Dietetics (BS)
Become an expert in science-based nutrition and understand the role of food in health as you prepare for a career as a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RDN)
Become an expert in science-based nutrition and understand the role of food in health as you prepare for a career as a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RDN)
The Madonna University Didactic Program in Dietetics is currently granted full accreditation status by the Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics (ACEND) of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, 120 South Riverside Plaza, Suite 2190, Chicago, IL 60606, 312-899-5400, https://www.eatrightpro.org/acend
Launch your career in nutrition and dietetics with hands-on experience and expert guidance. At Madonna University, you'll gain the knowledge and skills necessary to become a Registered Nutrition and Dietetic Technician (NDTR) – or continue on to earn your master's degree and become a Registered Dietician Nutritionist (RDN).
Our Bachelor's of Science in Dietetics is fully accredited by the Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics (ACEND). You'll build a strong foundation in food science, nutrition, and health while getting practical experience in our professional food lab. Graduates are prepared for employment, graduate study, or supervised practice leading to RDN credentialing.
Note: For technical information related to distance education, please see the Student Handbook.
Looking for a faster way to become a Registered Dietitian? Madonna University’s 3+2 Accelerated Dietetics Program lets you earn both your bachelor’s and master’s degrees in just five years, saving you time and tuition while preparing you for professional success. Because the curriculum is designed as a combined program, students must complete both the bachelor's and master's degrees as part of the 3+2 structure.
High school students interested in the 3+2 program should have:
Applications received by December 1 for the following fall semester receive priority consideration. Applications received after December 1 will be reviewed as space allows.
To remain in the 3+2 program once enrolled, students must:
Did you know that MAdonna Dietetics grads are making an impact in places like the Detroit Tigers, MGM Grand Casinos, and even the US Army?
With a degree in dietetics, you'll join a growing profession that combines science, health, and service to help others live well. About half of all RDNs work in clinical settings such as hospitals, long-term care facilities, or outpatient specialties including diabetes care, eating disorders, and renal care.
But the field extends far beyond clinical practice. Dietitians play key roles in areas such as:
Billy earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Dietetics and played on the Men’s Soccer team at Madonna University. Currently, he works as an active duty officer in the Army as the dietitian for the 194th Armored Brigade in Fort Benning, Georgia. He is part of the Army’s program: Holistic Health and Fitness (H2F). In this program the Army brings 5 domains together: physical, nutritional, mental, spiritual, and sleep readiness. Billy works with PT, OT, athletic trainers and strength and conditioning coaches to help build a healthy force. He teaches classes to new soldiers on “Performance Nutrition” and “Supplements and Healthy Habits.” He performs nutrition assessments and counsels soldiers, using motivational interviewing to help with behavior change.
Kari Barden graduated from Madonna University with a B.S. in Dietetics and completed an internship at The Ohio State University. She is currently working as the corporate dietitian/wellness program manager at MGM Grand Casino and Resort in Downtown Detroit. She is in charge of the health and wellness of the 3,000+ employees on property at MGM in Detroit. Her daily duties include one on one counseling with clients, promotion of on-site wellness events, and presentations for large and small groups. If individual employees meet with Kari three times per year, they earn a paycheck incentive equal to half of their health insurance payment. Corporate wellness is a growing field, and Kari is excelling in it as she emphasizes its importance to her clients.
Join students and faculty to gain experience in research, nutrition education and community service.
Meet other students with a special interest in nutrition. As part of the Nutrition Network you can help create on campus events such as Food Day, assist community partners such as Cooking Matters, attend conferences and host guest speakers from a variety of food and nutrition career fields.
Get recognized for your achievements in science, boost your resume or internship application, network and develop your leadership skills. Sigma Zeta, is a national honor society for undergraduate students with high GPAs in science and math, including nutrition and dietetics.
Ask your advisor for more details.
Obtain a strong science and nutrition background while preparing for graduate programs in healthcare, food science or nutrition research.
Work toward a career as a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RDN) by gaining advanced knowledge in many areas of nutrition and gaining skills in creating nutrition plans and educating clients of diverse backgrounds.
Gain experience investigating current nutritional issues related to behavior modification, obesity and chronic disease, end of life care, and sustainability. Complete a capstone research project under the guidance of qualified faculty.
Ph.D. Michigan State University
M.S. Iowa State University
B.S. University of Iowa
Dietetic Internship, University of Michigan School of Public Health
734-432-5534
Franciscan Center S217-U
Dr. Schmitz is a former Peace Corps volunteer who became interested in the field of nutrition while working as a high school science teacher in Lesotho, Africa. She is a Registered Dietitian who has worked in the areas of research, nutrition education and nutritional counseling. She enjoys teaching courses in Nutrition Assessment, Medical Nutrition Therapy, Advanced Human Nutrition and Experimental Foods and Research.
Karen has been active in many professional associations related to nutrition and dietetics, most recently serving as an Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics Position Paper editor and on the board of the Southeastern Michigan Dietetics Association. She has served as a reviewer for several nutrition textbooks and on advisory boards for dietetic internships. Her recent research includes collaborating with nursing faculty on the project titled, "Teaching Nutrition Screening and Assessment of the Geriatric Patient: An Inter-professional Approach."
In addition, she has worked with many students on research projects related to fat replacers, sugar substitutes, oil absorption and consumer acceptability of food products. Several of these students have presented their research and won awards at the Michigan Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics Annual Conference.
Ph.D. Wayne State University
B.S. Oakland University
Dietetic Internship, WSU Coordinated Program
734-432-5514
Franciscan Center 217D
Rachel Sochocki is the Director of the Undergraduate Programs in Nutrition and Dietetics. She began teaching at Madonna University in 2025. Her interests include clinical nutrition, public health nutrition, and obesity management. Rachel also serves as the faculty advisor for the Nutrition Network Student Organization.
Rachel is a Registered Dietitian with experience in acute care clinical dietetics. Her doctoral research at Wayne State University, supported in part by the Thomas C. Rumble University Graduate Fellowship, focused on the relationship between eating behaviors, weight loss maintenance and inflammation.
M.S. Eastern Michigan University
B.S. Madonna University
Dietetic Internship, DMC
734-32-5515
Franciscan Center 217-P
Ph.D., Walden University
M.S. Michigan State University
B.S. Madonna University
MPH University of Michigan
B.S. University of Wisconsin-Stout
Dietetic Internship Iowa State University
