Bachelor's Degree in Dietetics
OVERVIEW
Who is this program for?
The bachelor's degree program in Dietetics is perfect for students interested in the science of nutrition and promoting health through dietary planning and education. Graduates gain expertise in nutrition assessment, medical nutrition therapy, and food science, preparing them for careers as registered dietitians, nutrition consultants, or wellness coaches in healthcare, community health, and corporate wellness settings.
Program Overview
Become a trusted nutrition expert who promotes health and well-being in a variety of settings. With a strong foundation in food science, human physiology, and nutrition counseling, this program blends scientific knowledge with practical experience to help individuals and communities make informed dietary choices. Students complete a comprehensive curriculum in dietetics and nutritional science, supported by coursework in chemistry, biology, psychology, and sociology.
The UK DHN Dietetics Program offers two options to earn a bachelor’s degree in dietetics. Option A is the Didactic Program in Dietetics (DPD) and Option B is the Accelerated Coordinated Program in Dietetics (ACP). Both options lead to the Bachelor of Science in Dietetics and fulfill the foundation knowledge and/or competencies established by the Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics, ACEND, the accrediting agency for the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, AND.
The DPD and the ACP are both fully accredited by ACEND. Option B, ACP, is a selective admission program to which students must apply prior to beginning the major course work in the third year of the dietetics program.
Our Accreditation
Our Didactic Program in Dietetics is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics (ACEND), the accrediting agency for education programs preparing students for careers as registered dietitian nutritionists. This accreditation ensures our program meets the highest standards in dietetics education and positions graduates for eligibility to apply to supervised practice programs and pursue the RDN credential.
Related Careers
Work settings for RDN graduates include:
- Hospitals
- Long-Term Care Facilities
- Rehabilitation Facilities
- School Systems
- Health Departments
- Sports Nutrition
- Corporate Wellness Centers
- Outpatient Clinics
- Research Areas
RDN graduates function as entry-level professionals with opportunities to practice in:
- Medical Nutrition Therapy
- Community Dietetics
- Food Systems Management
- Business and Entrepreneurship
- Nutrition/Product Research
- Nutrition Counseling
Plan to Pursue Licensure Outside of Kentucky?
If you plan to obtain professional licensure outside of Kentucky, please refer to the Licensure page to confirm whether the program meets the educational requirements for professional licensure in your state of interest.
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What You'll Learn
The Bachelor of Science in Dietetics program prepares students to apply the science of nutrition to promote health and manage disease through food and diet. Students study subjects such as human nutrition, medical nutrition therapy, food science, metabolism, and community nutrition. The curriculum combines rigorous science coursework with practical experiences, equipping students with the knowledge and skills needed to work effectively in clinical, community, and food service settings. This program also serves as a strong foundation for students pursuing credentialing as a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RDN). Expand the menu below to view a sample curriculum plan.
Degree requirements, course descriptions and academic policies for all programs are detailed in the University Catalog.
Transfer in using our KCTCS Pathway
This program has a degree pathway from KCTCS, allowing students a seamless transfer process to obtain their bachelor's degree from the University of Kentucky.
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Get a Head Start with an
Accelerated Pathway
This program is part of the Accelerated Master's Pathways program. If you plan to obtain a related master's degree, this program can save you time and money with dual credit hours when you sign up.
Admission Requirements
- Official High School Transcript with Pre-College Curriculum: View transcript requirements on the Undergraduate Admission webpage.
- Test Scores (optional): ACT or SAT scores can be submitted but are not required for university admission.
Any "Program Specific Requirements" that display below are specific to the program and will be required for admission to the program.
Application Requirements
Completed applications include an official high school transcript, application fee ($50 domestic/$60 international) and optional official ACT/SAT score (the University of Kentucky is test-optional for admission and scholarships through the 2028-29 academic year).
Application Deadlines
Freshman
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Early Action
- 12/01/2025 Apply early to be considered for Lewis Honors College, scholarships, or on-campus living.
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Regular Decision
- 02/15/2026
Transfer
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Fall Scholarship
- 06/15/2025 Apply early to be considered for scholarships.
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Fall
- 08/01/2025
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Spring
- 11/15/2025
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Summer
- 04/15/2025
"I chose the dietetics program because I wanted to serve my community... and what better way than using food and nutrition to bring people together and improve their quality of life?"
Jaeana Tooson
'20 alum, Dietetics
Explore Financial Aid Options
Undergraduate degree-seeking students have access to a variety of financial aid options, including scholarships, grants, work-study programs, and student loans, designed to make education more affordable.
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Students who get involved in activities outside of the classroom tend to do better academically and develop meaningful relationships with others at UK. Our network of student organizations and activities has something for everyone, from academic to professional to fun!
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Live in a community full of others who share your interests in agriculture, food and environment! Community members also gain access to specialized programs that foster relationships, professional growth, and community.
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