Program Requirements
Admission
There are three ways to enter the Dietitian Nutritionist Program. As an undergraduate (accelerated BS/MS), a post-baccalaureate (MS), or as a graduate of a DPD (MS). The application deadline for all entry points is March 1. Application review begins in January. Admission is for the fall term only. Applications can be submitted when course requirements are in progress.
Entry Point for Post Baccalaureate Students to the MS Program
Prerequisites must be completed for a letter grade, minimum grade of C. Coursework will be evaluated at time of application for equivalency to Pitt courses.
- General Chemistry 1 with lab
- General Chemistry 2 with lab
- Foundations of Biology 1
- Genetics or Foundations of Biology 2
- Biology Lab
- Organic Chemistry 1
- Organic Chemistry 2
- Biochemistry*
- Introduction to Microbiology
- College Algebra or higher math
- Statistics
- Seminar in Composition
- English Writing
- Oral Communication
- Business
- Social Science
- Psychology
- Introduction to Nutrition*
- Introduction to Dietetics+
- Food and Culture+
*These courses need to have been completed within the past five years.
+These courses can be taken in the first year of the Dietitian Nutritionist Program.
Additional Requirements
- Baccalaureate degree from an accredited institution
- Minimum cumulative and prerequisite GPA of 3.0 (based on 4.0)
- Personal interview with nutrition faculty
Application Requirements
- Complete the GradCAS application;
- Submit a self-evaluation essay, discussing strengths, skills and experiences that will contribute to success in the program and your professional goals as a registered dietitian;
- Resume demonstrating evidence of adequate exposure to the field of dietetics and an appreciation of the breadth, depth, and scope of practice. This can be accomplished through either volunteer or paid work experience in a nutrition and dietetics related settings; there is no minimum number of hours required;
- Submit one letter of recommendation. This letter should address the academic, professional, and personal attributes and potential for graduate study;
- Transcripts from all institutions attended. Pitt students do not have to provide transcripts they have already submitted to Pitt.
- Additional requirements for international applicants
- Academic Credential Evaluation from World Education Services (WES), Inc. or Educational Credential Evaluators, Inc. A course by course evaluation with GPA conversion is required for baccalaureate degree or higher completed at an institution outside of the United States.
- English Language Proficiency scores. Minimum scores accepted:
- TOEFL: 100. Submit electronically to institution code 2927.
- IELTS: 7.0. Scores should be made available electronically to “University of Pittsburgh Health and Rehabilitation Sciences”.
- Duolingo: 130. Scores should be made available electronically to “University of Pittsburgh - Health and Rehabilitation Sciences”.
Entry Point for DPD Graduates to the MS Program
Prerequisites must be completed for a letter grade, minimum grade of C. Coursework will be evaluated at time of application for equivalency to Pitt courses.
- Foundations of Biology 1 with Lab, 4 credits
- Genetics or Foundations of Biology 2, 3 credits
- Human Physiology, 4 credits
- Introduction to Microbiology, 3 credits
- General Chemistry 1 with Lab, 4 credits
- General Chemistry 2 with Lab, 4 credits
- †Organic Chemistry 1, 3 credits
- †Organic Chemistry 2, 3 credits
- *Biochemistry, 3 credits
- Oral Communication, 3 credits
- Business or Economics, 3 credits
- Social Science, 3 credits
- Introduction to Psychology, 3 credits
- Seminar in Composition, 6 credits
- Algebra, 2-4 credits
- *Introduction to Nutrition, 3 credits
- Introduction to Dietetics, 1 credit
- Food and Culture, 3 credits
- Nutrition Assessment, 3 credits
- Nutrition Education, 3 credits
- Nutrient Metabolism, 3-6 credits
- Food Applications with Lab, 4 credits
- Food Service Management, 3 credits
- Life Cycle Nutrition, 3 credits
- Nutrition Therapy, 3 credits
*These courses need to have been completed within the past five years.
†CHEM 0350 (3 cr.) offered each Spring Term will satisfy the Organic Chemistry requirement. Students who do not take CHEM 0350 must take OCHEM 1 & 2 (6 cr.).
+Genetics is preferred; however, a Biology 2 course with a strong genetics component will fulfill the requirements.
Additional Requirements
- Baccalaureate degree from an accredited institution
- Verification Statement from accredited program
- Minimum cumulative and prerequisite GPA of 3.0 (based on 4.0)
- Personal interview with nutrition faculty
Application Requirements
- Complete the GradCAS application;
- Submit a self-evaluation essay, discussing strengths, skills and experiences that will contribute to success in the program and your professional goals as a registered dietitian;
- Submit resume demonstrating evidence of adequate exposure to the field of dietetics and an appreciation of the breadth, depth and scope of practice. This can be accomplished through either volunteer or paid work experience in a nutrition and dietetics related settings; there is no minimum number of hours required;
- Submit one letter of recommendation. This letter should address the academic, professional, and personal attributes and potential for graduate study;
- Submit official transcripts from all colleges and universities attended;
- Additional requirements for international applicants
- Academic Credential Evaluation from World Education Services (WES), Inc. or Educational Credential Evaluators, Inc. A course by course evaluation with GPA conversion is required for baccalaureate degree or higher completed at an institution outside of the United States.
- English Language Proficiency scores. Minimum scores accepted:
- Duolingo: 130. Scores should be made available electronically to “University of Pittsburgh - Health and Rehabilitation Sciences”.
- IELTS: 7.0. Scores should be made available electronically to “University of Pittsburgh Health and Rehabilitation Sciences”.
- TOEFL: 100. Submit electronically to institution code 2927.
Essential Standards
This information is provided to inform applicants of the non-academic technical performance and expectation standards required to complete the program successfully. Applicants should review the essential program standards to ensure that they are able to meet and maintain the standards program. The University fosters a culture of inclusiveness and is committed to providing an accessible environment for its faculty, staff and students. Please note, the Dietitian Nutritionist Program is committed to non-discrimination, including on the basis of disability. Individuals with disabilities are encouraged to apply and reasonable accomodations will be provided as appropriate. The following link provides detailed information on Essential Program Standards.
Please note that this program requires students to complete portions of their education (e.g., supervised experiential learning experiences) at facilities external to the University to meet requirements for graduation. Many of these external facilities require screening measures such as, but not limited to, criminal background check, child abuse clearance, health appraisal, fingerprint-based background check and/or drug test prior to placement at the facility. The results of these requirements may limit and potentially eliminate placement options for the student which can, in turn, result in an inability to meet graduation requirements. Additionally, a conviction of a misdemeanor, felony, or felonious or illegal act abuse may prevent the student from becoming credentialed and/or licensed to practice in the field.
The University of Pittsburgh, as an educational institution and as an employer, values equality of opportunity, human dignity, and racial/ethnic and cultural diversity. Accordingly, the University prohibits and will not engage in discrimination or harassment on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, ancestry, sex, age, marital status, familial status, sexual orientation, disability, or status as a disabled veteran or a veteran of the Vietnam era. Further, the University will continue to take affirmative steps to support and advance these values consistent with the University’s mission. For information on University equal opportunity and affirmative action programs and complaint/grievance procedures, contact the Office of Affirmative Action, 901 William Pitt Union, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15260, 412-648-7860412-648-7860.
The Dietitian Nutritionist Program is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics (ACEND) the accrediting agency for the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics (A.N.D.), (ACEND@eatright.org), phone (1-800-877-1600 or 1-800-877-1600 x5400), or mail (120 South Riverside Plaza, Suite 2190, Chicago, IL 60606-6995).
Program Mission, Goals and Objectives
The mission of the Dietitian Nutritionist Program is the development of graduates with the competence and advanced skills to practice effectively as entry-level RDNs to enhance the health and wellbeing of individuals and diverse populations. In addition, the vision is to lead among dietetics programs in advancing knowledge, skills, and evidence-based practice of RDNs.
The program goals are:
1. Development of graduates with the competence and advanced skills to practice effectively as entry-level Registered Dietitian Nutritionists (RDN).
2. To prepare entry-level graduates with advanced knowledge and skills that contribute to the evidence-informed practice of RDNs.
Program outcomes are available upon request.
