Dietitian Nutritionist Program (MS)

Format(s)
On-campus
Degree Type
Accelerated Master of Science, Master of Science, or Master of Science with a Post-Baccalaureate Year
Duration

Accelerated MS Entry Point
3 years (6 terms)

Didactic Program in Dietetics (DPD) Graduate and Post-Baccalaureate Entry Points
2 years (4 terms)

Format(s)
On-campus
Degree Type
Accelerated Master of Science, Master of Science, or Master of Science with a Post-Baccalaureate Year
Duration

Accelerated MS Entry Point
3 years (6 terms)

Didactic Program in Dietetics (DPD) Graduate and Post-Baccalaureate Entry Points
2 years (4 terms)

At a Glance

Prepare to become a registered dietitian nutritionist (RDN) through Pitt’s Dietitian Nutritionist Program deemed a Future Education Graduate Model among similar accredited programs. Gain valuable knowledge about medical nutrition therapy, nutrient metabolism, public policy and health. Your didactic training will be reinforced with more than 1,000 hours of hands-on supervised experiential learning. Personalize each experience through a variety of unique specialty rotations.

Application

Start Term

Fall term (August)

Application Opens

Accelerated MS
October 7, 2024

Didactic Program in Dietetics (DPD) Graduate and Post-Baccalaureate 
September 15, 2024

Application Closes

March 1, 2025

Commitment
and Credits

Duration

Accelerated MS Entry Point
3 years (6 terms)

Didactic Program in Dietetics (DPD) Graduate and Post-Baccalaureate Entry Points
2 years (4 terms)

Commitment

Full-time

Credits

Varies on entry point: 33-70

Degree

Type of Degree

Accelerated Master of Science, Master of Science, or Master of Science with a Post-Baccalaureate Year

Graduates of this program are eligible to take the national registration exam to become a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RDN) in the U.S.

Accelerated MS
Students earn a Bachelor of Science and a Master of Science. Students earn the Bachelor of Science in Nutrition Science at the end of year two and a Master of Science in Nutrition and Dietetics at the end of year three.

DPD Graduate and Post-Baccalaureate Entry Points
Students earn a Master of Science in Nutrition and Dietetics.

Format(s)

On-campus

Applied Skills

Dietitian Nutritionist students will complete Supervised Experiential Learning (SEL) throughout the program with the majority completed in the final two semesters. With over 1,000 hours of hands-on experience, students will complete them under the direction of the clinical and community public health coordinators, clinical instructors and assigned preceptors. Program coordinators ensure implementation of the program’s SEL curriculum and achievement of ACEND competencies. There are guaranteed rotations and specialty rotations that students can apply for; rotation positions vary each year.

Estimated
Program Costs

Each entry point has a unique breakdown between undergraduate and graduate tuition estimates per semester.

Certification
and Licensure

Upon successful completion of the Dietitian Nutritionist Program graduates are eligible to take the Commission on Dietetic Registration (CDR) national registration examination for dietitians. Graduates passing the registration exam are eligible for licensure in Pennsylvania by the Board of Nursing. For licensing information please visit instructions for Licensed Dietitian-Nutritionist (LDN) Applicants.

The credentialing exam requirements are set by the CDR.

Accreditation

The Dietitian Nutritionist Program is accredited by the commission of Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics (ACEND) the accrediting agency for the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, 120 South Riverside Plaza, Suite 2190, Chicago, IL, 60606-6995, 312/899-5400. https://www.eatrightpro.org/acend

Student
Handbooks

2024-2025 Dietitian Nutritionist Program Student Handbook
View/Download
2023-2024 Dietitian Nutritionist Program Student Handbook
View/Download
2024-2025 Graduate Student Handbook
View/Download