upon request.

The Nutrition and Dietetics Handbook contains the following information:

Description of the Program

  • Program mission, goals, and objectives
  • Path to becoming a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist
  • Student costs
  • Application and admission requirements for program and upper division
  • Academic and program course schedule
  • Graduation and completion requirements
  • Financial aid information