Nutrition and Dietetics Major

ACEND accreditation was earned in 2018 and will be under review for reaccreditation in 2026.

Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics (ACEND),120 Riverside Plaza, Suite 2000, Chicago, IL 60606-6995, 800/877-1600, ext 5400. https://www.eatright.org/

The mission of the DPD is to prepare students for graduate-level coursework, successful completion of supervised practice experience, and when eligible pass the Commission on Dietetic Registration (CDR) credentialing exam to become an RDN. Long-term goals are to promote professional development through discovery, learning, and engagement. The DPD curriculum and learning environment provide a strong foundation in nutrition education and encourage an appreciation for lifelong learning.

The program’s goals and objectives are:

Prepare graduates to be qualified and competent for a career related to nutrition and dietetics.

1. At least 80% of program students complete program/degree requirements within three years of entering junior status in the DPD.
2. At least 70% of program graduates apply for admission to a supervised practice program before or within 12 months of graduation (including graduates who apply to Purdue’s Master of Science in Dietetics).
3. At least 50% of program graduates are admitted to a supervised practice program within 12 months of graduation (including graduates accepted to Purdue’s Master of Science in Dietetics or another supervised practice program).
4. The dietetic internship spring match rate will exceed the national match rate.
5. The program’s one-year pass rate (graduates who pass the registration exam within one year of the first attempt) on the CDR credentialing exam for dietitian nutritionists is at least 80%.

National Registration Examination for Dietitians for RDN credentials.

Prospective RDNs must complete undergraduate and graduate accredited degree programs and complete supervised practice experience before taking the National Registration Examination for Dietitians, also called the RD exam. The requirements are set by the Commission on Dietetic Registration (CDR) and the computer-based exam content covers three major areas of dietetics: clinical, community, and food service.

95.1% of Purdue University DPD graduates pass the National Registration Examination for Dietitians within one year of completing their first attempt. The national one-year of completing their first attempt pass rate is 88.6%

Dietetic Supervised Practice Program (DSPP) Placement

Purdue University’s DPD program has an excellent placement rate. The three-year average, 2021 to 2024, for applying to and placement into supervised practice or advanced degree plus supervised practice is 100% compared to the national average of 85%.

For additional outcome data or questions about DNPD or NDFH major contact Alvin Furiya MS, RDN, LDN afuriya@purdue.edu or call 1-765-494-0302

Incoming first-year students will apply to the program through Purdue Undergraduate Admissions. Students accepted are admitted into the didactic program in nutrition and dietetics (DPND) with the major “nutrition and dietetics, DPND” by Purdue University admission criteria.  Factors are reviewed holistically for each applicant per Purdue University first-year admission criteria. These factors include but are not limited to:

• High school course expectations and grades related to the intended major.
• Strength of student’s overall high school curriculum
• Trends in achievement
• Overall grade point average
• SAT or ACT scores
• Essay and answers to Purdue questions
• Time of year you apply.
• Academic core coursework grades (English, academic math, laboratory science, foreign language, social studies)
• Personal background and experiences related to the intended major.
• Information provided by your high school.
• Space availability in the desired program

The Purdue Undergraduate Admissions Office has established minimum high school course requirements. Subject matter expectations include:

• 8 semesters of math,
• 6 semesters of lab science,
• 8 semesters of English,
• 4 semesters of a foreign language, and
• 6 semesters of social studies.

Applicants must meet these course expectations either in high school or through subsequent college-level (not remedial) coursework. A semester of college coursework is equivalent to two semesters of high school). All applicants must graduate from high school or have a GED, and Indiana residents are given preference.

This information is subject to change. For the most current admissions criteria and additional information visit Purdue University Undergraduate Admissions High School Requirements.

Transfer Eligibility and Requirements

Transfer students from other universities are admitted into the DPD through criteria established by Purdue University Admissions. Purdue transfer credit guidelines can be found at Purdue University Undergraduate Admissions Transfer Credit Guidelines.

A student transferring into the DPND at Purdue University must complete 25 of 31 credit hours in core professional NUTR courses on the West Lafayette campus to complete the Purdue DPD requirements to receive a DPD verification statement. Transfer credits will be evaluated by the Purdue Credit Evaluation Office and the DPD Director will evaluate the transfer DPD course to ensure knowledge requirements (KRDN) are met.

Evaluation and credit approval procedure from prior learning experience from another college or university evaluation and credit.

The major’s rigorous science core ensures you are well-prepared for graduate school, supervised practice, and ultimate success in a career. Upon graduating from the program, you will receive a bachelor’s degree in nutrition and dietetics and a DPD verification statement. As of Jan. 1, 2024, an advanced degree(master’s degree) is the minimum education requirement for eligibility for the National Registration Exam for Dietitians credentialing exam to become an RDN. The DPD program has a maximum enrollment of 80 students per graduating class.

The pathway to becoming a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RDN) is:

Step 1.  Attend an Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics (ACEND) accredited program in Nutrition and Dietetics, earn a bachelor’s degree in nutrition and dietetics, and earn a DPD verification statement. Purdue University Nutrition and Dietetics specific requirements to earn a DPD verification statement include:

1. Meeting minimum course grade requirements.
2. Meeting all ACEND requirement knowledge requirements (KRDN)
3. Minimum GPA 2.75
4. Completion of DPD Verification Statement Experiential Learning Requirement

Step 2. Complete an advanced or graduate degree, either thesis or non-thesis in nutrition and dietetics or your field of choice. The most common non-nutrition-related advanced degree is in kinesiology, psychology, and public health.

Step 3.  Complete a Supervised Practice Program, also called internship. There are several options. The most common are:

1. Traditional Supervised Practice, commonly called “Internship Program.” You must have earned an advanced degree before entering this supervised practice program.
2. Purdue University Master of Science degree (MSD) program. This program includes an advanced degree and supervised practice experience. Requires admission into Purdue University Graduate School. This is a 2-year program – 1-year graduate-level didactic coursework and 1-year supervised practice.
3. Combined advanced degree and supervised program or master’s degree and supervised practice also called MS/DI. Admission requirements vary but you may need to meet graduate school and dietetic internship admission requirements.
4. Completion of the supervised practice program allows you to take the National Registration Examination for Dietitians (RD exam).
5. Passing the National Registration Examination for Dietitians earns the Registered Dietitian Nutritionist credentials. State licensure is also required in most states and criteria may vary. A list of the states that require licensure is available on the Commission on Dietetic Registration website at https://www.cdrnet.org/LicensureMap.

Additional completion requirements information for Graduation and the DPD Program.

Nutrition and Dietetic DPND

Nutrition and Dietetic (DPND) Degree Requirements

Nutrition and Dietetics (DPND) List of Courses and 4 years Sample Plan

Dietetics/Nutrition, Fitness and Health (DNFH)

Dietetics/Nutrition, Fitness and Health (DNFH) Degree Requirements

 Dietetics/Nutrition, Fitness and Health (DNFH) List of Courses and 4 years Sample Plan

The median annual salary for dietitians and nutritionists was ~$69,000-70,000 in May 2023. Employment needs for dietitians and nutritionists are projected to grow 7% from 2022 to 2032, faster than the average for all occupations. About 5,600 openings for dietitians and nutritionists are projected each year, on average, over the decade.

The Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics data mirrored the US Bureau of Labor Statistics with the median full-time salary for registered dietitian nutritionists (RDNs) at  $70,000 per year, with variations based on factors such as region, employment settings, experience, specialization, and scope of responsibility.  Dietitians are typically classified in the workplace as exempt or salary-based pay, potentially earning pay differentials for weekend, on-call, and evening work.

• Clinical Dietitian in a hospital or long-term care health care facility. Clinical dietitians assess patients’ nutritional requirements, provide medical nutrition, and perform ongoing evaluations. They consult with physicians and clinical specialists, physical therapists, speech and language therapists, nurses, and social workers to design and implement nutritional plans. Clinical dietitians may specialize in patient groups such as those with diabetes, kidney disease, or obesity. Specialist in oncology, renal, weight management, bariatric surgery, sports nutrition, cardiovascular care, adult intensive care, pediatric intensive care, women’s health, nutrition support, and eating disorders.
• Dietitians can obtain “Specialist Certification” which requires passing an exam for, a fee, and may require a minimum number of hours working with the specific population. Specialist certifications include Certified Diabetes Educator (CDE), Certified Nutrition Support Clinician (CNSC), Certified Specialist in Obesity and Weight Management (CSOWM), Certified Specialist in Renal Nutrition (CSR), Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) Specialist, and Certified Clinical Transplant Dietitian (CCTD). Some organizations may reimburse fees upon passing the certification exam.
• Public Health or Community Dietitian Nutritionist – Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC), County Extension Education Specialist, State or National Dairy Council.
• Private Practice or Consultant Dietitian
• Higher Education, Research/Academic, Professor, Nutrition Educator, or Teacher
• Food Industry Nutrition Specialist (for food industries)
• Supermarket Dietitian/Culinary Arts Dietitian/Chef
• Food Service Director (hospitals, extended care facilities, educational institutions)
• Pharmaceutical/Medical Sales Representative/Dietitian in Nutraceutical Industry
• Corporate Wellness Dietitian
• Dietitian working in Public Policy Development/Non-profit Advocacy Groups/Organizations
• National and International Health Organizations

1. In and Out-of-State Tuition
2. Purdue University Residences On-Campus Housing
3. Financial aid
4. Scholarships
5. Program-specific costs

• Core areas of study include:
  • Nutrition and foods
  • Chemistry and biochemistry
  • Physiology and psychology
  • Management skills and processes
  • Communication and Counseling skills
  • Medical nutrition therapy
• Study abroad in nutrition-specific programs in Ireland, Australia, and France.
• Undergraduate research within the Department of Nutrition Science, in four main focus areas: metabolism and obesity; minerals, vitamin D, and bone health; food, ingestive behavior, and population nutrition; and carcinogenesis and cancer prevention.
• Complete work experience and internships that match your interests and career goals.
• Join the departmental honors program to conduct a research project with a faculty mentor and have an opportunity to contribute new knowledge about nutrition and gain meaningful work experience.
• Student Organizations – Nutrition Society, Association for Healthcare Foodservice

Technology-related information and requirements.

Purdue Academic Resources:

1. Academic Success Center Programs,
2. Purdue Writing Lab and Purdue Online Writing Lab (OWL)
3. Department of Mathematics-Math Resource Room (MRR)
4. Department of Chemistry-Chemistry Resource Room

Tutoring Resource – Fee-based and Free:

1. Private Tutoring Matching Service
2. Center for Career Opportunities & Pre-professional Advising

Purdue University Student Health Center (PUSH)

Purdue’s Counseling and Psychological Services.

Disability Resource Center Web Site.

University Policy Office -Title Harassment (II.C.4)

For additional outcome data or questions about DNPD or NDFH major contact Alvin Furiya MS, RDN, LDN afuriya@purdue.edu or call 1-765-494-0302.

Questions about MSD program – Dinah Dalder MS, RDN, LDN dalder@purdue.edu, Academic Advisor 1(765) 494-8533.

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