Admissions Process

Students who are interested in pursuing the didactic program in dietetics at Iowa State University should apply to the university and select the undergraduate program/major of dietetics to pursue a Bachelor’s degree or pre-diet and exercise to pursue concurrent Bachelor/Master’s degrees. The dietetics program is offered through the Department of Food Science and Human Nutrition, which is jointly administered under the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences and the College of Health and Human Sciences. Students may select either college designation for application into the dietetics program.

Admissions Requirements

Incoming first-year students must meet the Iowa State University admissions requirements. Students who apply to the university directly from high school must also meet the following minimum high school course requirements:

  • Four years of English/language arts
  • Three years of mathematics, including one year each of algebra, geometry, and advanced algebra
  • Three years of science, including at least two years of courses which emphasize elements of biology, chemistry, or physics
  • Two years of social studies

Individuals who wish to transfer to Iowa State University must meet the transfer student admissions requirements. Students who have completed at least 24 credits of transfer coursework must have a minimum 2.25 transfer GPA, and individuals who have earned an associate’s degree need a minimum 2.00 transfer GPA.

When students apply to the university, the Office of Admissions provides a transfer credit evaluation to indicate how credits will transfer.

Credit earned by examination, such as AP and CLEP, may be applied toward graduation requirements based on Iowa State’s requirements.

Admission Timing

The ISU Office of Admissions processes applications beginning approximately one year prior to when a student indicates planned entry to the university. Students are encouraged to apply early for more options with financial aid, scholarships, course selection, and housing. Accepted students will be invited to orientation programs and meet with the departmental academic advisor for course registration.

Assessment of Prior Learning

The ISU Office of Admissions conducts transcript evaluations for prospective students, incoming transfer students, and currently enrolled students who transfer coursework from another institution. A course transferred from another college or university which has been identified as a direct equivalency by the Office of Admissions will be accepted toward meeting DPD requirements. For courses that do not have an established direct equivalency, the student will need to submit to their academic advisor a copy of the course syllabus and the DPD director will then evaluate for evidence of achieved student learning outcomes assigned to the course. 

The HSPM 1330 Food Safety Certification course focuses on becoming certified as a ServSafe® Manager, and the course requirement is waived for students who are already certified and provide their certification certificate to the DPD Director. The Iowa State University DPD does not give credit for previous work experience toward meeting course requirements. 

Educational Costs

Tuition, Housing, and Dining

The Office of the Registrar at Iowa State University provides updated information on tuition and mandatory fees. For students who choose to live on-campus, the Department of Residence provides information on housing rates and ISU Dining provides information on dining rates. Please note that costs for housing and dining are university-provided options. Off-campus housing and meals may be higher or lower than university options. The Department of Residence can be reach by phone or email at:  800-854-9050 or 515-294-2900, halls@iastate.edu.

Books and Course Fees

Costs for textbooks for undergraduate students is a predictable cost of $259 per semester through Immediate Access ONE. By the first day of classes of every semester, students access their digital materials in Canvas and any print materials that are required are picked up at the ISU Book Store textbook counter (including lab manuals, course packets, traditional print books, etc.). Students can choose to opt-out of this textbook charge for a refund of the $259 (by the 10th day of class - within Canvas) and then purchase their materials on their own. Course fees are posted on the Schedule of Classes along with course offering days and times, prior to registration for the upcoming term. In general, course fees range between $50-125 per semester.

Additional Program Costs

Students are required to wear and maintain a white professional lab coat for food preparation laboratory courses ($20) and wear a white shirt, black pants, and black closed-toe shoes for quantity food service experiences (estimated cost of $130-150). A verification statement processing fee ($30) is applied to the university bill during the academic term of program completion. Membership in the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics ($58 annual student dues) and the ISU Student Dietetic Association ($5 per semester or $8 per year) is recommended.

Financial Aid

Students are eligible for applicable financial aid and/or loan deferment. Complete a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) to be eligible for Federal Direct Loans. For more information, see the ISU Office of Student Financial Aid website.

Scholarship Opportunities

Students in the dietetics program may apply for scholarships available through:

Food Science and Human Nutrition Department

College of Health and Human Sciences or College of Agriculture and Life Sciences

Additionally, individuals who are student members of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics may apply for scholarships at the national and state levels.

Technology Requirements

For optimized learning experiences, a student-provided personal computer with reliable Internet access is needed. While tablets, smartphones and other mobile devices may allow for some completion of coursework, they are not guaranteed to work in all areas. It is recommended to have access to a Windows or Mac-based computer to complete coursework. Students who need assistive technologies might have different computer and technology requirements. Students are encouraged to check with Student Accessibility Services to determine the requirements for specific technologies needed to support learning in online coursework.

Academic Calendar

The Office of the Registrar at Iowa State University provides an updated academic calendar for fall, spring, and summer terms.

Registration start dates: 

  • Registration for summer and fall semester courses begins in March each year for continuing students and transfer students.
  • Registration for spring semester courses begins in October each year for continuing students and transfer students.
  • Incoming first-year students are invited to June orientation sessions and complete course registration during orientation.