Dietetics BS
- Bachelor's Degree
- Online
- Online
18 Months
Fall Term (Aug.)
$528/Credit
Online Dietetics Bachelor’s Degree Completion
Turn your passion for food and health into a rewarding career. Our accredited online Dietetics Bachelor of Science program is designed for working adults. Complete your degree online and get started on the path to becoming a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RDN). Or, if you already have a degree, you can take this program as a certificate or a second degree.
What You’ll Learn
You’ll gain a strong foundation in science through applied learning and faculty mentorship.
- Science and health expertise: Apply biological, physiological and medical knowledge to nutrition outcomes.
- Practical people skills: Improve your communication, counseling and management skills.
This is the same accredited program as our on-campus program. We bring core dietetic coursework to you online and support you every step of the way.
Also Offered On Campus
We also offer this program in a traditional on-campus delivery.
Why Choose UNC's Dietetics BS or Certificate?
Supportive Community
You'll have a dedicated faculty mentor, and study with a close group of students in small classes.
Strong Placement Rates
Our students have an above-average placement rate into postgraduate internships.
Real-World Experience
Get applied learning in community nutrition, clinical, foodservice and other health settings.
Your Path to Becoming an RDN
ACEND Accredited Didactic Program in Dietetics
This program is accredited as a Didactic Program in Dietetics (DPD) by the Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics (ACEND).
Completion of our DPD is one of the steps toward becoming a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RDN). The other steps are a supervised practice (internship) program, a graduate degree, passing the national registration exam, and meeting the requirements to practice in your state.
Join a growing field with high demand.
RDN Entry Level Requirements Update
Beginning January 1, 2024, the Commission on Dietetic Registration (CDR) has changed the degree requirement for dietitian registration eligibility from a Bachelor’s degree to a Master’s degree (in any field) in addition to the current requirement of a verification statement from an ACEND accredited dietetics program. More information:
Graduate Degree Registration Eligibility Requirement Frequently Asked Questions
Graduate Degree Registration Eligibility Requirement Student Option Scenarios
Other Careers in Dietetics and Nutrition
ACEND provides helpful information about pursuing a variety of careers in dietetics:
Course of Study
An Online Didactic Program in Dietetics (DPD)
We designed this program for working adults and those who prefer to study online. It is one of just a handful of DPD programs that can be completed via distance education. We support career changers and degree completers, and encourage transfer credit.
Year-Round Program
This online program includes 15 upper division food, nutrition and dietetics (FND) coursework.
You’ll move through the program as part of a cohort. This is a group of fellow students who support each other and build a community. You will complete the program coursework in five consecutive terms (about 18 months).
- Fall and spring: You will take 6-7 total credits (including labs) most semesters. The final spring semester you will take three credits (including lab). These will be 15 weeks courses.
- Summer term: You will take six credits across two 8-week sessions.
- You’ll also take professional development seminars and gain applied lab and field experience in nutrition assessment, foodservice and education strategies.
To see specific course offerings, visit an example current students page for this program.
You will have guidance from our faculty, advisors and staff every step along the way. We will also advise you about taking a few additional required DPD courses. You will likely transfer these courses in, either before or after starting the program. These courses cover management, marketing, microbiology, biochemistry and scientific writing.
Courses and Requirements
There are multiple ways to complete our online DPD program. No matter which path fits your needs, you will fulfill of total of 75 credits of required DPD coursework. You will take 15 courses (31 credits) at UNC, and the rest of the coursework is prerequisite or co-requisite coursework.
You will fill out a distance advising worksheet as part of the Admissions process. This will help your adviser review your prior coursework to and put together your personal academic plan.
Dietetics BS
You can earn your Dietetics Bachelor of Science as either your first bachelor’s degree, or as a second-degree student.
This is a degree completion program. You’ll take online nutrition and dietetics courses as part of your cohort, and transfer in many of your additional credits.
Additional Credits Required for UNC Graduation
The rest of your 120 total credits for this bachelor’s degree will come from credits you take at UNC or elsewhere.
- These credits will include completing the Liberal Arts Curriculum (LAC) coursework, which satisfies general education areas required for all undergraduate degree programs at all public higher education institutions in the state of Colorado. See the BS Degree Courses & Requirements button for more information.
- Many of these credits may come from the courses you transfer. See the Transfer Credit topic below for details. Note: Second-degree students (those with a prior bachelor’s degree) may transfer up to 90 credits towards this BS degree.
- If you need additional coursework to reach 120 credits, including your prerequisite or co-requisite courses, see the Taking LAC or Elective Courses Online topic below.
View BS Degree Courses & Requirements
Didactic Dietetics Education Certificate
If you already have your bachelor’s degree and only want to complete the Didactic Program in Dietetics (DPD) coursework, you can complete our certificate program.
Transfer Credit
You are considered a transfer student if you have completed any college-level coursework after you completed high school.
Please visit the Transfer of Credits pages from the UNC Office of the Registrar for information about:
- How many credits can transfer
- Requirements of credits transferred, such as your earned grade and institutional accreditation
- The transfer evaluation process
- Transferology – check your previous coursework in our published course equivalencies. You can do this before you apply to UNC.
Waiver of Liberal Arts Curriculum Requirements
Individuals with an Associate of Arts, Associate of Science, or a Bachelor’s degree (regardless of date of completion) from a regionally accredited institution will have their Liberal Arts Curriculum requirements waived. See the Undergraduate Catalog for more information about LAC waiver and transfer evaluation policies.
Taking LAC or Elective Courses Online
Some options if you need this additional coursework:
- A wide range of other online courses are available at UNC. See the UNC Course Search – use the “Go to schedule of classes” button (online LAC course availability varies by term).
- You can also search for online (and in-person) courses at any community college, particularly one near you (tuition is often lower for local residents).
Have Questions? Get in Touch!
Jori Moore
Enrollment Counselor
Nutrition & Dietetics
Tuition Rate
Simple Per-Credit Tuition Rate
You pay the same rate whether you are in-state or out-of-state.
Per Credit
Rate for the 2025-26 academic year (fall, spring and summer terms).*
No Student / Technology Fees
Certain courses, e.g., field experiences, may include course fees to support added services and materials.
*Tuition for the 2026-27 academic year will be decided mid-June 2026.
Student Health Insurance Plan (SHIP): UNC provides a health insurance plan to all degree-seeking undergraduate students who are enrolled in 9 or more credits for a term. If you have comparable insurance coverage, and do not want to be charged for SHIP coverage, you can opt out of this plan. Please visit the UNC Student Health Insurance pages for more information.
Estimates of additional costs: For the purposes of determining financial aid, UNC follows Colorado Department of Higher Education (CDHE) and federal guidelines to develop an estimated, average Cost of Attendance (budget) for different student classifications. For your personal tuition estimates, we recommend using the program-specific tuition information above. But UNC’s official Cost of Attendance/Student Budgets page can help you identify other estimated expenses for which you may be responsible while completing your program.
Federal Financial Aid
Bachelor’s Degree Financial Aid
Degree-seeking students are encouraged to apply for federal financial aid. Bachelor’s degree students need to be enrolled in a minimum of 6 credits per academic term for financial aid eligibility. Full-time enrollment is based on 12 credits per term.
You will complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). The UNC Applying for Aid page provides important dates, including the release date and deadline for each academic year (a Fall-Spring-Summer cycle which begins each August).
- Late FAFSA submissions are still accepted throughout the academic year, but you may not be considered for the maximum amount of aid.
- If the priority deadline has passed for the upcoming/current school year, we encourage you to apply for FAFSA consideration as soon as you enroll for your first courses.
- Depending on the time of year, you may be able to submit an application for the current academic year and an early/priority application for the following academic year.
You can also find helpful information in the Federal Student Aid Resources.
Certificate Financial Aid
The federal government only awards financial aid for courses that count toward completion of a UNC degree, so federal aid is not available for this stand-alone certificate. If you will need financial aid, please work with UNC Office of Financial Aid for information about non-federal loans. UNC also offers a monthly payment option.
Coordination of Federal Financial Aid
If you start this program while you are still working on your associate degree at another school, you will keep applying for federal financial aid through that school until you finish that degree. If you are enrolled in this UNC degree program and take extra classes at other schools but are not pursuing a degree at those schools, you will apply for federal financial aid through UNC. There may be some rules or limits. Check the consortium information for more details.
Program Eligibility
General Admission Requirements
You must meet the current UNC undergraduate admission requirements .
Prerequisite Courses
You should plan to complete these courses with a C or better before starting the program. Academic advisers will help you verify that you are ready to start the program. This process will include your academic goals and your completed course prerequisites.
- BIO 110 Principles of Biology – with lab
- BIO 245 Introduction to Human Anatomy and Physiology with Lab – includes a lab; if split into I and II students should take both I and II to have all body systems
- CHEM 111 Principles of Chemistry I and CHEM 111L Principles of Chemistry I Lab
- CHEM 231 Principles of Organic Chemistry
- FND 210 Medical Terminology
- FND 250 Principles of Nutrition
- PSY 120 Principles of Psychology
- STAT 150 Introduction to Statistical Analysis
Eligibility for Out-of-State Students
Eligibility by State
UNC can offer distance learning in all 50 states, the District of Columbia, and the major U.S. territories. We check for changes in state rules as needed. Some states may have extra rules for internships, clinical placements, and student teaching. Visit the State Authorization page to learn more.
International Student Eligibility
You are eligible to apply: We accept international students to online UNC programs. We can’t guarantee that our programs meet distance education requirements for every country. Before you apply, check your country’s policies and regulations. You should not apply if you live in a country that is subject to U.S. sanctions.
No student visa: Students in online UNC programs do not need to come to the United States. You will not get a student visa or receive any immigration documentation. You do not need to provide financial documentation when applying.
You will need to provide proof of your English language ability or complete the UNC Intensive English Program. Please visit the International Admissions page for information about:
- Minimum English language requirements
- Applying as an international student
Meet with an Enrollment Counselor
Visit the Academic Department
On-Campus Delivery Also Available
Are You Ready to Apply?
Thank you for your interest in this UNC program! Here are some elements you can check to be sure you are eligible and ready to apply to this program.
Program Eligibility
See the Program Eligibility section above.
International Applicants
Please see the International Student Eligibility section above to check your eligibility for this program.
Application Deadline
Applications for the online program are accepted up to one year in advance for each Fall term start. We encourage you to apply as early as possible for the upcoming Fall start, because spots are limited in this online program.
Application Process Details
Step 1 – Apply to UNC
Use the Apply Now button to create your account and start your UNC application. On the UNC application, you will choose:
- Dietetics: Exploring (B.S.) [choose this during the UNC application even if you want to pursue just the Didactic Dietetics Education Certificate]
- Campus / Site: Distance-Online
- Start Term: Fall Term (Aug.)
Step 2 – DDP Supplemental Application
Once you submit your UNC application, you will complete the Distance Dietetics Supplemental Application Form. This includes confirming whether you are seeking a bachelor’s degree, second bachelor’s degree or the certificate only. The form will be available in the Admitted Checklist of the Admissions Portal.
Apply to UNC
Register & Start Your Application
Submit a Started Application
Application Checklist & Status
Once you submit your application, your Application Checklist will guide you through the application fee, which transcripts to provide, etc.
If you have questions, email extended.campus@unco.edu or meet with an Enrollment Counselor.