Program Overview
The DPD/MS/DI Program at Boston University is a comprehensive, STEM-eligible, 3-year pathway designed for individuals with a non-dietetics undergraduate degree who aspire to become a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RDN). Learn more about the Steps to Become an RDN at BU.
This program combines two Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics (ACEND)-accredited programs:
- Didactic Program in Dietetics (DPD)
- Master of Science in Nutrition / Dietetic Internship (MS/DI)
Upon graduation, students will have a DPD Verification Statement, an MS in Nutrition degree, a DI Verification Statement and be ready to sit for the national registration exam to become an RDN.
Didactic Program in Dietetics (DPD)
The ACEND-accredited DPD provides foundational knowledge for dietetics practice and is completed in the first two years of the program.
View DPD courses in the BU Bulletin.
Explore the curriculum, prerequisites, and prior learning policy.
DPD Verification Statement
Upon successful completion of DPD coursework, students receive a DPD Verification Statement, qualifying them to:
DPD Mission, Goals, and Objectives
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.
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 students complete program requirements within 3 years (150% of planned 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.
Boston University DPD outcomes data are available upon request.
MS in Nutrition/Dietetic Internship (MS/DI)
Once a student completes their DPD coursework, they begin an ACEND-accredited MS/DI, which fulfills the master’s degree and supervised practice requirements to become an RDN.
Graduate coursework begins during the DPD phase and continues throughout the program.
Academic opportunities include:
- Research experiences
- A practicum designed to customize your experience in clinical, community, sports nutrition, public health, eating disorders
- Faculty with expertise in medical nutrition therapy, research, media, counseling, consulting, education and more.
About the BU DI:
After completing the DPD and at least 32 graduate credits, students begin 29 weeks of full-time supervised practice at BU-affiliated sites at major teaching and community hospitals in the Boston area, starting in January or June.
Rotations include:
- Clinical Nutrition
- May include experiences in cardiology, diabetes, pediatrics, oncology, pediatrics and more
- Community Nutrition
- Outpatient Counseling
- Food Service Management
Some sites may require personal transportation (up to 60 miles from campus).
🔗 Learn more about the DI
MS/DI Mission, Goals, and Objectives
Mission
Aligned with the mission of the Boston University Programs in Nutrition (link to MS landing page), the mission of the Boston University MS/DI program is to prepare students to become entry-level registered dietitian nutritionists (RDNs) committed to lifelong learning.
Goals and Objectives
Goal 1
BU MS/DI graduates will become competent entry-level RDNs.
Objectives
- At least 80% of interns complete program requirements within 18 months (150% of planned 12-month program length).
- Of graduates who seek employment, at least 80% are employed in nutrition and dietetics or related fields within 12 months of graduation.
- At least 80% of program graduates take the CDR credentialing exam for dietitian nutritionists within 12 months of program completion.
- 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%.
- Each year, at least 10% of those employers who hire our graduates will be surveyed. Of those surveyed, at least 80% of graduates will be found to possess satisfactory entry level skills.
Goal 2
BU MS/DI graduates will demonstrate a commitment to lifelong learning by pursuing post-graduate professional development.
Objectives
- At least 80% of the graduates of the program who return surveys will maintain their RDN status five years after graduation.
- Five years after completion of the program, at least 50% of the graduates who returned surveys will demonstrate involvement in professional activities. Other program outcome data available on request.
Boston University MS/DI outcomes data are available upon request.
DI Verification Statement
Upon completing the DI, students receive the DI Verification Statement needed to be eligible to sit for the CDR national registration exam.
BU 100% Pass Rate
Graduates of our DPD/MS/DI program have maintained a longstanding 100% pass rate within one year of their first attempt on the CDR exam.
Important Information
STEM-Eligible Degree Information
The DPD/MS/DI program is designated as a STEM-eligible degree by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security. International students on F-1 visas may qualify for a 24-month OPT extension.
More information about STEM OPT eligibility is available from the BU International Students and Scholars Office (ISSO).
ACEND Contact Information
📍 ACEND: 120 South Riverside Plaza, Suite 2190, Chicago, IL 60606-6995
📞 312-899-0040 ext. 5400
🔗 Visit the ACEND Website
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