Nutrition and Dietetics Major

ACEND accreditation was earned in 2018 and will be under review for reaccreditation in September 2025.

Purdue University Didactic Program in Dietetics (DPD) is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics
120 South Riverside Plaza, Suite 2190
Chicago, IL 60606-6995,
Tel: (312) 899-0040, ext. 5400
E-Mail: ACEND@eatright.org
www.eatrightPRO.org/ACEND

Purdue University’s Department of Nutrition Science has a distinguished history spanning more than 110 years. The Nutrition and Dietetics (DNPD) and Dietetics/Nutrition Fitness and Health (DNFH) majors equip students with the knowledge and skills to transform nutrition science into personalized guidance, promoting health and managing medical conditions through evidence-based recommendations.

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 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.

After completing an advanced degree and supervised practice, graduates take the National Registration Examination for Dietitians (RD Exam), administered by the Commission on Dietetic Registration (CDR). This computer-based exam assesses competency across three major domains of dietetics: clinical nutrition, community nutrition, and food service management.

Between 2022 and 2024, 97.7% of Purdue University DPD graduates passed the RD Exam within one year of their first attempt, surpassing the national pass rate of 87.7% during the same period. Additionally, many states require dietitians to obtain licensure, with specific requirements varying by state

Dietetic Supervised Practice Program Placement

Purdue University’s Didactic Program in Nutrition and Dietetics (DPD) boasts an outstanding placement rate. Over the past four years, 99% of students who applied to an advanced degree, a combined advanced degree and supervised practice program, or the Purdue Master of Science in Dietetics program successfully secured placement. This strong track record reflects the program’s commitment to preparing graduates for the next steps in their dietetics careers.

For additional outcome data or questions about DNPD or NDFH majors. Contact Alvin Furiya, MS, RDN, LDN, at 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.

ACEND does NOT accredit the Purdue Global program; therefore, the Purdue University nutrition and dietetics program cannot accept coursework from the Purdue Global program. See ACEND “About Accredited Programs – Important Notes.

How Do I Become an RDN?

To become a registered dietitian nutritionist, you will need to:

1. Complete a minimum of a master’s degree granted by a college or university accredited by a U.S. Department of Education recognized accrediting agency or foreign equivalent, and coursework through an Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics accredited Didactic, Coordinated, Graduate, or international program.
2. Complete required supervised practice/experience through an ACEND-accredited Dietetic Internship, Coordinated Program (Purdue Master of Science Dietetics), Graduate Program, or an Individualized Supervised Practice Pathway offered through an ACEND-accredited program.
3. Pass a national registration examination for dietitians, “the RD Exam”, administered by the Commission on Dietetic Registration. For more information regarding the examination, refer to the CDR’s website.
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 current in dietetics through continuing education. After successfully passing the national exam and earning the credential, RDNs maintain ongoing professional development to stay current on the latest research, recommendations, and best practices.

Dietetics education programs in colleges and universities are accredited by the Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics, or ACEND. As an accrediting agency, ACEND ensures that students preparing for careers as RDNs get the education they need to qualify for the national RDN exam.

Several accredited dietetics education programs offer different experiences and “pathways” to RDN eligibility. Search the ACEND-accredited program directory to find an accredited dietetics education 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

DPD verification statements at Purdue University are issued upon fulfilling the following requirements:

1. Degree Completion—Students must meet all requirements for a bachelor’s degree in either DNPD or DNFH, and the degree date must be verified on the official university transcript.
2. Credit Hour Requirement for Transfers. Transfer students must complete 24 of 31 credit hours of DPD nutrition coursework on the West Lafayette campus. NUTR 48000 Medical Nutrition Therapy must be completed on the West Lafayette campus
3. Minimum GPA Requirement – Undergraduate students must achieve a cumulative GPA of at least 2.75/4.00.
4. Course Grade Requirement. Students must earn a C or higher in all DPD courses, except for NUTR 43700 and 43800, which require a C or higher.
5. Knowledge Competency – Students must fulfill all Knowledge Requirements (KRDNs) of the DPD program.
6. Experiential Learning Requirement – A minimum of 150 hours of dietetics-related work or volunteer experience must be documented to satisfy the DPD Verification Statement Experiential Learning Requirement (see section 3.18)
7. Request Submission – Students must complete and submit the Request for Verification Statement

The US Bureau of Labor Statistics 2023 median annual salary for a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RDN) was $70,000.00. Employment needs for RDNs are projected to grow 7% from 2022 to 2032, faster than the average for all occupations. About 6,000 openings for RDNs are projected each year over the decade.

The Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics 2024 Compensation and Benefit survey reported that the median salary for all dietitians was $79,990.00. Median salary represents low and high cost of living area, years of work experience, region of country, scope of responsibility, and employment setting. Dietitians are typically classified in the workplace as exempt or salary-based pay and may earn 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
3. Purdue University Student Health Center (PUSH)
4. Purdue’s Counseling and Psychological Services
5. Disability Resource Center Web Site
6. 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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