M.S. Non-Thesis + DPD

Students who hold a bachelor’s degree from an accredited university may complete the Didactic Program in Dietetics coursework combined with a non-thesis Master's degree.

Students interested in earning a Master's non thesis degree and completing Didactic Program in Dietetics (DPD) coursework for the purpose of obtaining a verification statement must hold a bachelor's degree from a U.S. regionally accredited institution or foreign equivalent. All other entry requirements for admission to our non-thesis Master's program must be met, including required GRE scores. 

The DPD verification statement is required to enter many supervised practice programs, such as a dietetic internships. Obtaining supervised practice is a required step in order to become a registered dietitian nutritionist (RDN). This degree does not independently qualify a student to become a registered dietitian nutritionist. Students should be aware of the laws governing the practice of dietetics in their respective states. For more information about pathways to becoming an RDN, visit: https://www.fcs.uga.edu/fdn/careers-in-dietetics.

FAQ

• Can I complete DPD coursework online?

  The majority of the DPD courses at the University of Georgia are seated, in-person courses. The expectation is that you are able to attend these courses during day-time hours on campus.

• What courses are required for the DPD Verification Statement?

  The following courses must be completed with a minimum grade of a “C” in order to receive a verification statement from UGA. Many of these courses can be taken at the graduate level:

  BIOL 1107-1107L, Biology I
  CHEM 1211-1211L, Freshman Chemistry I
  CHEM 1212-1212L, Freshman Chemistry II
  Course in statistics
  Course in psychology
  COMM 1110 or 1500
  CHEM 2211-2211L, Modern Organic Chemistry I (requires General Chemistry as prerequisite)
  CBIO 2200-2200L, Anatomy and Physiology I
  CBIO 2210-2210L, Anatomy and Physiology II
  MIBO 2500-2500L, Microbiology and Health Care or 3500-3500L, Introductory Microbiology
  BCMB 3100, Introductory Biochemistry and Molecular Biology
  NUTR 2100, Human Nutrition and Food
  NUTR 3100, Macronutrients and Energy Balance
  NUTR 3600-3600L, Food Principles
  NUTR 3610-3610L, Quantity Food Production
  NUTR 4070, Research Methodology in Human Foods and Nutrition
  NUTR 4100, Micronutrient Nutrition
  NUTR 4500, Medical Nutrition Therapy I
  NUTR 4510, Nutrition Related to the Human Life Cycle
  NUTR 4520, Clinical Nutrition Interventions
  NUTR 4530, Medical Nutrition Therapy II
  NUTR 4540, Public Health Dietetics
  NUTR 4600, Food and Nutrition Policy
  NUTR 4610, Foodservice Procurement and Financial Management
  NUTR 4620, Management of Foodservice Organizations
  NUTR 4660, Food and Nutrition Education Methods
  NUTR 4645, Functional and Nutritional Properties of Foods
  NUTR 5900, Professional Development in Foods and Nutrition

  Some courses may be taken at another university if they are approved by the DPD director as equivalent. A minimum of 15 credits of Nutritional Sciences (NUTR) courses must be taken at the University of Georgia in order to receive a verification statement from our program.

• My bachelor's degree is from outside of the United States. Can I complete my DPD program at UGA?

  Yes. Before applying, you will need to have your academic degree(s) validated as equivalent to the bachelor’s degree conferred by a U.S. regionally accredited college or university. Please see the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics website for information and a list of agencies that will perform this service. For more information about education and credentialing requirements for those with foreign degrees, visit: https://www.eatrightpro.org/acend/students-and-advancing-education/international-students