Program Overview

This concentration equips you with the evidence-based nutrition knowledge, culinary expertise and sustainability‑focused skills needed to thrive in today’s evolving food and health landscape. You’ll be prepared for exciting employment opportunities across healthcare, community wellness and the food industry, while building a strong foundation in sustainable practices that support both people and the planet.

 

Instructor preparing to give metabolic test

Who Benefits From the Didactic Program in Dietetics?

UIW's Didactic Program in Dietetics (DPD) directly benefits aspiring dietitians by providing the required academic coursework and earning them a Verification Statement. Students who complete the ACEND‑accredited Didactic Program in Dietetics (DPD) are also on the path to becoming Registered Dietitian Nutritionists (RDN), ready for supervised practice and future credentialing. With a curriculum designed to support your career goals and prepare you for advanced degree programs, this concentration empowers you to lead, innovate and make a meaningful impact.

 

Didactic Program in Dietetics Mission

The Didactic Program in Dietetics (DPD) prepares graduates for successful entry into supervised practice and graduate programs leading to eligibility for the CDR credentialing exam to become a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist. Program outcome data and program contact information are available upon request.

Program Goals

Program graduates will be well prepared for entry into a supervised practice program and/or graduate program. 

Objectives 

  • Objective 1.1: At least 80% of students complete program requirements within 3 years (150% of planned program length).  
  • Objective 1.2: At least 50 percent of program graduates apply for admission to an RDN or a graduate program within 12 months of graduation.
  • Objective 1.3: At least 80 percent of program graduates who apply to an RDN or a graduate program are admitted within 12 months of graduation.
  • Objective 1.4: At least 80% of program graduates will rate their preparedness for an RDN or a graduate program as ‘satisfactory’ or ‘more than satisfactory’ within 12 months of graduation.
  • Objective 1.5: At least 70% of supervised practice program directors will rate program graduates' knowledge and skills at the beginning of supervised practice as ‘satisfactory’ or ‘more than satisfactory.

Program graduates will utilize the knowledge and skills gained in the UIW DPD to succeed in their supervised practice program. 

Objectives

  • Objective 2.1: At least 80% of program graduates will receive a rating of ‘satisfactory’ or ‘more than satisfactory’ from supervised practice program directors on performance within 12 months of graduation. 

Becoming a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist

One pathway to becoming a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RDN) is by completing an accredited Didactic Program in Dietetics (DPD) followed by supervised practice, a master's degree (if not already earned), and passing a national examination. The UIW DPD provides qualified students with the DPD Verification Statement, confirming their eligibility to apply for supervised practice programs. Find out more about how to become an RDN from the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics. Learn more about the state licensure certification from the Commission on Dietetic Registration. 

Your Program Completion Checklist

Students can earn the DPD verification statement by meeting the following requirements:
  • Take a minimum of 12 credits of DPD coursework at UIW. 
  • Earn a minimum 3.0 GPA and “C” or higher in DPD courses.
  • Earn a passing score (70% or better) on each KRDN. 
  • Submit an official UIW transcript after program completion.
  • Complete program requirements and/or receive a verification statement within the maximum time allowed, per UIW institutional policy.

Understanding Program Costs

The cost of the program will vary, and all fees, charges and costs are subject to change without notice. The total cost of attendance at UIW includes tuition and fees, books and supplies and housing and food for students who choose to live on campus. Textbooks are provided through UIW ACCESS, which is included in the University student fee. Students must pay the ServSafe Manager Certification Exam fee and purchase an eNCPT subscription. Students will be required to be a student member of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics.

Tech Requirements for Program Success

To be successful in your courses, you’ll need a computer that can run Microsoft Office (provided free to all students) with reliable internet access. A laptop is recommended because it’s portable for classes and online work. If you don’t have a laptop, UIW’s Library offers laptops for checkout. UIW also provides WiFi access for students on the main campus. Students should be proficient in using Microsoft Office and the internet.

Important Dates and Timelines

The UIW Didactic Program in Dietetics (DPD) follows the UIW Academic Calendar. The Academic Calendar contains academic, registration and graduation deadlines. 

Funding Your Education

UIW offers many ways to help you pay for your education. The Office of Financial Assistance provides guidance on financial aid options, and there are additional scholarship opportunities available to students. You can also apply for student employment positions on campus. All students, including those on F‑1 or J‑1 visas, may work up to 20 hours per week. 
Headshot of Didactic Program Alumni, Viviana

"Attending UIW for the nutrition program was a life-changing experience. The program promoted experiences and opportunities for my professional development. In addition, I loved the professor's commitment and mentorship in my education. " 

- Viviana Ponce, May 2025 Graduate, BS Nutrition, Didactic Program in Dietetics

As part of the BS Nutrition in Dietetics and Culinary Nutrition Concentration, the UIW Didactic Program in Dietetics (DPD) prepares students to meet the academic requirements needed to pursue supervised practice on the path to becoming a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist. Students who complete all required DPD coursework and program requirements are issued a DPD Verification Statement, which confirms their eligibility to apply to supervised practice programs. Individuals who already hold a bachelor’s degree may also complete the DPD as a post-graduate by finishing all required UIW DPD courses. 

There is no formal application process to enter the UIW Didactic Program in Dietetics (DPD). Students simply progress into the DPD once they have met the prerequisite requirements. To begin the DPD, students must: 

  • Be in good academic standing at UIW 
  • Have a 2.5 GPA or higher in all DPD prerequisite courses 
  • Earn a grade of “C” or higher in each DPD prerequisite course 

Students who are applying to supervised practice programs must read the application process for students and program traffic rules.

 

DPD Pre-Requisite Courses 

Biology Courses 

BIOL 2321 Anatomy & Physiology I 
BIOL 2121 Anatomy & Physiology I Lab 
BIOL 2322 Anatomy & Physiology II 
BIOL 2122 Anatomy & Physiology II Lab 
BIOL 2474 Introduction to Microbiology & Lab  

Chemistry Courses 

CHEM 1310 Introductory Chemistry 
CHEM 1320 Biological Chemistry for Health Professions 

General Nutrition Course 

NUTR 2341 Introduction to Nutrition 

Math Course 

MATH 2303 Introduction to Probability & Statistics 

Transfer and Academic Credit: The DPD will assess prior learning and grant credit for prior learning in accordance with UIW policies. UIW transfer credit policy is available for review. Evaluation of courses not recognized by UIW as directly transferring for a DPD-required course will be completed by the DPD Director with input from course instructors. Students requesting such course evaluation are responsible for providing appropriate documentation, including official transcripts, course syllabi, course descriptions or other documents demonstrating attainment of knowledge linked to KRDNs for the course. Evaluation of coursework will be made on a case-by-case basis. 

International Students: International students must first refer to the Commission on Dietetics Registration (CDR) for information about eligibility to become a Registered Dietitian in the United States Commission on Dietetics Registration (CDR). International students with a degree from another country should use one of the identified independent nonprofit agencies that can validate the student’s academic degree as equivalent to the bachelor’s or master’s degree granted by a college or university accredited by a U.S. Department of Education recognized accrediting agency. The list of agencies can be found on the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics Foreign Degree Evaluation Agencies webpage. The DPD Director will evaluate the student’s previous academic preparation and identify the courses needed to meet the didactic program requirements. 

Prior learning assessment is available for coursework. Students can contact the DPD Director for more information.

Accreditation

The University of the Incarnate Word’s Didactic Program in Dietetics is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics (ACEND) of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics. 

Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics 
120 South Riverside Plaza 
Suite 2190 
Chicago, IL 60606-6995 
Telephone: (800) 877-1600 ext. 5400