Pre-Dietetics Roadmap
Start your journey to becoming a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist.
A registered dietitian (RD) or registered dietitian nutritionist (RDN) is a credentialed health care professional who uses expertise in human nutrition to promote health and wellness. Becoming a RD/RDN provides a flexible career that allows practitioners to practice in a wide range of medical, community and industry settings. Examples include careers in medical nutrition therapy, community nutrition/nutrition education programs, wellness/health promotion, performance nutrition, food industry and foodservice.
Pre-Dietetics Roadmap at UNL
Dietetics Prerequisite Classes
The courses listed below fulfill the entrance requirements for the Graduate Programs in Nutrition and Dietetics (GP) at UNMC and UNL. Courses offered at UNL that match those requirements are also listed.
Depending on the school you plan to attend, you may need additional prerequisite courses. Students who are considering other GP programs are encouraged to contact those schools directly for a list of entrance requirements. Meet with an advisor for more information.
General Biology with lab – 1 semester
Microbiology or Food Safety & Sanitation – 1 semester
Human Physiology - 1 semester
Biochemistry - 1 semester
General Chemistry with lab – 1 semester (2 semesters to move on to organic chemistry)
Organic Chemistry with lab – 1 semester
General or Introduction to Psychology – 1 semester
Introduction to Nutrition – 1 semester
Food Science or Food Preparation (UNL only) - 1 semester
Advanced Nutrition or Nutrient Metabolism (300 or 400 level) – 1 semester
Medical Nutrition Therapy – 1 semester (UNMC) or 2 semesters (UNL)
What to Take at University of Nebraska-Lincoln
Some of the classes below require prerequisites. Meet with an advisor for help planning your courses.
General Biology with lab – BIOS 101/101L or LIFE 120/120L
Microbiology or Food Safety & Sanitation – BIOS 111 or BIOS 312* or NUTR 372
Human Physiology – BIOS 213/213L
Biochemistry - BIOC 401 or BIOC 431*
General Chemistry with lab – CHEM 109A/L & 110A/L or CHEM 113A/L & 114
Organic Chemistry – CHEM 251/253 or 261/263
General or Introduction to Psychology – PSYC 181
Introduction to Nutrition – NUTR 250
Food Science or Food Preparation – NUTR 344
Advanced Nutrition or Nutrient Metabolism – NUTR 455
Medical Nutrition Therapy – NUTR 450 and 452
Suggested Science and Nutrition Course Sequencing
Semester 1 | Semester 2 |
Semester 3 | Semester 4 |
Semester 5 NUTR 344 (fall only) | Semester 6 |
** If GRE is required by your graduate programs, take the GRE 10-12 months before you intend to start the professional program | |
Semester 7 | Semester 8 |
*Sequence may vary from above depending on declared major requirements
The above courses fulfill the entrance requirements for the Graduate Programs in Nutrition and Dietetics (GP) at UNMC and UNL. Students who are considering other GP programs are encouraged to contact those schools directly for a list of entrance requirements.
Other Notes:
- GPA requirements: A minimum 3.0 GPA is required for both UNMC and UNL. A grade of C- or above is required for all prerequisite courses required for application.
- Math/Science Requirement: Courses with an asterisk* require additional course sequencing in math or science to meet prerequisites for other required courses. See your pre-health advisor for course sequence information.
- AP/IB: UNMC’s and UNL’s programs will accept AP credit for prerequisite requirements. IB will be considered on a case-by-case basis.
- *BIOS 312: This course requires additional prerequisites not included in this prerequisite plan
- *BIOC 431: This course requires additional prerequisites not included in this prerequisite plan
Extracurricular Involvement and Activities:
Pursuing a career as a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist requires more than just coursework. Your extracurricular activities, employment, and volunteering activities will contribute greatly to your success in this field. See an Explore Center Advisor to plan extracurricular activities that will prepare you for this program.
Application and Admission
Application: Click on the school name for application information for UNMC and UNL.
Entrance exam: The UNMC and UNL graduate programs in nutrition and dietetics do NOT require the GRE. Some other schools require the Graduate Record Exam (GRE). Information about the GRE can be obtained at https://www.ets.org/gre. If the programs you apply to require the GRE, you should plan to take it 10-12 months before you intend to start the professional program.
Additional admission requirements: Both UNMC and UNL require letters of recommendation from professors; short answer question and/or personal narrative; and a resume.
Plan Your Path to a Dietetics Program
View Health School Application Timeline
- Meet with a Pre-Health advisor to create a comprehensive academic and co-curricular plan
- Research application requirements
- See specific school websites for any specific application requirements which may vary by Graduate Program in Nutrition and Dietetics (GP).
- Meet with a representative of the program for specific questions and guidance
- Take the Graduate Record Examination (GRE) if required by the graduate program (UNL and UNMC do NOT require the GRE)
- Apply to programs
- Check the website for each program you will be applying to for specific application instructions. A list of schools can be found at the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics website.
- Complete Bachelor's Degree and required prerequisite courses
- Attend Graduate Program in Dietetics (1-2 years)
Suggested Academic Preparation
- Bachelor’s degree – any UNL major is a great option
- Completion of pre-requisite courses
- Competitive academic record
- GPA in both science and non-science courses
- GRE score (only required at some schools)
Local Professional Schools
- UNMC College of Allied Health Professions (Omaha, NE)
- University of Nebraska-Lincoln (Lincoln, NE)
Current Students
Current students: Meet with a Pre-Health advisor to talk more about your Pre-Health goals.
Are you a non-UNL student looking for information about Pre-Health? Click here