Bachelor of Science in Dietetics & Nutrition - Didactic Program in Dietetics

We’re proud to have offered a viable and thriving didactic program since 1972.

The dietetics curriculum at Florida International University integrates the principles derived from several disciplines, including nutrition, chemistry, biochemistry, physiology, food science and food composition, management, food service, and the behavioral and social sciences. This integration of knowledge educates you to optimize human health through dietetics.

The Bachelor of Science in Dietetics & Nutrition - Didactic Program in Dietetics (DPD) is one of the academic components to becoming a registered dietitian nutritionist (RDN). You will NOT be an RDN upon completion of the DPD program; that is only the first step in becoming an RDN. However, upon program completion, you will be eligible to sit for the Nutrition and Dietetics Technician Registered (NDTR) exam administered by the Commission on Dietetic Registration (CDR).

Effective January 1, 2024, CDR requires a minimum of a master’s degree to take the credentialing exam to become an RDN. Additionally, candidates must have earned at least 1,000 supervised practice hours from an ACEND-accredited program to qualify to sit for the CDR exam.

Graduates of this program receive a verification statement and qualify to apply for ACEND-accredited supervised practice programs. Verification statements also allow graduates to take the credentialing exam for NDTR.

Accreditation
  • Accreditation statement

    In 2017, the DPD successfully completed program reaccreditation requirements by the Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics (ACEND) for the maximum 7-year term, and the program is fully accredited until December 31st, 2025. Program review for reaccreditation will occur in 2024. 

    Effective January 1, 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 addition, CDR requires that individuals complete coursework and supervised practice in program(s) accredited by the Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics(ACEND). In Florida, graduates must also obtain a state license to practice. Graduates who successfully complete the ACEND-accredited DPD (Didactic Program in Dietetics) at Florida International University are eligible to apply to an ACEND-accredited supervised practice program before applying to take the CDR credentialing exam to become an RDN.

     

  • Contact information
    Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics | Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics 120 South Riverside Plaza, Suite 2190, Chicago, IL, 60606-6995

    Phone: (800) 877-1600 (Ext. 5400)
    Email: ACEND@eatright.org
Program Requirements
  • Requirements to become a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RDN)

    Program graduates who wish to pursue the registered dietitian nutritionist (RDN) credential must follow these required steps:

    1. Earn a minimum of a graduate degree from an accredited dietetics program. A master's degree is required to be eligible for the RDN exam.

    2. Complete an ACEND accredited supervised practice requirement. In addition, individuals must complete at least 1,000 hours of supervised practice to gain real-world experience and apply knowledge learned in the classroom to the context of a variety of work settings.

    3. Pass a national exam for RDNs. Once you complete your degrees and supervised practice, you may schedule to take CDR's Registration Examination for Registered Dietitians to become a credentialed as registered dietetics nutritionist. This is called "RDN eligibility," meaning you have completed the requirements to become eligible to take the national exam.

    4. Meet requirements to practice in your state. Many states have regulatory laws (i.e. licensure) for food and nutrition practitioners. All states accept the RDN credential for state licensure purposes.

    5. Stay up to date in dietetics through continuing education. After successfully passing the national exam and earning the credential, RDNs maintain ongoing professional development in order to stay up to date on the latest research, recommendations and best practices.

    For more information on the educational and professional requirements for Registered Dietitian Nutritionists, please visit the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics website.

    For more information about state licensure requirement, please visit the licensure map on the Commission on Dietetic Registration website

  • Requirements to become a Registered Nutrition and Dietetics Technician, Registered (NDTR)

    Graduates from this DPD program are eligible to take a national exam to earn the Nutrition and Dietetic Technician, Registered (NDTR) credentials. The process is guided by the Commission of Dietetic Registration. Graduates completing a baccalaureate degree granted by a U.S. regionally accredited college/university, or foreign equivalent, and completion of an ACEND-accredited Didactic Program in Dietetics are eligible for this outcome. This option is open to all graduates who receive a Verification Statement upon program completion. View additional information and forms.

  • How to become a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RDN) at Florida International University? *
    1. Complete all graduation and DPD requirements to earn a B.S. degree in Dietetics and Nutrition (DPD program) and obtain a verification statement.

    2. Students graduating from the DPD program may apply to the Master of Science in Dietetics and Nutrition program at FIU within the department of dietetics and nutrition. Program details and application deadlines can be found on the program’s website

    3. Graduate students in their final semester in the master’s program may then apply to the ACEND accredited dietetic internship program at FIU. Program details can be found on the dietetic internship page on the Stempel College website

    4. After completion of all the above requirements, the graduate will be eligible to take CDR's Registration Examination for Registered Dietitians to become a credentialed as an RDN.

    *Please note that this describes the process if a student wishes to remain at FIU. DPD graduates with verification statements have the option to complete a graduate program and supervised practice experience at another ACEND accredited institution to become eligible to take CDR's Registration Examination for Registered Dietitians to become a credentialed as an RDN.  

  • Requirements for Graduation and Program Completion
    1. Satisfy all requirements for Bachelors of Dietetics and Nutrition.

    2. Complete a minimum of 120 credit hours of coursework in the Didactic Program in Dietetics (DPD).

    3. Earn a grade of “C” or better in all letter-graded courses with Prefixes of DIE, HUN, FOS, & FSS.

    4. Students must achieve a minimum Cumulative GPA of 2.7.

    5. Students must achieve all ACEND-required core knowledge assessments at the required target levels.

    6. Meet with Academic Advisor to receive Graduation Check prior to final semester.

    7.  Apply for graduation via my.fiu.edu during registration of final semester. See University Calendar for deadline.
  • Verification Statement

    The Verification Statement (VS) is given at the completion of the Didactic Program in Dietetics when all ACEND knowledge requirements have been met, including a minimum 2.7 GPA, passing the Comprehensive Dietetic Exam (DIE 4963), and the FIU Graduation Office verifies the degree requirements (degree posted).  With the DPD VS, the student is eligible to apply for an ACEND supervised practice program as well as graduate programs.

  • Declaration of Intent
    A Declaration of Intent (DOI) can be issued to DPD students who are applying to a supervised practice program or graduate program at the beginning of their final semester prior to graduation. If a DOI is needed, please email your program director.
  • Distance Learning

    The majority of the courses required for the DPD program are offered on campus with face-to-face meetings and an online learning management system to deliver course content (Canvas learning management system). Distance education is offered in a limited number of courses either hybrid or online. Students must be proficient in Canvas (where all FIU courses are housed) and basic computer use to be successful in online or hybrid courses. Computer labs and wireless internet are available on campus. Assistance with computing issues can be found by contacting the IT Helpdesk. A distance learning fee of $30 per credit is added for all online courses. Online courses utilize Honorlock as a proctoring tool for students during proctored-required exams. Please visit the Honorlock student guide  for more information on technology requirements. The minimum technical specifications needed to participate in an online course are listed here. For more information, refer to the DPD Student Handbook.

Program philosophy and information

Mission

To provide students with a comprehensive, rigorous academic core of knowledge and skills so they are critically thinking graduates who are ethically and culturally competent and prepared for evidence-based practice in the profession of nutrition and dietetics and/or post-baccalaureate educational programs.

Goals and Objectives

* Please note that program outcome data is available upon request to the Director of the Didactic Program in Dietetics.

Nondiscrimination Statement

FIU affirms its commitment to ensuring that each member of the university community shall be permitted to work or study in an environment free from any form of illegal discrimination, including race, color, sex (including gender, gender expression, gender identity and sexual orientation), pregnancy, religion, age, disability, national origin, marital status and veteran status. Discrimination based on sex encompasses sexual misconduct, sexual harassment, gender-based harassment, domestic violence, dating violence and stalking. The university recognizes its obligation to work toward a community in which diversity is valued and opportunity is equalized. For more information, please visit The Office of Civil Rights Compliance and Accessibility (CRCA).