CPD Application Process

Admission Selection Criteria

Before applying to the CPD program, students must receive full admission to NDSU. Please see NDSU's admission criteria for more information.

In order to apply to the CPD, students will need to meet the minimum requirements listed below.

1. Receive a 'B' or above in:
   • HNES 250 – Nutrition Science (or equivalent)
2. Receive a 'C' or above in all other HNES courses
3. Receive a 'C' or above in the following or equivalent courses:
   • CHEM 117 - Chemical Concepts and Applications
   • BIOC 260 - Elements of Biochemistry
   • MICR 202/L - Introductory Microbiology/Laboratory
   • BIOL 220/L - Human Anatomy and Physiology I/Laboratory
   • BIOL 221/L - Human Anatomy and Physiology II/Laboratory
4. Cumulative overall GPA of 3.0 or higher
5. Have completed at least 60 undergraduate credits including the following courses (or equivalent): PSYC 111, CHEM 117, ENGL 110, MATH 103 or 104, PSYC 211, ENGL 120, MICR 202/202L, BIOL 220/220L, COMM 110, HNES 250, HNES 291, CSCI 114, BIOC 260, BIOL 221/221L, HNES 251, HNES 261, and HNES 261L. If you are not sure if you are eligible to apply, please reach out to Robert Dirk, Academic Advisor for HNES, via email at robert.a.dirk@ndsu.edu.

CPD Application Instructions

Step 1: Complete Qualtrics survey notifying the Nutrition Science program of your intent to apply for the Accelerated Coordinated Program in Nutrition Science and Dietetics.

Step 2: Submit a declaration of intent form to the graduate school during the summer or the first week of fall semester of junior year.

Step 3: Once declaration of intent form has been approved, submit graduate school application no later than the second Friday of September.

Step 4: Applicants will be contacted via their e-mail address provided to set up an interview.

Required Application Materials

1. Statement of purpose

2. Resume

3. Completed application

4. Official transcripts from all universities and colleges attended

5. Two letters of recommendation

All transfer students (from other institutions or from other programs on campus) must complete a program application as outlined above in order to be considered for acceptance into the CPD. If you have questions about course transfer equivalency, you can search the NDSU Transfer Course Equivalencies page.

You can also contact Robert Dirk, Academic Advisor for HNES, via e-mail at robert.a.dirk@ndsu.edu for questions regarding transferring to the NDSU Nutrition Science program.

Program Notification of Admission Procedure
The notification on the decision for your selection into the program will be sent to the e-mail address that you provided, no later than the third Friday in October.

Additional Requirements for the Accelerated Coordinated Program in Nutrition Science and Dietetics

Once students have received admission to the CPD, the Graduate School requires students to maintain a 3.0 overall GPA for the duration of the program. Students must also receive a 'C' or above in all HNES undergraduate and graduate courses to remain in the Accelerated Coordinated Program in Nutrition Science and Dietetics.

Graduation Requirements

Students must meet NDSU's Undergraduate Graduation Requirements, maintain a 3.0 overall GPA, and earn a 'B' or above in HNES 250 and a 'C' or above in all other HNES undergraduate and graduate courses. Students earn a BS degree in Nutrition Science upon completion of undergraduate requirements during spring semester of year four and an MS degree in Exercise and Nutrition Sciences upon completion of graduate requirements during spring semester of year five. After year five, students who successfully complete all components of the program (BS, MS, and 1000 hours supervised practice) will be eligible to take the Commission on Dietetic Registration exam.