Program Mission

The mission of the Didactic Program in Dietetics at The University of Texas at Austin is to provide excellent academic preparation of students from all backgrounds and perspectives for admission to dietetic internships and/or graduate school through integration of science-oriented education and professional preparation for dietetics practice. This program seeks to develop in students an awareness of economic, social, cultural and psychological influences on behavior necessary for promotion and maintenance of nutritional well-being among individuals and groups in the community.  Guidance in critical thinking and evidence-based analysis of current research are combined with scientific and managerial principles to promote skills needed to create and evaluate sound nutritional care.

Program Goal 1: Program graduates will demonstrate the core knoweldge, critical thinking skills, and technical expertise needed for acceptance into ACEND-accreditited supervised practice programs and /or graduate study.

Objectives:

1. At least 80% of students complete program requirements within 3 years (150% of the planned program length).
2. At least 60% of program graduates apply for admission to a supervised practice program prior to or within 12 months of graduation.
3. Of program graduates who apply to a supervised practice program, at least 60% are admitted within 12 months of graduation.
4. At least 90% of program graduates who apply to a graduate program, either alone or combined with a supervised practice program, upon graduation will be accepted for admission.

Program Goal 2: Program graduates will perform competently in a supevised practice program and successfully complete the CDR credentialing exam to become an entry-level registered dietitian.

Objectives:

1. At least 90% of program graduates enrolled in a supervised practice program will rate their preparation "good" or better using a 5-point scale, where "3" is "good", in five of seven areas.
2. At least 90% of supervised practice directors responding to a survey will rate program graduates' preparation for supervised practice as "good" or better using a 5-point scale, where "3" is "good".
3. The program's one-year pass rate (graduates who pass the registration exam within one yera of first attempt) on the CDR credentialing exam for dietitian nutritionists is at least 80%.
4. Mean scaled score of graduates sitting for the CDR credentialing exam for dietitian nutritionists will be above the national mean for the total exam, and both the nutrition and foodservice managment sections. organizations.

Annual program outcome data is available upon request.

DPD HANDBOOK 2024

Qualities of a Successful Applicant to a Supervised Practice Program

Programs look for candidates with:

• Strong academic performance: typically a minimum GPA of 3.0 is required. The student’s GPA is evaluated as a science GPA (the science courses listed on the DPD course requirements), a DPD GPA (all courses other than Science listed on the DPD Course requirements) as well as a total GPA.
• Work or volunteer experience: There is no absolute requirement, but experience gained through employment, internships and volunteer activities are considered. Students should look for opportunities that provide experience in all areas of nutrition/dietetics (e.g. community, education, clinical and food systems).
• Leadership: Ability to work effectively in a group and provide leadership to others can be demonstrated by participation in campus or off-campus organizations or being given increased responsibilities at a job.
• Knowledge of the profession of dietetics: It's important to devote some time learning what dietitians do before you make the decision to commit the time and energy pursuing this career. This can be accomplished through working with, volunteering for, or interviewing practicing dietitians. 

Certification as a Dietetic Technician Registered (DTR)

Students who complete the DPD bachelor's degree requirements and earn a verification statement are eligible to sit for the Dietetic Technician Registered (DTR) examination. If a student desires to take the examination they must provide a signed Mis-Use Form and an official UT-Austin transcript to the DPD Program Director. 

The DPD Program Director can then electronically begin the process. The REPS system will alert the program graduate to complete an online application by email. After all forms and applications are uploaded and complete, the applicant is notified they are eligible to take the exam. Study guide and exam overview are available at the CDR website.  

Didactic Program in Dietetics Curriculum

Students earning a BS in Nutrition, Option 1- Dietetics must complete the DPD requirements for the catalog under which they will graduate. 

• DPD Requirements 2022-2024 Catalog
• DPD_Requirements_2020-2022_Revised.pdf
• DPD Requirements, 2018-2020 Catalog
• DPD Requirements, 2016-2018 Catalog
• DPD Requiremenets, 2014-2016 Catalog
• DPD Requirements, 2012-2014 Catalog