Pre-Dietetics

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, food industry and foodservice.

Pre-Dietetics icon

Pre-Dietetics Roadmap at UNL

Dietetics Prerequisite Classes

Depending on the school you plan to attend, you may need additional prerequisite courses. Meet with an advisor for more information.

 

Typical Dietetics School Requirements

Biology – 1 semester

Microbiology or Food Safety & Sanitation – 1 semester

Physiology - 1 semester

Biochemistry - 1 semester

Chemistry – 1 semester (2 semesters to move on to organic chemistry)

Organic Chemistry – 1 semester

Psychology – 1 semester

Nutrition – 1 semester

Food Science or Food Preparation (UNL only) - 1 semester

Advanced Nutrition or Nutrient Metabolism – 1 semester

Medical Nutrition Therapy – 1 semester (UNMC)  or 2 semesters (UNL)

What to Take at University of Nebraska-Lincoln

Some classes require prerequisites. Meet with an advisor for help planning your courses.

 

Biology – BIOS 101/101L or LIFE 120/120L

Microbiology or Food Safety & Sanitation – BIOS 111 or BIOS 312* or NUTR 372

Physiology – BIOS 213/213L

Biochemistry - BIOC 401 or BIOC 431*

Chemistry – CHEM 109A/L & 110A/L or CHEM 113A/L & 114

Organic Chemistry – CHEM 251/253 or 261/263

Psychology – PSYC 181

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 Sequencing 

Semester 1
Biological Sciences I with lab
Math

Semester 2
General Chemistry I
Biological Sciences II with lab

Semester 3
General Chemistry II with lab
NUTR 250

Semester 4
Organic Chemistry I with lab

Semester 5
Organic Chemistry II with lab
or BIOC 401
BIOS 213/213L
Food Science/Preparation (fall
only)

Semester 6
Biochemistry (if not taken) or
NUTR 455
Microbiology/Food Safety

** Take the GRE 10-12 months before you intend to start the professional program

Semester 7 
NUTR 450 
NUTR 455 (if not taken)

Semester 8
NUTR 452 
BIOS 214 (suggested elective)

*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.
  • Math/Science Requirement: Courses with an asterisk* require additional course sequencing in math or science to meet prerequisites for other required courses. For example, students must take LIFE 121/121L to take BIOS 312 or BIOC 431. 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

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: Application information for both UNMC and UNL will be found on those program’s websites.

Entrance exam: Some schools require the Graduate Record Exam (GRE). Information about the GRE can be obtained at https://www.ets.org/gre 

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

  1. Meet with a Pre-Health advisor to create a comprehensive academic and co-curricular plan
  2. 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
  3. Take the Graduate Record Examination (GRE) – required by some schools
  4. Apply to programs
  5. Complete Bachelor's Degree and required prerequisite courses
  6. 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

Current Students

Current students: Meet with a Pre-Health advisor to talk more about your Pre-Health goals.

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