Understanding Dietetics
The Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics defines dietetics as “the science and art of applying the principles of nutrition to health.” The RD credential is required for most careers that involve providing nutritional care to individuals and groups. Typical jobs include:
- Clinical – create nutrition plans for healing in settings like hospitals, outpatient clinics and long-term care facilities
- Food Systems– manage food and nutrition resources for programs housed in hospitals, correctional facilities, school districts and college dining
- Community – educate communities and promote science-based interventions for public health programs housed in state/federal units and non-governmental organizations
Paths to Becoming a Registered Dietitian
- Earn a bachelor’s degree or graduate degree from a program accredited by the Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics (ACEND). UT-Austin offers both a Didactic Program in Dietetics (DPD) undergraduate program and an Integrated Coordinated Program in Dietetics (ICPD) at the graduate level. Upon graduation from either program, students will receive a verification statement.
- Complete an ACEND-accredited supervised practice program which requires application of knowledge learned in the classroom to real-world experiences.
- Complete a master's degree either as part of a supervised practice program, like our ICPD, or independently of a program.
- Pass the Registration Examination for Dietitians given by the Commission on Dietetic Registration.
- If you plan to practice in the state of Texas, you may need to obtain licensing in the state of Texas. For more information about state licensure requirementsclick here. For more information about educational pathways to become a RDNclick here.
Dietetics Programs at The University of Texas at Austin
The University of Texas at Austin offers two programs for students who are pursuing the Registered Dietitian credential. Students who complete the Didactic Program in Dietetics (DPD) are qualified to apply to supervised practice programs. DPD graduates who complete a supervised practice program and earn a masters degree are eligible to take the examination to become registered dietitians and may become active members of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics.
The Integrated Coordinated Program in Dietetics (ICPD) includes a masters degree and supervised clinical, food systems management, administrative and community practice experiences so that students are qualified to take the dietetic registration examination when they graduate. Students interested in this program must apply for admission.
The dietetics programs are offered to students enrolled at The University of Texas at Austin. The University of Texas publishes its tuition rates, including historical data, on the university’s Tuition Rates Page. Estimate the cost of attendance for a dietetic program at the University of Texas at Austin along with housing, transportation, books and supplies costs by using the university's Cost and Tuition Rates tool.
Use the University of Texas at Austin Financial Aid and Scholarship page to find information about the different types of financial aid available, how to apply, understanding and managing aid packets, veteran education benefit information and more.
The dietetic programs at the University of Texas at Austin are committed to education and trainining, while providing support and equitable treatment for diverse needs and students from diverse backgrounds; this includes students from all ethnicities, races, cultures, ages, gender, sexual identities, religions, veteran status, and life experiences in the population of the State of Texas.
Both the DPD and the ICPD are granted accreditation by the Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics (ACEND) of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics (AND), 120 S. Riverside Plaza, Suite 2190, Chicago IL 0606, (312) 899-0040. https://www.eatrightpro.org/acend