Bachelor of Science in Nutrition and Dietetics
The Didactic Program in Dietetics (DPD) is no longer accepting students and will be voluntarily closing effective May 31, 2020.
The Department of Sports Medicine and Nutrition is offering two other programs:
- Nutrition Science (BS)
- Dietitian Nutritionist Program (for those interested in becoming an RDN)
The DPD will maintain its ACEND accreditation status through May 31, 2020. Students who do not complete all DPD course requirements by May 31, 2020 will not be considered graduates of an ACEND-accredited DPD. For more information about the closure of the DPD, please contact Lori Cherok at lcherok@pitt.edu.
About
Learn more about the mission and goals of our undergraduate Nutrition program and how it puts students on track to become Registered Dietitian/Nutritionists (RDNs).
Admission
View the admission requirements and course prerequisites for Pitt's undergraduate Nutrition program. Students should demonstrate knowledge of the profession through previous work experiences, internships, field and/or volunteer work experiences.
- Tuition and Fees
- Additional Program Costs - For additional, program costs, please see Section IV of the DPD Student Handbook."
Curriculum
The undergraduate Nutrition program curriculum includes courses in Food Science, Nutrition Therapy and Assessment, and Nutrition Counseling.
- The DPD follows the University's Academic Calendar
- Graduation and Program Completion Requirements - Please see Section V-K of the DPD Student Handbook
Program Goals and Outcomes
Learn more about our program standards through our goals and outcomes.
Scholarships
There are a variety of scholarship opportunities available to Nutrition students through Pitt's program and several local and national organizations. Additional financial information is available at https://www.shrs.pitt.edu/admissions/financial-information
Accreditation
The Didactic Program in Dietetics (DPD), is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics (ACEND), the accrediting agency for the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics (AND). Only ACEND-accredited programs can train individuals to become RDNs.
Contact information for ACEND:
Email: ACEND@eatright.org
Phone: 1-800/877-1600, ext. 5400
Mail: 120 South Riverside Plaza, Suite 2190, Chicago, IL 60606-6995
Website: https://www.eatrightpro.org/acend
Requirements and Process to Become a Registered Dietitian/Nutritionist (RDN) requires the following:
1. Completion of an Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics (ACEND) accredited Didactic Program in Dietetics (DPD) and a bachelor's degree granted by a U.S. regionally accredited college/university.*
2. Completion of an ACEND-accredited supervised practice program (Dietetic Internship or Coordinated Master's Program in Dietetics to provide a minimum of 1200 supervised/experiential practice hours).
3. Successful performance on the National Registration Examination for Dietitians. The exam requirements are set by the Commission on Dietetic Registration. Graduates passing the registration exam are eligible for licensure in Pennsylvania by the Board of Nursing. For licensing information please see instructions for Licensed Dietitian-Nutrition (LDN) Applicants.
*This program is an ACEND-accredited Didactic Program in Dietetics and grants a Bachelor of Science degree to graduates.