Didactic Program in Dietetics
Effective January 1st, 2024, the Commission on Dietetic Registration (CDR) will require a minimum of a master's degree to be eligible to take the credentialing exam to become a registered dietitian nutritionist (RDN). In order to be approved for registration examination eligibility with a bachelor's degree, an individual must meet all eligibility requirements and be submitted into CDR's Registration Eligibility Processing System (REPS) before 12:00 midnight Central Time, December 31st, 2023. For more information about this requirement visit CDR's website (https://www.cdrnet.org/graduatedegree).
Mission
The mission of the DPD program at CSUN is to prepare competent dietetic students for acceptance into a supervised practice, an accredited dietetic internship program leading to eligibility for the CDR credentialing exam to become a registered dietitian nutritionist (RDN) and for entry-level positions in clinical, food service or community nutrition and research. The DPD program mission is also to prepare dedicated dietetic students who demonstrate a life-long learning and have the ability to effectively communicate, analyze, problem-solve, and perform high quality teamwork, and also have an understanding and appreciation of a diverse and multicultural society.
DPD Program Goal 1:
Graduates will be well prepared as dietetic interns for accredited dietetics internship programs and supervised practices and dietetic-related careers as entry level dietitians in different areas such as clinical, food service, community nutrition, and research.
Program Objectives for Goal 1:
- 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%.
- DPD Student Satisfaction: 80% of the DPD graduates will report “satisfactory” ratings or higher regarding their perceived ability to perform successfully in a supervised practice, entry-level nutrition-related position, graduate program, or a pre-professional program with the DPD program at CSUN
- Program Completion: At least 80% of program students complete program/degree requirements within 6 years (150% of the program length)
- Applying for DI, CP or ISPP programs: 60% of program graduates apply for admission to a supervised practice programs prior to or within 12 months of graduation.
- Acceptance rate to DI, CP or ISPP programs: 50% of program graduates are admitted to a supervised practice program within 12 months of graduation.
- Satisfaction of DI, CP or ISPP Director: 80% of DI, CP or ISPP directors who respond to the survey rate (on a 5 point scale) the overall performance of dietetic interns from CSUN’s DPD as not less than 3 where 3 = meets expectations; 5 = greatly exceeds expectations
DPD Program Goal 2:
Graduates will be prepared to work in a variety of practice settings and diverse and multicultural environment and be able to effectively communicate, analyze, problem solve, think critically, perform high quality ream-work, and continue life-long learning.
Program Objectives for Goal 2:
1. Graduate School acceptance and completion: 30% of graduates (verified), neither entered nor applied for DI, who respond to the alumni survey indicate they have enrolled in graduate school or earned a graduate degree.
2. Satisfaction of DI, CP or ISPP Director: 75% of DI, CP or ISPP Director who respond to the survey rate the preparation of program graduates as good to excellent in teamwork, problem solving and effective communication skills
3. Satisfaction of DI, CP or ISPP Director: 80% of DI, CP or ISPP Director who respond to the survey rate the preparation of program graduates as excellent for working in a very diverse and multicultural environment who have an excellent understanding and appreciation of individual, community and society.
ACEND Accreditation
The Didactic Program in Dietetics (DPD) here at CSUN is currently accredited by the Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics (ACEND) of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics.
120 South Riverside Plaza Suite 2190
Chicago, IL 60606-6995
(800) 877-1600 Ext 5400
DPD Orientation Meetings for Summer 2025
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Tuesday, June 3, 10:00 AM (via Zoom)
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Tuesday, June 24, 12:00 PM (via Zoom)
Final Transcript Evaluation
- TBD
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For any DPD related questions, please contact the DPD Director, email Dr. Elizabeth Dabach or Dr. Dena Herman-Mendes.
- How to Apply for a Dietetic Internship
- ACEND Website
- DI Program Directory
- DICAS Website
- DICAS Instructional Video
- DPD Course List for BS in FCS
- DPD Course List for BS in NDFS
- Sending Official Transcript to DICAS
- Suggestions to improve your chances for DI
- Internship tips
- Sample DI questions
- Questions - Need help:
Already have a bachelor's degree and want to become a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RD/RDN)?
Post Bac Admission to the DPD Program
Do you hold a Bachelor’s degree outside the field of nutrition and want to become a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist? If so, the Post Baccalaureate Dietetic Program in Dietetics (DPD) Certificate is for you! Upon successful completion of the Post Baccalaureate DPD Certificate, students will receive a DPD Verification Statement, be eligible for the DTR exam, ensure eligibility for a graduate degree in nutrition or related field, and to apply for an accredited Dietetic Internship (DI).
Program Requirements
- Admission Requirements
Applications for admission to the Certificate program will be processed through the University and reviewed by the Department of Family and Consumer Sciences, which will make the final admission decision.
For admission to this program, an applicant must:
- Hold a baccalaureate (bachelor’s) degree from an officially accredited university or college in any field of study.
- Completion of the following prerequisite coursework (or equivalents):
BIOL 101/BIOL 101L General Biology and Lab
BIOL 215/L Introductory Microbiology and Lab
BIOL 281 Human Physiology
CHEM 101/CHEM 101L General Chemistry I and Lab
or CHEM 103/CHEM 103L Introductory Chemistry I and Lab
CHEM 102/CHEM 102L General Chemistry II and Lab
or CHEM 104/CHEM 104L Introductory Chemistry II and Lab
CHEM 235/L Introductory Organic Chemistry and Lab
FCS 207 Nutrition for Life
- Submit a formal application to the program through Cal State Apply.
- Submit all of the following documents to the Department of Family and Consumer Sciences for admission consideration.
- Resume
- Personal Statement (see Certificate website for details)
- Copy of Unofficial Transcripts
Please highlight the prerequisite courses on each unofficial transcript to show the prerequisites have been completed. - Two Letters of Recommendation
Two letters of recommendation are required for admission, and at least one of the letters should be from a former/current instructor of a college course. Letters should be addressed to the DPD Certificate Admissions Committee.
- Have the complete application and supporting documents reviewed and the applicant approved for admission by the Department of Family and Consumer Sciences.
- Program Requirements
CHEM 365 and CHEM 365L Introduction to Biochemistry and Lab (3/1)
FCS 301 Food Science and Technology (3)
FCS 304 Food Service Production (2)
FCS 307 Advanced Nutrition: Macronutrients (3)
FCS 308 Advanced Nutrition Micronutrients (3)
FCS 321/L Contemporary Issues in Foods and Nutrition and Lab (2/1)
FCS 380 Family and Consumer Sciences Foundations and Research (3)
FCS 402 Medical Nutrition Therapy I (3)
FCS 403 Medical Nutrition Therapy II (3)
FCS 404/L Food Service System Management and Lab (2/1)
FCS 405 Drug Nutrient Interactions (3)
FCS 408 Community Nutrition (3)
FCS 494/I Academic Internship and Evaluation (2/1)
Total Units Required for the Certificate: 39
The program will take approximately four semesters to complete taking 3-4 courses per semester.
Please contact Dr. Elizabeth J. Sussman-Dabach, DPD Director, if you have any questions.
Who is RD or RDN?
Registered Dietitians (RD)* or Registered Dietitian Nutritionists (RDN)* are individuals who have:
- completed the minimum of a Baccalaureate degree granted by a U.S. regionally accredited college or university, or foreign equivalent;
- met current minimum academic requirements (Didactic Program in Dietetics) as approved by the Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics (ACEND) of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics;
- completed a supervised practice program accredited by the Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics (ACEND) of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics;
- successfully completed the Registration Examination for Dietitians;
- remitted the annual registration fee;
- complied with the Professional Development Portfolio (PDP) re-certification requirements