Didactic Program in Dietetics

The DPD is a four-year academic program which meets all of the requirements for the graduate to apply elsewhere for the supervised practice experience (internship) following graduation.  Internships vary in length from 6 to 12 months. Longer internships are available in conjunction with a master's program.  Students are eligible to take the Commission on Dietetic Registration (CDR) exam after successful completion of an ACEND accredited dietetic internship (DI) and graduate degree. Application deadline for the DPD is mid-January for the following fall.  Please see the application for exact deadline. Applicants must have the minimum grade point average (GPA) of 3.0 with a 2.75 science GPA to be considered for the program.  Once accepted, an overall GPA of 3.0 must be maintained with a C or higher in all HNES courses to remain in the program. Evaluation of students will occur at midterm and at the end of each course. Students will be required to submit midterm reports to ensure that the student is staying on track to meet GPA requirements of the program. Maintaining a high GPA and work experience in a hospital, long-term care food service, or some other type of nutrition related experience will enhance a student's chance to receive a DI.   Students choosing the DPD are given department faculty assistance in applying for the DI's. 

Verification Statement:

Students successfully completing the Didactic Program in Dietetics are eligible to receive a Verification Statement from the DPD Director. The Verification Statement containing the DPD Director’s original signature documents that the student has successfully met all of the requirements for a DPD and that students are eligible to enroll in an ACEND accredited dietetic internship to complete their education to become a registered dietitian nutritionist.

In order to receive a Verification Statement from the DPD Director, the student must:

• Earn a bachelor’s degree. Students should refer to the university catalog for university requirements for graduation. See degree/graduation requirements at https://catalog.ndsu.edu/undergraduate/program-curriculum/nutrition-science/. A minimum of 120 credits are required.
• Graduate with an overall GPA of 3.0 or higher.
• Earn a grade of “C” or higher in all HNES courses.

The DPD has more flexibility in scheduling and allows more time for extracurricular activities in comparison to the Coordinated Program.   The DPD also allows for more elective coursework or a double major or minors.   

A complete listing of accredited supervised practice programs (internships) may be found at https://www.eatrightpro.org/acend/accredited-programs/dietetic-internships 

Most dietetic internships participate in Dietetic Internship Centralized Application System (DICAS).  More information about applying for dietetic internships may be found at 

https://www.eatrightpro.org/acend/students-and-advancing-education/dietetic-internship-match-students

Program Goals and Measurable Objectives

Program Goal 1: 

The program will produce entry-level graduates who are competent to enter into a dietetic internship or a pathway offering supervised practice.

Program Objectives for Goal 1

• At least 80% of program students complete program/degree requirements within 3 years (150% of the program length).
• At least 75% 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 75% 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%.
• 80% of the responding Supervised Practice Program Directors will rate NDSU graduates in four content areas with a mean of ≥3.0 on a Likert scale of 1-4, (4=well-prepared) when compared to fellow graduates from other dietetic programs.
• 80% of the responding graduates will rate themselves, in four content areas, with mean of ≥3.0 on a Likert scale of 1-4, (4=well-prepared), when compared to fellow graduates from other dietetic programs. 

Program Goal 2: 

The program will produce graduates who are active professionals in the community and engaged in lifelong learning.

Program Objectives for Goal 2 

• At least 50% of the DPD graduates responding to alumni survey will indicate participation in at least one professional activity in the past year. 
• At least 50% of the DPD graduates responding to alumni survey will report that they have participated in continuing education activities in the past year.
• At least 50% of the DPD graduates responding to alumni survey will report that they have completed >10 hours of volunteer or philanthropic activities in the past year.

 Program outcome data are available upon request.

DPD Program Costs

Tuition and Fees: http://www.ndsu.edu/admission/cost_tuition/cost/ 

*Students may be eligible for financial aid or scholarships.

There may be some additional costs associated with the program, which are listed below.  We are not able to provide exact amounts for these costs, so please be aware that the figures listed are estimates.  This list is not meant to be all-inclusive but is included to aid students financial planning.