Didactic Program in Dietetics

The Didactic Program in Dietetics Certificate is a two semester, 21-credit program that prepares students to enter a dietetic internship.  This certificate program is designed for students who previously received a bachelor's degree and are seeking a Verification Statement, which is the documentation required to enter a dietetic internship.  Eligibility criteria include a previous bachelor's degree (in any field) and successful completion of the prerequisite courses.  

The path to becoming a registered dietitian includes earning a bachelor's degree (in any field), completing an accredited Didactic Program in Dietetics (this may be completed at the undergraduate or graduate level), completing an accredited Dietetic Internship, and passing the National Registered Dietitian Exam.  The University of New Hampshire's DPD curriculum is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics (ACEND).  Coursework includes a variety of science and professional courses that meet the ACEND required knowledge.  Course instructors incorporate a variety of educational techniques including in-class learning and hands on clinical and simulation experiences.  Approximately 70-80% of our graduating students who apply for dietetic internships are matched to an internship during their final semester.   

Application Requirements:

1. Bachelor's degree with GPA > 3.0
2. Completion of prerequisite courses within the past 10 years with a combined GPA > 3.2
3. Earned > B in the introductory nutrition course (NUTR 400 Nutrition in Health and Well Being or equivalent)
4. Earned > C+ in the Anatomy and Physiology I or Chemistry I course (BMS 507 Human Anatomy and Physiology I or CHEM 403 General Chemistry I or approved equivalent)

Prerequisite Courses at UNH (or approved equivalent from outside institution): 

Prerequisite Courses at UNH (or approved equivalent from outside institution): DPD Science Courses

All prerequisite courses must have been completed within the past 10 years at a regionally accredited U.S. college or university.  

• Transcript evaluation by a third party is not required as long as an application is in English. Translation services and evaluation services may be requested at the discretion of the academic department.
• Transcripts from all previous post-secondary institutions must be submitted and applicants must disclose any previous academic or disciplinary sanctions that resulted in their temporary or permanent separation from a previous post-secondary institution. If it is found that previous academic or disciplinary separations were not disclosed, applicants may face denial and admitted students may face dismissal from their academic program.
• International applicants may submit copies of official transcripts by emailing [email protected]. We will upload those transcripts to your application checklist. 
• Official transcripts will be required if admitted. These can be hand-delivered in a sealed envelope upon arrival, emailed to [email protected], or mailed hardcopy to UNH Graduate School, Thompson Hall, 105 Main Street, Durham, NH 03824.