MS in Nutrition & Dietetics – RD-Track Student Handbook

Registered Dietitians/Registered Dietitian Nutritionists (RD/RDNs) are food and nutrition experts who work in a variety of settings, including hospitals and health care facilities, food and nutrition-related business and industry, community and public health, education, research, government agencies, and private practice.

This handbook provides students with important information regarding the Coordinated Program in Dietetics. The policies and procedures outlined herein are consistent with university policies and are intended to supplement information contained in the Arkansas State University Student Handbook.

Dr. Tiffany Sterling, EdD, RD, LD, FAND
Director, Coordinated Program in Dietetics
P.O. Box 910
State University, AR 72467
Email: dietetics@astate.edu

University Mission

"Arkansas State University educates leaders, enhances intellectual growth and enriches lives."

University Vision

Arkansas State University aspires to be an academic leader recognized for innovation and quality in teaching and learning, international standing in strategic research areas, and commitment to outreach and service to the Delta and beyond.

Arkansas State University was founded in 1909 and has grown into a comprehensive public university serving students throughout Arkansas and beyond. The university is dedicated to excellence in teaching, research, and service and is home to more than 100,000 alumni. Dr. Calvin White, Jr. became Interim Chancellor of the A-State Jonesboro campus on July 1, 2026.

The Coordinated Program in Dietetics is housed within the Department of Health Sciences and Risk Management in the College of Nursing and Health Professions.

The Coordinated Program (CP) in Dietetics at Arkansas State University integrates didactic instruction with a minimum of 1,080 hours of supervised practice and prepares students for entry-level dietetics practice.

Supervised practice experiences are completed in foodservice, community, and clinical settings, with approximately half of the supervised practice hours occurring in clinical practice.

Students earn a Master of Science in Nutrition and Dietetics (MSND) upon completion of 53 credit hours. The program is delivered fully online.

Upon successful completion of all program requirements, graduates receive a Verification Statement and are eligible to take the Commission on Dietetic Registration (CDR) credentialing examination for RD/RDNs. After passing the examination, graduates may use the RD/RDN credential.

In addition to earning the RD/RDN credential, some states require licensure or certification for practice. Information regarding state licensure requirements is available through the Commission on Dietetic Registration (CDR) and individual state licensure boards.

https://www.cdrnet.org/LicensureMapCDR Licensure Map

(Required element 2.1.a)

The Dietetics Program at Arkansas State University seeks to meet the need for Registered Dietitians/Registered Dietitian Nutritionists (RD/RDNs) in the Delta region and beyond by providing quality, equitable, and inclusive education and experiences for all students.

(Required element 2.1.b-c)

Goal 1: Perform as a knowledgeable, competent entry-level dietitian.

• At least 80% of students complete program requirements within three years (150% of program length).
• Of graduates seeking employment, 80% obtain employment in nutrition and dietetics or related fields within 12 months of graduation.
• Eighty percent of graduates take the CDR credentialing examination within 12 months of program completion.
• The program's one-year pass rate on the CDR examination is at least 80%.
• Eighty percent of employers rate graduates as average or higher in professional conduct.

Goal 2: Pursue service to the profession of nutrition and dietetics.

• At least 70% of graduates pursue service to the profession through precepting, leadership, civic engagement, or professional organization participation within three years after graduation.

Program outcome data are available upon request. Please contact the Program Director at dietetics@astate.edu for additional information.

(Required element 7.2.c)

(Required element 7.2.a)

The Coordinated Program in Dietetics at Arkansas State University is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics (ACEND) of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics.

Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics
Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics
120 South Riverside Plaza, Suite 2190
Chicago, IL 60606-6995
Phone: 800-877-1600 ext. 5400

" target="_blank" rel="noopener">eatrightpro.org/acend