Are you interested in becoming a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RDN)? Pitt’s Dietitian Nutrition program will prepare you for the future of dietetics and set you up for success no matter the direction you take in your nutrition career.
The Dietitian Nutritionist program offers three entry-points: Accelerated MS, Post-baccalaureate or Didactic Program in Dietetics (DPD) graduate. Which entry-point is the correct one for you? Follow the visual below to help you figure out where to get started.
Which Entry Point is Right for You?
Details on the Three Entry Points
| Entry Point | Accelerated MS | Post-Baccalaureate | DPD Graduate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Who is this for? | Pitt sophomores and transfer students. The Dietitian Nutritionist Accelerated MS entry is an upper-division program. This means students are required to have 60 college credits before beginning the program in the fall term. | Individuals who have a bachelor’s degree, but not from a Didactic Program in Dietetics (DPD). Still unsure if this is you? Will you receive a DPD verification statement upon graduation? If not, this is the entry-point for you. | Individuals who have a bachelor’s degree from a Didactic Program in Dietetics (DPD). Still unsure if this is you? Will you receive a DPD verification statement upon graduation? If yes, this is the entry-point for you. |
| DPD Verification Statement Required | No | No | Yes |
| Time Commitment | 3 years (6 terms) | 3 years (6 terms) | 2 years (4 terms) |
| Tuition rate Learn More | Students accepted and enrolled into the Accelerated (MS) entry point, will spend a total of 6 semesters at SHRS and pay undergraduate tuition and fees for the first 4 semesters. The student will then pay graduate tuition and fees for the last 2 semesters of the program. | Students accepted and enrolled into the Post-Baccalaureate (MS) entry point, will pay undergraduate tuition and fees for the first 2 semesters and will then pay graduate tuition and fees for the last 4 semesters of the program. | Students accepted and enrolled into the MS entry point program, will pay graduate tuition and fees for all semesters of the program. |
What Do You Need to Apply to Each Entry Point?
| Entry Point | Accelerated MS | Post-Baccalaureate | DPD Graduate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Prerequisites | Visit our Admissions Page | Visit our Admissions Page | DPD Verification Statement |
| Prerequisite Worksheet | Accelerated MS Prerequisite Worksheet | Post-Baccalaureate Prerequisite Worksheet | N/A |
| Application Deadline | March 1 | March 1 | March 1 |
| Application | Pitt Sophomore complete ULTA application. Transfer students will first need to submit the University of Pittsburgh Transfer Application. Learn more. | GradCAS: At the end of the application you will be asked if you have attended a Didactic Program in Dietetics, select No. | GradCAS; At the end of the application you will be asked if you have attended a Didactic Program in Dietetics, select Yes. |
| Application Review | Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis beginning in January. | Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis beginning in January. Apply early and receive your decision. | Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis beginning in January. Apply early and receive your decision. |
Our DN Program offers regular online information sessions where you can learn about our programs directly from faculty and current students and have all your questions answered. Check out our listings for upcoming information sessions to learn more!