About the Dietetics Track
The Dietetics track is designed for students interested in becoming a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RDN). RDNs apply the science of food and nutrition across diverse settings to promote health, prevent disease, and support the management of nutrition-related conditions.
There are several pathways available to become an RDN. All pathways begin with foundational knowledge requirements established by the Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics (ACEND). At Boston University, students in the Dietetics Track meet these requirements by completing the Didactic Program in Dietetics (DPD).
Explore the curriculum and prior learning policy.
Boston University’s DPD is ACEND-accredited
📍 ACEND: 120 South Riverside Plaza, Suite 2190, Chicago, IL 60606-6995
📞 800-877-1600 ext. 5400
🔗 Visit the ACEND website
View the Curriculum
DPD Verification Statement
Upon successful completion of the dietetics track and all graduation requirements, students receive a DPD Verification Statement – the first step on your path to become an RDN. For those interested in the NDTR credential, your DPD Verification Statement qualifies you to sit for the national NDTR registration exam.
DPD Missions, Goals and Objectives
Boston University DPD outcomes data are available upon request.
DPD Mission
Aligned with the mission of the Boston University Programs in Nutrition, the mission of the Boston University DPD is to prepare students with the foundational knowledge and skills for dietetics practice.
DPD Goals and Objectives
Goal 1
BU DPD graduates will enter supervised practice, a graduate program or employment in a food or health-related field.
Objectives
- At least 80% of full-time students complete program requirements within 3 years (150% of planned full-time program length). At least 80% of part-time students complete program requirements within 4.5 years (150% of planned part-time program length).
- At least 40% percent of program graduates apply for admission to a supervised practice program prior to or within 12 months of graduation.
- Of program graduates who apply to a supervised practice program, at least 50% percent are admitted within 12 months of graduation.
- Of program graduates who apply to a graduate program, at least 20% percent are admitted within 12 months of graduation.
- Of program graduates who apply for a food or health-related position, at least 20% percent will begin employment within 12 months of graduation.
Goal 2
BU DPD graduates will be competent dietetic interns, graduate students, or entry-level food or health-related professionals.
Objectives
- 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%.
- At least 80% of graduates entering supervised practice programs upon completion of the BU DPD will receive a score of ‘average’ or above preparation on a survey of supervised practice directors sent one year after graduation (out of the total number of surveys received).
- ‘At least 80% of graduates responding to a one-year graduation survey regarding adequacy of academic preparation for supervised practice, a graduate degree program, or employment in a food or health-related field will report ‘average’ or above preparation (out of the total number of surveys received.
Next Steps on Your Path to Become an RDN
1. After earning your DPD Verification Statement:
- Complete a master’s degree
- Complete an ACEND-accredited supervised practice program (e.g., a dietetic internship)
Boston University’s MS in Nutrition and Dietetic Internship programs combine both the master’s degree and supervised practice requirements into one seamless pathway.
Additional Pathway
MS in Nutrition + Standalone ACEND-accredited DI
Students may choose to complete a master’s degree first, then apply to a standalone ACEND-accredited dietetic internship.
BU’s two-semester MS in Nutrition program offers:
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- Core coursework in human nutrition science and metabolism
- Research experience to support evidence-based practice
- A customizable concentration based on student interests
Note: This program does not include a dietetic internship. Students pursuing this pathway must apply separately to a standalone ACEND-accredited dietetic internship and obtain a DI Verification Statement in order to become eligible to sit for the national registration examination to become an RDN.
2. Pass the national examination administered by CDR.
BU 100% Pass Rate
Boston University DPD graduates have maintained a 100% pass rate within one year of their first attempt on the CDR exam since 2018.
3. Meet state licensure requirements.
Important Information
CDR Degree Requirement
CDR requires a minimum of a master’s degree to be eligible to take the credentialing exam to become an RDN. In addition, CDR requires that individuals complete coursework and supervised practice in program(s) accredited by ACEND.
Technology Requirements
Technology plays an integral role during the BS DPD program. Students are responsible for all expenses related to these technology requirements.
- A laptop with camera and microphone are required. See BU’s Student Laptop Recommendations to ensure adequate computing power to use applications required during the graduate program.
- Students must be proficient in basic computer skills, including e-mail, web browsing, Microsoft Office (Word, PowerPoint, Excel), and other common applications and be capable of learning and using R- statistical package to analyze public health related data, electronic health records to provide nutrition care, and Blackboard Learn, which is BU’s Learning Management System.
- BU’s IT Help Center and Blackboard support service is available to provide technology assistance by emailing ithelp@bu.edu.
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