Program Requirements

Admission

There are three ways to enter the Dietitian Nutritionist Program. As an undergraduate, a post-baccalaureate, or as a graduate of a DPD. The application deadline for the DPD entry point is February 15. The application deadline for the undergraduate and post-baccelaureate 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 Undergraduate Students to the Accelerated MS Program

Prerequisites must be completed for a letter grade, minimum grade of C- (C for transfer) unless otherwise noted; with the exception of AP/IB credits and/or exemptions awarded by the University of Pittsburgh. Courses listed below are offered at the Pittsburgh Campus, courses taken at the regional Pitt campuses or external institutions must be evaluated as equivalent to satisfy these requirements.

• General Chemistry 1 with lab, CHEM 0110
• General Chemistry 2 with lab, CHEM 0120
• Foundations of Biology 1, BIOSC 0150
• Foundations of Biology 2, BIOSC 0160
• Biology Lab, BIOSC 0157, 0050, 0057 or 0058
• Organic Chemistry, CHEM 0350, or CHEM 0310
• Biochemistry, BIOSC 1000*
• Introduction to Microbiology, BIOSC 1850
• College Algebra, MATH 0031 or higher math required. Exemption accepted.
• Statistics, STAT 0200 or STAT 1000
• Seminar in Composition, ENGCMP 0200 or equivalent
• English Writing, any “W” or upper-level writing course
• Oral Communication, COMMRC 0520 preferred; COMMRC 0310, COMMRC 0500, COMMRC 0510, and COMMRC 0530 are also accepted. 
• Social Science, any
• Psychology, PSY 0010
• Introduction to Nutrition, NUTR 1006*
• Introduction to Dietetics, NUTR 1600+
• Cultural Influences in Food and Nutirtion, NUTR 1090+ 

*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

• Minimum cumulative and prerequisite GPA of 3.0 (based on 4.0)
• 60 credits are required to begin the program

Application Requirements

• Complete the application for admission. Please visit the SHRS website to access information about applying;
• All applications require a personal statement.
  • A personal statement that reveals the applicant’s personality, values, character and creativity, and describe how those experiences would promote empathy and a sense of belonging for future patients and colleagues in the Dietitian Nutritionist Program. Applicants may also include sharing how these experiences contribute to promoting compassion and wellness in healthcare. Please also discuss your professional goals as a registered dietitian. Maximum of 500 words
• 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;
• Transcripts from all institutions attended. Pitt students do not have to provide transcripts they have already submitted to Pitt.

SHRS General Education Requirements are included in our upper-level program prerequisites and curriculum requirements.

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 (Academy),  (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 Registered Dietitian Nutritionists (RDNs) to enhance the health and wellbeing of individuals and diverse populations. Graduates become leaders in advancing the knowledge, skills and evidence-based practice of nutrition and dietetics.

The program goals are:

Program Goal 1:

Graduates are competent to practice effectively as entry-level RDNs.

Objectives:

1. At least 80% of program students complete program requirements within 3 years (150% of the program length).
2. Eighty percent of program graduates take the CDR credentialing exam within 12 months of program completion.
3. The program’s one-year pass rate (graduates who pass the registration exam within one year of first attempt) on the CDR credentialing exam for dietitian nutritionists is at least 80%.

Program Goal 2:

​Graduates have advanced knowledge and skills to contribute to the evidence-based practice of nutrition and dietetics.

Objectives:

1. Of graduates who seek employment, at least 80% are employed in nutrition and dietetics or related fields within 12 months of graduation.
2. Ninety percent of employers of graduates will rate the performance of the graduates as being at or above that of other entry-level dietitians they have employed.
3. Employers will rate 100% of graduates as demonstrating culturally competent evidenced-based practice.

Program outcomes are available upon request.