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 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 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
• Biology Lab
• Biochemistry*
• Introduction to Microbiology
• Statistics or higher math
• Introduction to Nutrition
• Introduction to Dietetics+
• Cultural Influences in Food and Nutrition+

+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 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;
• 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. New scale as of January 2026: 5.0 with all sub-scores of 4.0 or higher. Submit electronically to institution code 2927.
    • IELTS: 7.5. Scores should be made available electronically to “University of Pittsburgh Health and Rehabilitation Sciences”.
    • Duolingo: 140. Scores should be made available electronically to “University of Pittsburgh - Health and Rehabilitation Sciences”.

Entry Point for DPD Graduates to the MS Program

The program is looking for a verification statement from an ACEND accredited undergraduate program. No other prerequisites are required. 

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 DICAS 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: 140. Scores should be made available electronically to “University of Pittsburgh - Health and Rehabilitation Sciences”.
    • IELTS: 7.5. Scores should be made available electronically to “University of Pittsburgh Health and Rehabilitation Sciences”.
    • TOEFL: 100. New scale as of January 2026: 5.0 with all sub-scores of 4.0 or higher.  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 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.