Kinesiology

Bachelor of Science in Nutrition and Dietetics

Nourish your body, nourish your mind

Mission of Nutrition Dietetics Program

The mission of the Didactic Program in Nutrition and Dietetics at Western Illinois University is to prepare graduates with the knowledge and competencies expected of those entering a supervised practice program or entering a nutrition- related health career including becoming a registered dietitian.

Goals and Objective Measures of the Dietetics Program

Program Goal #1: Program graduates will be competent entry-level nutrition professionals.

Objective Measures
  • At least 80% of students complete program requirements within 6 years (150% of planned program length).*
  • At least 50% of program graduates apply for admission to a supervised practice program prior to or within 12 months of graduation.*
  • Of program graduates who apply to a supervised practice program, at least 80% are admitted within 12 months of graduation.*
  • The program’s one-year pass rate (graduates who pass the registration exam within one year of first attempt) on the CDR credentialing exam for dietitian nutritionists is at least 80%.*
  • Within 12 months of graduation, at least 85% of supervised practice program directors who respond to survey will indicate the graduate was adequately prepared.*

(* Required program objectives.)

Program Goal #2: The program will encourage students to become active professionals.

Objective Measures
  • At least 85% of graduates who respond to alums survey indicate membership in at least one professional organization.
  • At least 95% of graduates who respond to alums survey indicate that the program prepared them adequately in professionalism.
  • At least 90% of supervised practice program directors will respond that students performed satisfactorily as professionals.

(* Outcome data measuring achievement of program objective)

Accreditation/Approval Status of the Didactic Program in Nutrition and Dietetics

The Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics (ACEND) last accredited the current dietetics program at Western Illinois University as a Didactic Program in Dietetics (DPD) in 2016. The Council is located at the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics headquarters at 120 S. Riverside Plaza #2190, Chicago, IL 60606; 800-877-1600. After receiving the degree in Dietetics and meeting the competencies for the DPD, students are eligible for a verification statement required to apply for an accredited Dietetic Internship. After completion of the Internship, students are verified to take the Registration Examination to earn the credential RD (Registered Dietitian).

* Please note that students/interns will need to have a master’s degree in order to take the Commission on Dietetic Registration (CDR) credentialing exam to become a registered dietitian nutritionist after January 1, 2024.

Program Completion and Verification

A graduate of the WIU DPD is eligible to apply for admission into an accredited dietetics supervised practice program. A verification statement is sent to the graduate upon verifying completion of the program with the Registrar. This verification statement is required for admission into an accredited dietetics supervised practice program as well as other professional certifications. The dietetics supervised practice program follows graduation and acceptance is based on several factors including grade point average, work experience, faculty recommendations, and participation in nutrition-related activities and organizations.

After completion of an accredited dietetics supervised practice program and graduate degree program (New Requirement January 1, 2024), the graduate is eligible to take the national registration examination for dietitians to become a registered dietitian (RD/RDN). The verification statement must accompany a graduate's application to sit for the registration examination. Dietetics practitioners must also obtain Licensure of Dietitian Nutritionist (LDN) status in the state of Illinois.

* Please note that students/interns will need to have a master’s degree in order to take the Commission on Dietetic Registration (CDR) credentialing exam to become a registered dietitian nutritionist after January 1, 2024.

Distance Education

After modifying teaching techniques during the COVID public health emergency with available technologies, the dietetics faculty made the decision to continue offering online courses to students. Western Illinois University’s vision is to strive to be a leader in educational quality, opportunity, and affordability among regional public universities. Living on campus is expensive, and allowing students to attend while living at home can save a significant amount of money, thus fulfilling WIU’s vision. WIU is committed to a diverse student body. Offering online courses has increased the dietetics program’s diversity with international students and students from areas outside of Macomb, IL.

With proper advising, students can complete their first two years at a community college or WIU and then complete the last two years of the Nutrition and Dietetics program online at home or in Macomb, IL. All NUTR courses are offered online. Several courses are offered in multiple modalities (face-to-face, livestreaming, and online) each semester. The courses that are offered via face-to-face and livestreaming are typically on Tuesdays/Thursdays so students who need to work more than weekends have that option. There are no additional costs for online courses. The Nutrition and Dietetics faculty also offer weekly optional Zoom reviews for all online courses. WIU provides significant technical assistance for online students.

All students enrolled in the Nutrition and Dietetics program need the same technology requirements as all exams are taken online. To gain access to class exams, students must login to WesternOnline with their usernames and passwords. WIU employs Respondus LockDown Browser, Monitor, and Live proctoring via videoconference. Instructors require a student ID and photo to be taken to validate identity. For those students on campus, there are several computer labs available throughout the campus. WIU requires authentication to WesternOnline by requiring a username and ID. It also requires a separate ID and password to access student records including financial aid, grades, registration, STARS, etc.

Distance Education Technology Requirements

Western Online Technical Requirements:

All Nutrition and Dietetics courses requires exam proctoring using Respondus LockDown Browser and a webcam for online exams.

  • The webcam can be built into the computer or can be the type that plugs in with a USB cable. Watch this short video to get a basic understanding of LockDown Browser and the webcam feature. A student Quick Start Guide is also available. I also recommend reviewing the WIU tutorial for students.
  • Then download and install LockDown Browser from this link: https://download.respondus.com/lockdown/download.php?id=836614457
  • Within the Getting Started section of the course students will find the WIU student tutorial and a practice exam for both LockDown Browser and LockDown Monitor. It is essential that students complete both of these to ensure that their computer and webcam are working properly with Respondus LockDown Browser proctoring prior to their first exam.

Additional Program Costs

In addition to University tuition, room and board, etc., certain costs will be incurred in the dietetics degree program at Western Illinois University. The following items are estimated costs offered to assist students in planning for their financial responsibilities while at Western.

  • Student organization membership fee(s) (varies)…………………...$10–40.00/year
  • ServSafe Managers Certification....…………………………………$150
  • 2 Foods Classes……………………………………………………   $250.00/each

Learn more about Financial Assistance

Career Opportunities

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) predicts that the employment of dietitians and nutritionists is projected to grow 7 percent from 2022 to 2032, faster than the average for all occupations because of increased importance placed on disease prevention, increasing population, aging population, and the interest in nutrition by the public.  The projected percent change in employment from 2022 to 2032. The average growth rate for all occupations is 3 percent.   About 5,600 openings for dietitians and nutritionists are projected each year, on average, over the decade.

Dietitians provide nutrition services, manage food service operations, and conduct research or sales with the public and private sectors in the United States and abroad. For more information on a career in dietetics, visit

Job settings include:

  • Clinics
  • Hospitals (inpatient/acute care)
  • Health maintenance organizations
  • Sports facilities
  • Private practice
  • School food service (K-12)
  • Colleges and universities
  • Extended care facilities
  • Government programs
  • Distributors/retailers
  • Pharmaceutical companies
  • Food service industries
  • Food manufacturers
  • Food industry catering service
  • Food equipment companies