Bachelor of Science
Family and Consumer Sciences
College of Education and Human DevelopmentDietetics
Bachelor of Science (B.S.)
Admissions, Advising, and Graduation Requirements:
Students entering the Dietetics Program must meet all University admission requirements. Prospective students need to be aware that new admission requirements for the program went into effect in fall 2010. In addition, the curriculum has been extensively revised. Students are admitted to the pre-dietetics program for the first two years. They apply for admission to the professional component of program (years 3 and 4) during second semester of sophomore year. Admission to the professional component of the program is competitive. The admission criteria, application procedures, new curriculum, and Major Program Guides are described in the links below
Admission Criteria as of Fall 2010
Dietetics Major Program Guide (DIDJ) (Effective Fall 2010) 
Recommended Course Sequence
Dietetics Major Program Guide (DIDJ) (Before Fall 2010)
Didactic Program in Dietetics Handbook This handbook contains the mission, program goals, faculty information, curriculum plans, program policies, scholarship information, information on application process to internships, and much more.
Expenses: The cost of an undergraduate education in dietetics includes the standard expenses of tuition, fees, room and board. The amount charged for tuition, fees, and University room and board is determined by the Board of Trustees and is subject to change. Additional expenses for dietetics students will include fees for laboratory classes. These fees cover the cost of materials used in laboratories and, for some classes where students work with clients, liability insurance. Effective Fall 2010, a $20.00 application fee will be required for students applying to the professional component of DPD (years 3 and 4). The following table offers an estimate of the major costs associated with attending pre-dietetics and dietetics programs at WMU for one academic year (Fall and Spring semester).
Item |
Lower-level undergraduate resident |
Lower-level undergraduate non-resident |
Upper-level undergraduate resident |
Upper-level undergraduate non-resident |
|
2011-2012 Flat rate tuition cost per academic year (12-15 credits per semester) |
$8,762 |
$21,494 |
$9,680 |
$23,934 |
|
Room and Board |
$8045 (15 meal per week, double occupancy room) |
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Estimated cost of attendance (includes tuition, room and board, books, and personal expenses)* |
Undergraduate Resident: $22,270 per semester (Fall and Spring) Undergraduate Non-Resident: $36,310 per semester (Fall and Spring) |
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DPD course fees |
Lower-level undergraduates: $100 |
Upper-level undergraduates: $70 |
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Liability insurance |
Upper-level undergraduates: $10 |
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Background check |
Upper-level undergraduates: $70 |
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TB test |
Upper-level undergraduates: $14 |
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American Dietetic Association membership fee |
Upper-level undergraduates: $50 |
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Academic Advising: Most required professional courses are offered only once a year. Planning course sequences with the assistance of the Academic Advisor is critical to the successful completion of study within the normal or desired time period. The College of Education and Human Development Office of Admissions and Advising is located in 2504 Sangren Hall (269) 387-3474.
Graduation and DPD Completion Requirements
In order to receive the BS Degree in Dietetics the following graduation requirements must be met:
1. Completion of all courses required for BS in Dietetics degree including general education courses, with no incomplete (I) grades (see current degree requirements)
2. As of fall 2010, students admitted to the pre-dietetics program need to officially apply for admission to the professional component of DPD and be admitted. Admission requirements and application procedures.
3. Completion of at least 122 semester hours of credit, of which at least 60 semester hours must be credits from four-year baccalaureate degree granting institutions and at least 30 semester hours must be credits from WMU. Of the last 30 semester credit hours required for the degree, at least 10 semester hours must be WMU credits.
4. A maximum of 15 credit hours of correspondence or self-instructional course work may be applied towards completion of degree requirements. This rule does not apply to online courses.
5. Attainment of a minimum of 2.0 grade point average in the Major and cumulatively.
6. All courses on the Dietetics Program Guide must be completed with a minimum letter grade of "C".
7. Student must pay all fees owed to the university.
8. Student must complete all graduation-related paperwork including graduation audit.
9. Western Michigan University does not impose a time limit on completion of a Bachelor of Science Degree. If a student does not take courses for one calendar year or more, then decides to complete degree, he/she is allowed to follow the catalog used at the time of initial admission. However, if the DPD curriculum has changed during student's absence, he/she will not be issued a Verification of Program Completion, unless additional course(s) deemed necessary to update knowledge are completed.
WMU DPD will issue a Verification Statement (completion document) to all students who successfully complete the requirements of the Didactic Program in Dietetics. Students will use this document to prove their completion of the program for the application to Dietetic Internship programs and eligibility to take the Dietetic Technician Registered Examination. Please see the link for more information.
WMU DPD Verification Statement Procedure
Links For Current Students:
- Student and Professional Organizations
- WMU Internship Application Procedures
- Applicant Guide to Supervised Practice 2011-2012
- Request for Recommendation Letter Form
- Dietetic Internship Application Form
- Recommendation and Waiver Forms
- U.S. Dietetics Internship Programs
- Commission on Dietetic Registration