We prepare you for a successful career as a registered dietitian nutritionist (RDN), empowering you to lead in your profession and community.
Dietetics is a STEM major focused on the science of nutrition and its critical role in preventing disease and promoting health. RDNs are nationally certified experts who translate complex science into practical guidance, helping individuals manage conditions like diabetes and heart disease. Our rigorous curriculum blends advanced science, food, and nutrition courses, preparing students for diverse careers in healthcare, sports nutrition, foodservice, business, research, education, and more.
With growing awareness of nutrition’s impact on health, demand for RDNs is rising. Learn more about our mission and goals on this page.
Become a Dietetics Double Dawg!
Dietetics students can qualify for the Double Dawg pathway, earning graduate credits during their undergraduate program. The online Master’s is typically completed alongside a dietetic internship or supervised practice, preparing students for the RDN exam.
National Accreditation
The dietetics major is a Didactic Program in Dietetics accredited by the Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics (ACEND®) for the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, 120 South Riverside Plaza, Suite 2190, Chicago, IL 60606-6995, 800-877-1600, ext. 5400.
Policies and Procedures
All program policies and procedures—including costs, admission requirements, academic calendar, graduation requirements, and steps to become a registered dietitian nutritionist—are available in the Student Handbook on the right. For questions, contact Dr. Emma Laing, Dietetics Program Director.
Registered Dietitian Nutritionist
Students who complete the Didactic Program in Dietetics (DPD) at UGA earn a Bachelor of Science degree. To become a registered dietitian nutritionist (RDN), graduates must also complete a master’s degree and an ACEND®-accredited supervised practice program before taking the registration exam.
State Licensure
To become licensed, DPD graduates must complete a master’s degree, an ACEND®-accredited supervised practice program, and pass the CDR exam for RDNs. Licensure requirements vary by state— view the CDR Licensure Map. In Georgia, licensure is required through the Georgia Board of Examiners of Licensed Dietitians. UGA’s DPD does not include a master’s degree or supervised practice, but we offer strong support and mentoring to help students pursue both. UGA offers a double dawg program, which allows students to complete the Bachelor’s degree and the MS Non-thesis on campus or online (MS portion) in a total of 5 years or less. We also offer a combined MS/DI and MS degrees. and For more information, visit the UGA Licensure Disclosure Portal and Become a Registered Nutrition Professional.
What do Dietitians do?
This video highlights how registered dietitian nutritionists (RDNs) use food and nutrition to improve health. Featuring diverse professionals at different career stages, it showcases RDNs working in clinical care, foodservice, sports nutrition, schools, and public health.