Nutritional Sciences, Nutrition and Dietetics Major

Start your registered dietitian nutritionist (RDN) journey

Nutritional sciences, nutrition and dietetics graduates fulfill the Didactic Program in Dietetics (DPD) portion of the DPD + Dietetic Internship pathway to become a RDN. Once this credential is earned, graduates must complete a dietetic internship and a master’s degree before they can take the national RDN exam.

Get involved. Find your people.

The Dietetics and Nutrition Club is hosted by the Department of Nutritional Sciences and connects club members and professionals in the field of dietetics, and provides a social network for students in the Nutritional Sciences, Nutrition and Dietetics major and other students with similar interests.

Nutritional sciences, nutrition and dietetics students can join the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, the world’s largest organization of food and nutrition professionals, providing public information on advocacy, leadership, career development, dietetics resources, position, and practice papers.

Explore a few of the other nutrition and health-related student organizations at UW–Madison:

Fund your education

There are eleven funding opportunities exclusively available in the Department of Nutritional Sciences for nutritional sciences and nutritional sciences, nutrition and dietetics students. Each year, between $60,000 and $75,000 is available to be awarded to students.

Study abroad and gain global perspective

Broaden your worldview surrounding food beliefs, customs, and values while cultivating awareness and an inclusive attitude toward how food and nutrition is used and perceived across cultures with a study abroad program.

Learn about the connection between obesity and health in Austria, sustainable agriculture and local food systems in France, health and nutrition in Uganda, and so much more. You can also choose from one of UW–Madison’s many semester, summer, and short-term study abroad programs and map your study abroad experience as a nutritional sciences, nutrition and dietetics major.

Learn through real-world experiences

Required courses expose students to clinical problem-solving, assessing medical record data, evaluating food intake, planning modified diets, and reviewing medical and research literature related to certain diseases or conditions. This training develops critical thinking, teamwork, and communication skills needed by dietetic interns and registered dietitians.