Nowadays many universities across the USA offer an opportunity to take part in DPD programs. Here are some of them:

University of Nevada Las Vegas – UNLV DPD Program

The UNLV DPD Program will prepare graduates for a dietetics career utilizing the knowledge and skills gained during the DPD.

Graduation and Program Completion Requirements

DPD Programs

Upon admission to the major, students must maintain a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.50 each semester and have no grades less than a C in all nutrition science courses. Students who fail to maintain a GPA of 2.50 will be placed on academic probation and will be required to receive academic advising. Here the student will meet with an academic advisor and decide if they want to improve their GPA and re-apply for the Nutrition Sciences major or choose another major with different GPA expectations.

A minimum of 124 credit hours is required for graduation with 62 credits earned at a four-year institution.

Upon meeting the above requirements, students will receive a Verification Statement from the DPD Director. A copy will also be placed in the student’s permanent file.
Contact Information:
Nutrition Sciences
4505 Maryland Parkway
Box 453026
Las Vegas, Nevada
89154-3026
(702) 895-4328

Didactic Program in Dietetics (DPD) in Georgia State University

Program description
The Didactic Program in Dietetics (DPD) is a Bachelor of Science degree program that provides the student with the appropriate coursework to apply for a dietetic internship. This major is currently granted accreditation by the Commission on Accreditation for Dietetics Education (CADE). The DPD has accreditation through 2011.

Completion of the DPD allows graduates eligibility for application to any dietetic internship accredited by the CADE. After a graduate completes the dietetic internship he/she is eligible to take the national examination for registered dietitians.

Curriculum
Students are admitted to the program upon completion of the freshman and sophomore level core (60 hours). Specific freshman and sophomore level core requirements unique to the nutrition program include:

• BIOL 1110K Anatomy and Physiology I (4 semester hours)
• BIOL 1120K Anatomy and Physiology II (4) or BIOL 1107 K Principles of Biology I (4)
• BIOL 1108K Principles of Biology II (4)
• BIOL 2240 Human Physiology (3) and BIOL 2300/2310 Microbiology and Lab (4)
• CHEM 1151K Survey of Chemistry I (4)
• CHEM 1152K Survey of Chemistry II (4)

Students are admitted to the program for the junior and senior years for 60 total semester hours. Courses in nutrition and health sciences have been carefully selected to achieve program goals that provide well-rounded graduates who possess the necessary knowledge and skills for successful completion of a dietetic internship program. These courses include:

Health Science Core (9 semester hours)

• HHS 3000: Communication and Cultural Diversity (3)
• HHS 3010: Advanced Medical Terminology for Healthcare (3)
• HHS 3400: Spanish for Health and Human Sciences (3)

Nutrition Courses (42 hours)

• NUTR 3000: Introduction to the Profession of Nutrition (2)
• NUTR 3010: Introduction to Research (3)
• NUTR 3150: Food Science I (3)
• NUTR 3160: Food Science II (4)
• NUTR 3500: Nutrition and Metabolism (3)
• NUTR 3600: Normal Nutrition through the Lifecycle (3)
• NUTR 3700: Medical Biochemical Principles (3)
• NUTR 4000: Food and Culture (3)
• NUTR 4200: Medical Nutrition Therapy I (3)
• NUTR 4250: Medical Nutrition Therapy II (3)
• NUTR 4300: Nutrition Intervention I (3)
• NUTR 4400: Nutrition Intervention II (3)
• NUTR 4990 Entrepreneurial Nutrition
• NUTR 4950: Nutrition Seminar for Seniors (3)

Hospitality Administration Courses (6 semester hours)

• HADM 3401: Food Production and Service Management (2)
• HADM 3402: Food Production Lab (1)
• HADM 3420: Restaurant/Food Service Management (3)

Electives (3 hours)

• NUTR 3170: Food Safety and Sanitation (3)
• NUTR 3810: Interpretation of Laboratory Values (3)
• NUTR 3800 International Nutrition
• NUTR 4960: Nutrition and Physical Fitness (3)
• NUTR 4970: Nutrition and the Media (3)
• NUTR 4999: Nutrition Project (1-6)
• HHS 4200: Health and the Older Adult

Application Requirements
You should keep in mind that the selection of potential candidates for the DPD is competitive. Students will be formally admitted into the DPD for the nutrition concentration at the beginning of the fall semester of the junior year. Admission requirements include:

* Acceptance to Georgia State University
* Completion of prerequisite courses by the end of summer semester
* Courses in nutrition, organic chemistry, human physiology, microbiology, and biochemistry must have been completed within the past ten years of admission to the DPD
* Minimum GPA 2.8 and a letter grade of C or higher in all science courses
* Nutrition courses completed at other institutions may be considered for transfer credit if they have been completed within ten years prior to beginning the DPD
* Completed Application Form
* One completed Recommendation Form
* A statement of professional goals

Contact Information:
For Undergraduate Questions:
Office of Academic Assistance
College of Health and Human Sciences
PO Box 3995
Atlanta, GA 30302-3995
(404) 413-1000
For Graduate Questions:
Dr. Dan Benardot
(404) 413-1235
For specific questions about the Coordinated Program in Dietetics:
Professor Catherine McCarroll
(404) 413-1232

DPD Program in Texas Women’s University

The DPD is offered on the Denton campus of Texas Woman’s University (TWU) in the Department of Nutrition and Food Sciences. The program is offered in the broader framework of a Bachelor of Science (BS) degree in Dietetics and Institutional Administration, therefore, the prospective student must meet the university’s admission requirements.

The general education courses required for the BS degree give the DPD students a broad humanistic background that is essential for success in the healthcare profession by blending the liberal arts and sciences with career specific (health) knowledge. Graduates who successfully complete curriculum requirements for the DPD will receive a Verification Statement from the program director and may apply for Dietetic Internship at Texas Woman’s University or other accredited programs. Upon successful completion of the dietetic internship, the students are eligible take the national examination to become registered dietitians and become active members of the American Dietetic Association.

Contact Information:
Denton Campus
Old Main Building 307
PO Box 425888
Denton, TX 76204-5888
940-898-2636 (phone)
nutrfdsci@twu.edu

The Bastyr Didactic Program in Dietetics (DPD)

The Bastyr Didactic Program in Dietetics (DPD) is a program accredited by the Commission of Accreditation of Dietetic Education (CADE), a specialized body of the American Dietetic Association (ADA).

Bastyr University offers two DPD programs: one offered with the Bachelor of Science in Nutrition and one for the Master of Science in Nutrition.

Bachelor of Science, Didactic Program in Dietetics

The Bastyr Didactic Program in Dietetics (DPD) is accredited by the Commission of Accreditation of Dietetic Education (CADE), a specialized body of the American Dietetic Association (ADA). The Bastyr DPD allows students to complete a didactic program in dietetics while pursuing a BS with major in nutrition. Specific course work beyond the BS requirements is necessary for DPD completion.

Curriculum Description
The DPD curriculum integrates the student’s knowledge and skills related to physical, behavioral, cultural, ecological, legislative, community and clinical aspects of human nutrition. The course work focuses on four main areas: nutrition, foods, basic sciences and counseling skills.

Basic and advanced nutrition classes build the didactic knowledge of the community and clinical nutrition. Core food courses build competencies in knowledge of whole foods, food composition, handling, preparation and distribution. Clinical practicum develops experiences, attitudes and values important to the competent dietetic intern.

Admission Requirements
Students must be currently enrolled in the Bastyr BS nutrition program to apply for the DPD program. Using a 4.0 scale, a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher with a minimum grade of C in all prerequisite courses is mandatory for acceptance into the undergraduate program. Cumulative science and nutrition GPA must be at least 3.00 in all nutrition and science courses. In addition, a minimum of 150 hours paid and/or volunteer work is required in order to be admitted to the BS/DPD program.

Master of Science, Didactic Program in Dietetics

The master’s didactic program in dietetics (MSN/DPD) at Bastyr University is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation for Dietetics Education (CADE) of the American Dietetic Association, 120 South Riverside Plaza, Suite 2000, Chicago, IL 60606-6995, (312) 899-5400. Bastyr University is accredited by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities.

The MSN/DPD is designed to fulfill the academic and competency requirements for registered dietitian eligibility. The Bastyr MSN/DPD allows students to complete a didactic program while pursuing an MS in nutrition. The primary goal of the Bastyr University MSN/DPD program is to prepare graduates to become successful dietetic interns. The second goal of the master’s didactic program in dietetics is that the Bastyr University DPD program will prepare qualified graduates who will practice in specialty or advanced areas incorporating their expertise in whole foods, environmental nutrition, and integrative medicine.

Curriculum Description
The MSN/DPD curriculum integrates the student’s knowledge and skills related to the physical, behavioral, cultural, ecological, legislative, community and clinical aspects of human nutrition. The course work focuses on four main areas: nutrition, foods, basic sciences and counseling skills. Basic and advanced nutrition classes build the didactic knowledge of the community and clinical nutrition. Core food courses build competencies in knowledge of whole foods and food composition, handling, preparation and distribution. Clinical practicum develops experiences, attitudes and values important to the competent dietetic intern.

Admission Requirements
To be competitive for admissions into the MSN/DPD option the following GPAs are strongly recommended:

3.25 in prerequisite coursework (classes listed as specific prerequisites)
3.0 cumulative in science coursework
3.0 cumulative undergraduate coursework
All applications are reviewed on an individual basis and decisions regarding admissibility will be made by the Admissions Committee.
Intermediate algebra …………………………     1 course
Introductory psychology…………………….    1 course
Human physiology……………………………..    5 qter or 3 sem credits
Chemistry (science level w/ lab)………….      3 courses (including at least 1 organic chemistry course)
Biochemistry……………………………………      1 course (upper-division, must cover intermediary metabolism)
Nutrition…………………………………………      5 qter or 3 sem credits

Graduation Requirements
MSN/DPD students must complete a minimum of 78 credits for those students in 2009/2010. All MSN/DPD students must have a minimum 3.00 grade point average with a minimum of 50 credits in residence. In addition, 300 hours of paid work and/or volunteer experience in clinical nutrition, food service management and community nutrition are required to graduate. Finally, students must pass the DPD exit exam (minimum score of 70%) administered during the final quarter of their program. MSN/DPD students must complete their degree within five years following matriculation into the program. A student will not receive his/her verification statement until all requirements for the MSN/DPD are met.

Contact Information:
Admissions
Bastyr University
14500 Juanita Drive NE
Kenmore, WA 98028
(425) 602-3330
Fax: (425) 602-3090

In our era of wide-spreading online technologies you can earn a Nutrition and Food Science Degree online. Actually this type of degree is a flexible way to start a new career in wellness management. Nutrition graduates can begin solid careers in any field of nutrition from personal and family nutrition to sports, school or hospital nutrition.

After completion of an online course in Nutrition and Food Science, degree holders can work as nutritionists in private, public or government facilities. The online degrees in this field are offered at different levels starting from undergraduate to graduate levels.

Degrees in Nutrition Science

Associate Degree in Nutrition

Associate degree programs in nutrition can be completed in 2 years. While earning an associate degree students study metabolism, food chemistry and weight management in order to learn to plan and apply healthy nutritional regimens. Some associate programs prepare students to earn official certification or licensure after graduation, which most states require to practice as a nutritionist.
Read about Associate’s Degree in Nutrition

Bachelor’s Degree in Nutrition

The Bachelor’s Degree in Nutrition is a basic undergraduate degree that lasts for 4 years. While earning this degree, students learn the basis for human nutrition, how it affects health and how to help others achieve nutritional health. If you want to become a registered dietitian, then a Nutrition Science Degree can also be a stepping stone to this degree.
Read about Bachelor’s Degree in Nutrition

Master’s Degree in Nutrition

A master’s degree program in nutrition is meant to educate students on the effects and benefits of food choices, diet assessment and other health principles related to diet. It usually takes 2 years to complete if at full-time status is taken.
Read about Master’s Degree in Nutrition

PhD in Nutrition

There are several types of online Doctoral Programs in nutrition. Depending upon the degree emphasis, he or she may also be eligible for a specialized position in government institutions such as the FDA (Food and Drug Administration), and the USDA (United States Department of Agriculture), public health positions, international institutions and funding or research positions.
Read about Doctorate Degrees in Nutrition

Where Do Nutrition Graduates Apply Their Knowledge For?

Most popular career opportunities for graduates with nutrition degree are:

• Clinical Nutritionist
• Culinary Arts
• Fitness and Wellness Nutritionist
• Sports Dietitian and Nutritionist
• Holistic Nutritionist
• Dietetic Technician
• Pediatric Dietitian
• Infant Nutritionist
• Diabetic Educator
• Addictive Nutrition Help
• Pet (Canine) Nutritionist

Usually nutritionists work as consultants either as part of an integrated clinic or in solo practice. Some graduates do research for whole foods companies and supplements manufacturers. Others prefer to teach or even write books about nutrition.

Students who graduate from nutrition schools that concentrate on food preparation often become chefs for private spas or start their own whole foods restaurant. Although a nutrition science is quite young, it is a promising sphere with many opportunities in the thriving fitness and wellness industry.

Courses for Nutrition Degree

There are various topics that should be covered through online nutrition courses. They usually include studying the principles of digestion, absorption of foods, and utilization of nutrients by the body for energy, health, and growth. At the higher level of Masters and Bachelors Degree you’ll have a chance to study related topics like anatomy and physiology, chemistry, and biology.

The coursework usually includes:

• Nutrition basics,
• Disease prevention by nutrition,
• Holistic human development,
• Antioxidants,
• Natural health remedies and treatment,
• Weight management and etc.

It’s very important to underline that degrees depend on the nature of the school. Many universities offer master’s degrees in nutrition that will give a possibility for the nutrition graduate to teach or practice in a hospital setting as a dietitian. However, if a student is interested in natural medicine, then the courses that emphasize “whole foods” (foods as unaltered as possible from their natural state) or holistic medicine are the best choice.

Some other schools offer courses that are connected with the use of food in Oriental medicine or cooking whole foods. There are also classes that can be taken as continuing education for licensed practitioners to expand their knowledge.

Nutrition Degree in Natural Medicine

If we talk about natural medicine, the study of nutrition usually focuses on the effect of diet upon the patient’s health. Students learn how bad diet can increase the risk of serious health problems while modifications in diet can ease the symptoms or even cure a serious disease.

The majority of natural medicine schools offer some courses in clinical nutrition as part of a healer’s training. Some schools are focused on the nutrition, and they teach a particular theory of diet such as macrobiotics. Still others offer specialized training as a Registered Dietitian (RD).