The Didactic Program in Nutrition and Dietetics (DPD) leads to a Bachelor of Science degree and is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics (ACEND) of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics. Based on data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Outlook (2016), "Employment of dietitians and nutritionists is projected to grow by 15 percent from 2016 to 2026. This projected growth is due to the awareness about the role of food in preventing and treating illnesses, such as diabetes. More dietitians and nutritionists will be needed to provide care for patients with various chronic medical conditions and to advise people who want to improve their overall health."
Program graduates are eligible to apply for post-graduate internship programs. Graduates must complete the internship and pass the registration examination for dietitians in order to qualify for certification as Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RDN). Students apply for admission to internships during the last semester of their senior year or after graduation. Appointment to internships is competitive. Students are selected on the basis of a variety of criteria including, grade point average (GPA), work and volunteer experience, and recommendation letters. Most dietetic internships require that applicants have a GPA of at least 3.0. After registration, the dietitian is eligible for positions in: hospitals such as clinical dietitian or director of food and nutrition services; commercial food establishments such as restaurants, hotels and industrial facilities; schools, colleges, universities and the armed forces; community health agencies. For more information on career opportunities in nutrition and dietetics visit eatright.org.
Students applying to the professional component (years 3 and 4) of the DPD must be admitted to Western Michigan University prior to applying to the Nutrition and Dietetics program. Only the Office of Admissions and Orientation grants admission to Western Michigan University for undergraduate students. See the University website at wmich.edu.
There is no minor required with this major.
Admission Requirements:
All students are initially admitted to the Pre-Nutrition and Dietetics program. They apply for admission to the professional component of the Nutrition and Dietetics program (years 3 and 4) once all required Pre-Nutrition and Dietetics courses have been completed. The admission criteria and application procedures are described below.
Transfer students applying to the professional component (years 3 and 4) of the DPD must be admitted to Western Michigan University prior to applying to the Nutrition and Dietetics program. Only the Office of Admission and Orientation grants admission to Western Michigan University for undergraduate students. See the University website at wmich.edu.
Minimum Admission Requirements
- Attainment of a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or above on a 4.0 scale.
- Completion of required courses or the equivalent under Pre-Nutrition and Dietetics with no grade lower than a "C" in any of the following courses: ENGL 1050, BIOS 1120, CHEM 1100/1110, FCS 2600, CHEM 1120/1130. BIOS 2400, BIOS 2320, CHEM 3700/3710.
- Completion of the majority (70%) of WMU general education requirements is strongly suggested prior to applying to the Nutrition and Dietetics program.
- Completion of a letter of application stating reasons for selecting Nutrition and Dietetics as a career and short- and long-term professional goals.
Admission Process:
Applicants must complete the DPD application form, write a letter of application and pay the $40.00 application fee through the online application portal available on the undergraduate program in nutrition and dietetics website. Applications will not be reviewed until all application materials have been received. The application deadline is September 30 of each academic year. All applications are reviewed and admission determined by the DPD selection committee, consisting of full-time and part-time DPD faculty.
Applicants should include the following:
- A completed DPD application form.
- Official transcripts from all Universities and colleges attended, and student copies of WMU transcripts.
- A word-processed letter of application (maximum length 1 1/2 pages in font size 12 and double spaced) stating reasons for selecting Nutrition and Dietetics as a career and short- and long-term professional goals.
- A non-refundable application fee of $20 (make check payable to the Department of Family and Consumer Sciences).
- Please submit all materials through the online application portal available at wmich.edu/familyconsumer/academics/dietetics-bachelors at the bottom of the Admission Requirements section place all materials in an envelope and send to the address below.