College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences
Human Nutrition and Dietetic Sciences
College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences
Human Nutrition and Dietetic Sciences
Fuel Health and Change Lives
with a Degree in Human Nutrition and Dietetic Sciences
The Human Nutrition & Dietetic Sciences (HNDS) program at New Mexico State University offers comprehensive undergraduate education in nutrition, preparing students for diverse careers in community nutrition, clinical care, public health and food service management. Students can pursue a Bachelor of Science in either Pre-Dietetics/Dietetics, which emphasizes dietetics sciences and prepares graduates for the registered dietitian credential, or Nutrition Education, focusing on nutrition, health science and instruction to educate the community on healthy living and eating. The program is committed to student-centered learning with a strong emphasis on equity, inclusion and diversity.
Admission Deadlines
Students are required to apply for admission into the Dietetics option in the fall semester of their junior year.
- Total classes: 40-42
- Total credit hours: 120-128
- Cost per credit hour: $223.58**
Delivery Format
In-person
Career Pathways
NMSU's HNDS program provides the necessary education and training to embark on these diverse career paths, equipping graduates with the skills and knowledge to make a positive impact in the field of nutrition and dietetics.
- Nutrition Educator
- Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RDN)
- Food and Nutrition Services Director
- Nutrition Consultant
Degree questions, answered
Have questions about the Human Nutrition and Dietetic Sciences? Fill out our inquiry form.
Empowering Healthy Communities: NMSU’s Human Nutrition B.S. Blends Wellness Science, Behavior Change and Nutrition Communication
HNDS students thrive in environments that emphasize hands-on learning, community engagement and evidence-based practices. Whether aiming to become registered dietitians, nutrition educators or public health advocates, they are committed to lifelong learning and professional growth in the field of nutrition and dietetics.
ACEND Accredited
The Didactic Program in Dietetics (DPD) is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics.
Scholarships Available
Get up to 100% of tuition covered with the New Mexico Opportunity Scholarship.**
Nutrition Education - The program attracts individuals who are committed to improving public health and are interested in roles such as nutrition educators, community health workers and public health nutritionists.
The Bachelor of Science in Family and Consumer Sciences with the Nutrition Education concentration consists of 120-128 credits. To earn this degree, you need to complete all Family and Consumer Science core courses, and all University degree requirements, which include General Education requirements, Viewing a Wider World requirements and elective credits with 48 credits in courses numbered 300 or above.
Take classes in:
- FCSC 3110 – Management Concepts in Family and Consumer Sciences Teaching
- NUTR 2110 – Human Nutrition
- NUTR 3710 – Food Systems & Policy in Dietetics
- NUTR 4210 – Community Nutrition
Pre-Dietetics/Dietetics - The program emphasizes foundational sciences, preparing graduates for the rigorous dietetic internship required for Registered Dietitian credentialing. All Pre-Dietetics students are required to apply for admission into the Dietetics option in the fall semester of their junior year as indicated on the Pre-Dietetics/Dietetics road map.
All Pre-Dietetics students are required to apply for admission into the Dietetics option in the fall semester of their junior year as indicated on the Pre-Dietetics/Dietetics road map.
The Dietetics option is a Didactic Program in Dietetics (DPD) that is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics (ACEND). This option enables graduates to continue pursuing the credentials of a registered dietitian (RD). Becoming an RD is currently a three-step process:
- Successfully complete an ACEND-accredited DPD program (e.g. the NMSU Dietetics Option), earn a degree and a verification statement
- The verification statement ensures eligibility to apply to the next step.
- Successfully complete an ACEND-accredited Dietetic Internship (DI) program, earn another verification statement.
- This 2nd verification statement ensures eligibility to begin the next step.
- Pass the Commission on Dietetic Registration (CDR) registration exam.
To earn a Verification Statement from the NMSU DPD, students must:
- Complete all classes outlined in the Dietetics option roadmap.
- Attain a C or higher (on campus or transfer) in classes with CHEM, BCHE, BIOL, SPMD, AHS/CHSS/NURS, FSTE and NUTR prefixes (C- does not count toward degree).
The Bachelor of Science in Family and Consumer Sciences with the Pre-Dietetics/Dietetics concentration consists of 122-123 credits. To earn this degree, you need to complete all Family and Consumer Science core courses, and all University degree requirements, which include General Education requirements, Viewing a Wider World requirements and elective credits with 48 credits in courses numbered 300 or above.
Take classes in:
- NUTR 3110 – Nutrition Throughout the Lifecycle
- NUTR 3710 – Food Systems & Policy in Dietetics
- NUTR 4210 – Community Nutrition
- NUTR 4233 – Nutrition Counseling and Education
Ready to take the next step?
Request Information
Scholarships and Financial Aid
At NMSU, we strive to offer competitively priced tuition to keep your tuition costs affordable. If you need financial aid, we’re ready to work with you to determine the best ways to finance your education.
Financial assistance includes loans, grants, and scholarship opportunities. To apply, use NMSU’s convenient Scholar Dollar$ one-stop scholarship application, which serves all students in the NMSU system.
NMSU students are also eligible for loans and grants. The first step in applying for financial aid is to complete a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Learn more about financial aid opportunities at NMSU.
Contact Financial Aid
Phone: 1-888-729-6678
Email: financialaid@nmsu.edu
Accreditation
New Mexico State University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission, an institutional accreditation agency recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. Specialized accreditation from other accrediting agencies is also granted for some programs. NMSU’s accreditation ensures that your education meets high-quality standards and that your credits are transferable.