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Didactic Program in Dietetics, Certificate

Saint Louis University’s didactic program in dietetics, offered at the Doisy College of Health Sciences, prepares you to become a registered dietitian/nutritionist. You can still satisfy the requirements to gain eligibility for the program ifyou have a degree in a different area of study.

Curriculum Overview

SLU’s didactic program in dietetics (DPD) enrolls students who have already obtained an undergraduate degree in an alternate field and are pursuing a career on the path to becoming a registered dietitian/nutritionist.

The didactic program in dieteticsfeatures two curricular track options for DPD completion: a culinary track and a standard track. After completing the curriculum, you will earn a DPD verification statement that will prepare you to apply for dietetic internship programs, which are required to become a registered dietitian.

Clinical and Research Opportunities

Saint Louis University also offers a 15-month combined Master of Science/Dietetic Internship. Open to those who have completed the didactic program in dietetics certificate,the internship trains students to become competent entry-level dietitians and prepare for the dietetic registration examination while earning a master's degree.

Careers

Registered dietitians/nutritionists frequently work in hospitals or other health care facilities, as well as in food and nutrition-related businesses and industries.They may also work in schools, hospitals, commercial kitchens, catering companies or nutrition and culinary services.

Admission Requirements

Admission criteria for transfer students include:

  • A minimum 2.75 GPA on a 4.00 scale
  • Four years of high school English
  • Three years of high school math and science (including one year of chemistry and one year of biology)
  • A self-evaluation of transcripts

For priority enrollment in courses, applications should be complete by June 1 for a fall start date and Dec. 1 for a spring start date.

International Applicants

All admission policies and requirements for domestic students apply to international students, along with the following:

  • You must demonstrate.
  • Proof of financial support must include:
    • A letter of financial support from the person(s) or sponsoring agency funding your time at Saint Louis University.
    • A letter from the sponsor's bank verifying that the funds are available and will be so for the duration of your study at the University.
  • Academic records, in English translation, of students who have undertaken postsecondary studies outside the United States must include the courses taken and/or lectures attended, practical laboratory work, the maximum and minimum grades attainable, the grades earned or the results of all end-of-term examinations, and any honors or degrees received. WES and ECE transcripts are accepted.

Self-evaluation Directions for Applicants

Choose the appropriate self-evaluation of transcripts. Once the self-evaluation is complete, send your unofficial transcript and self-evaluation of courses toLauren Landfried, Ph.D., RD, LD, FAND, at Lauren.Landfried@health.slu.edu.

To assist in filling out your self-evaluation of the transcript, you can viewthe undergraduate transfer articulation page.

Tuition

Tuition Cost Per Year
Undergraduate Tuition $54,760

Additional charges may apply. Other resources are listed below:

Net Price Calculator

Information on Tuition and Fees

Miscellaneous Fees

Information on Summer Tuition

Scholarships and Financial Aid

For priority consideration for graduate assistantship, apply by Feb. 1.

For more information, visit the student financial services office online at /financial-aid/index.php.

Accreditation

Saint Louis University's MS-DI program is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics (ACEND), the accrediting agency for the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics.

Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics (ACEND)
120 South Riverside Plaza, Suite 2190
Chicago, Illinois 60606-6995
312-899-0040 ext. 5400

  1. Graduates will be able to demonstrateeffective professionalcommunication inthe transmission offood and nutritioninformation.
  2. Graduates will be able to demonstrate the ability to develop貹پԳ-Գٱcare plans thatreflect a value fǰthe inherent worthof others.
  3. Graduates will be able to demonstratenutrition educationmethods tofacilitate diet changes in diversepopulations.
  4. Graduates will be able to articulate the valueof nutrition anddieteticsprofessionals in an interprofessionalcare context.
  5. Graduates will be able to evidence the proper use of professional literature to make evidence-based nutrition caredecisions.

Program Objectives

Goal 1: To prepare a generalist, internship-eligible graduate who has achieved basic competencies as identified by the Core Knowledge Requirements and Expected Learning Outcomes

  • 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 70 percent of program graduates apply for admission to a supervised practice program prior to or within 12 months of graduation.
  • At least 50 percent of program graduates are admitted to a supervised practice program within 12 months of graduation.
  • A minimum of 80 percent of students completing dietetic internships and/or post-baccalaureate programs will indicate that they “strongly agree” or “agree” that their undergraduate education adequately prepared them for their post-BS education.
  • At least 80 percent of students completing dietetic internships and/or post-baccalaureate programs will indicate that they strongly agree or agree that their undergraduate education made them competitive with colleagues from other programs.
  • At least 80 percent of program students* complete program/degree requirements within three years (150 percent of the program length). Program completion rate is calculated by tracking students from the beginning of the junior year. *ACEND-specific objectives

Goal 2: To prepare a graduate who is knowledgeable about nutritional care in multiple settings and demonstrates specific personal and professional competencies.

  • A minimum of 80 percent of dietetic internship directors will indicate that graduates were more than satisfactorily prepared for success in their dietetic internship program.
  • A minimum of 80 percent of students will indicate that they strongly agree or agree that they felt adequately prepared for the dietetic internship program.

Goal 3: To provide a basis for further development and life-long learning that will assure continued competence.

  • A minimum of 85 percent of graduates will answer that they agree or strongly agree that the DPD program instilled a desire for continued development as a self-learner.

Goal 4: To prepare a graduate who will contribute to society based on the development of a sense of community and social/civic responsibility.

  • A minimum of 75 percent of graduating seniors will have participated in a total of at least 20 hours of service learning by the end of the DPD program.
  • A minimum of 85 percent of graduates will indicate that they agree or strongly agree that the DPD program supported the development of judgments respectful of the inherent dignity and worth of individuals.

DPD Certificate Standard Track

Prerequisites *
1240
&;1245
General Biology: Information Flow and Evolution
and Principles of Biology I Laboratory
4
4510Medical Microbiology4
ᷡ1110
&;ᷡ1115
General Chemistry 1
and General Chemistry 1 Laboratory
4
ᷡ1120
&;ᷡ1125
General Chemistry 2
and General Chemistry 2 Laboratory
4
ᷡ2410
&;ᷡ2415
Organic Chemistry 1
and Organic Chemistry 1 Laboratory
4
ᷡ3600Principles of Biochemistry3
䰿1900Principles of Economics3
ҳ1900Advanced Strategies of Rhetoric and Research3
ʷ2100Interprofessional Collaboration and Healthcare in Global Context3
ѳҰ3000Management Theory and Practice3
ʱʳ2540Human Physiology4
ʳ1010General Psychology3
մ1300Elementary Statistics with Computers3
ǰѴձ1300 Elementary Statistics with Computers
Nutrition and Dietetic Courses
ٱ1000Contemporary Issues in Food and Nutrition2
ٱ2080Foundations in Nutrition3
ٱ2100Nutrition in the Lifecycle3
ٱ2510Principles of Food Preparation3
ٱ2511Cultural Aspects of Food3
ٱ3600Food Science4
ٱ3700Quantity Food Procurement/Prep3
ٱ3850Advanced Nutrition4
ٱ3890Internship Seminar1
ٱ4100Medical Nutrition Therapy I3
ٱ4110Clinical Practicum Lab I2
ٱ4150Medical Nutrition Therapy II3
ٱ4160Clinical Practicum Lab II3
ٱ4300Foundations in Comm. Nutrition3
ٱ4350Food Systems Management I3
ٱ4360Food Systems Management II3
ٱ4400Nutrition Education3
ٱ4500Nutrition Counseling3
ٱ4700Farm to Table Ecology3
ٱ4870Research Seminar I1
ٱ4880Research Seminar II1
䷡2010Foundations in Clinical Health Care Ethics3
Total Credits105
*

Prerequisites can be taken at Saint Louis University or an accepted institution for transfer credit. Refer to Transferology for more information on transferring coursework to Saint Louis University.

DPD Certificate Culinary Track

Prerequisites *
ACCT2200Financial Accounting3
1240
&;1245
General Biology: Information Flow and Evolution
and Principles of Biology I Laboratory
4
4510Medical Microbiology4
ᷡ1110
&;ᷡ1115
General Chemistry 1
and General Chemistry 1 Laboratory
4
ᷡ1120
&;ᷡ1125
General Chemistry 2
and General Chemistry 2 Laboratory
4
ᷡ2410
&;ᷡ2415
Organic Chemistry 1
and Organic Chemistry 1 Laboratory
4
ᷡ3600Principles of Biochemistry3
ҳ1900Advanced Strategies of Rhetoric and Research3
ʷ2100Interprofessional Collaboration and Healthcare in Global Context3
ѳҰ3000Management Theory and Practice3
ʱʳ2540Human Physiology4
ʳ1010General Psychology3
մ1300Elementary Statistics with Computers3
ǰѴձ1300 Elementary Statistics with Computers
Nutrition and Dietetic Courses
ٱ1000Contemporary Issues in Food and Nutrition2
ٱ2080Foundations in Nutrition3
ٱ2100Nutrition in the Lifecycle3
ٱ2510Principles of Food Preparation3
ٱ2511Cultural Aspects of Food3
DIET2750World Cuisines3
DIET3030Sustainable Food Systems3
DIET3190Garde Manger3
ٱ3600Food Science4
ٱ3700Quantity Food Procurement/Prep3
DIET37503
ٱ3850Advanced Nutrition4
ٱ3890Internship Seminar1
DIET4020Beverage Theory and Service: Wine, Spirits, Beer, Coffee & Tea3
ٱ4100Medical Nutrition Therapy I3
ٱ4110Clinical Practicum Lab I2
ٱ4150Medical Nutrition Therapy II3
DIET42503
ٱ4300Foundations in Comm. Nutrition3
ٱ4350Food Systems Management I3
ٱ4360Food Systems Management II3
ٱ4500Nutrition Counseling3
ٱ4700Farm to Table Ecology3
ٱ4870Research Seminar I1
ٱ4880Research Seminar II1
DIET4950Culinary Philosophy & Practice3
䷡2010Foundations in Clinical Health Care Ethics3
Total Credits120
*

Prerequisites can be taken at Saint Louis University or an accepted institution for transfer credit. Refer toTransferologyfor more information on transferring coursework to Saint Louis University.

Roadmaps are recommended semester-by-semester plans of study for programs and assume full-time enrollmentunless otherwise noted.

Courses and milestones designated as critical (marked with !) must be completed in the semester listed to ensure a timely graduation. Transfer credit may change the roadmap.

This roadmap should not be used in the place of regular academic advising appointments. All students are encouraged to meet with their advisor/mentor each semester. Requirements, course availability and sequencing are subject to change.

Standard Certificate Option

Plan of Study Grid
Year One
FallCredits
1240
&;1245
General Biology: Information Flow and Evolution
and Principles of Biology I Laboratory
4
ᷡ1110
&;ᷡ1115
General Chemistry 1
and General Chemistry 1 Laboratory
4
ٱ1000 Contemporary Issues in Food and Nutrition 2
ҳ1900 Advanced Strategies of Rhetoric and Research 3
Credits13
Spring
ᷡ1120
&;ᷡ1125
General Chemistry 2
and General Chemistry 2 Laboratory
4
ʷ2100 Interprofessional Collaboration and Healthcare in Global Context 3
ٱ2511 Cultural Aspects of Food 3
䰿1900 Principles of Economics 3
Credits13
Year Two
Fall
ᷡ2410
&;ᷡ2415
Organic Chemistry 1
and Organic Chemistry 1 Laboratory
4
ٱ2080 Foundations in Nutrition 3
䷡2010 Foundations in Clinical Health Care Ethics 3
ʱʳ2540 Human Physiology 4
ʳ1010 General Psychology 3
Credits17
Spring
ᷡ3600 Principles of Biochemistry 3
ٱ2100 Nutrition in the Lifecycle 3
ٱ2510 Principles of Food Preparation 3
ѳҰ3000 Management Theory and Practice 3
Credits12
Year Three
Fall
4510 Medical Microbiology 4
ٱ3600 Food Science 4
Credits8
Spring
ٱ3700 Quantity Food Procurement/Prep 3
ٱ3850 Advanced Nutrition 4
ٱ4300 Foundations in Comm. Nutrition 3
մ1300
or Ѵձ1300
Elementary Statistics with Computers
or Elementary Statistics with Computers
3
Credits13
Year Four
Fall
ٱ3890 Internship Seminar 1
ٱ4100 Medical Nutrition Therapy I 3
ٱ4110 Clinical Practicum Lab I 2
ٱ4350 Food Systems Management I 3
ٱ4500 Nutrition Counseling 3
ٱ4870 Research Seminar I 1
Credits13
Spring
ٱ4150 Medical Nutrition Therapy II 3
ٱ4160 Clinical Practicum Lab II 3
ٱ4360 Food Systems Management II 3
ٱ4400 Nutrition Education 3
ٱ4880 Research Seminar II 1
Credits13
Total Credits102

Hepatitis A vaccine required before enrolling

Background Check Required

Culinary Certificate Option

Plan of Study Grid
Year One
FallCredits
1240
&;1245
General Biology: Information Flow and Evolution
and Principles of Biology I Laboratory
4
ᷡ1110
&;ᷡ1115
General Chemistry 1
and General Chemistry 1 Laboratory
4
ٱ1000 Contemporary Issues in Food and Nutrition 2
ҳ1900 Advanced Strategies of Rhetoric and Research 3
Credits13
Spring
ᷡ1120
&;ᷡ1125
General Chemistry 2
and General Chemistry 2 Laboratory
4
ٱ2511 Cultural Aspects of Food 3
䷡2010 Foundations in Clinical Health Care Ethics 3
ʳ1010 General Psychology 3
Credits13
Year Two
Fall
ᷡ2410
&;ᷡ2415
Organic Chemistry 1
and Organic Chemistry 1 Laboratory
4
ٱ2080 Foundations in Nutrition 3
ٱ2510 Principles of Food Preparation 3
ʱʳ2540 Human Physiology 4
Credits14
Spring
ACCT2200 Financial Accounting 3
ᷡ3600 Principles of Biochemistry 3
ٱ2100 Nutrition in the Lifecycle 3
DIET2750 World Cuisines 3
մ1300
or Ѵձ1300
Elementary Statistics with Computers
or Elementary Statistics with Computers
3
ѳҰ3000 Management Theory and Practice 3
Credits18
Year Three
Fall
4510 Medical Microbiology 4
DIET3190 Garde Manger 3
ٱ3600 Food Science 4
ʷ2100 Interprofessional Collaboration and Healthcare in Global Context 3
Credits14
Spring
ٱ3700 Quantity Food Procurement/Prep 3
DIET3750 Advanced Cooking 3
ٱ3850 Advanced Nutrition 4
DIET4250 Baking and Pastry 3
ٱ4300 Foundations in Comm. Nutrition 3
Credits16
Year Four
Fall
ٱ3890 Internship Seminar 1
DIET4020 Beverage Theory and Service: Wine, Spirits, Beer, Coffee & Tea 3
ٱ4100 Medical Nutrition Therapy I 3
ٱ4110 Clinical Practicum Lab I 2
ٱ4350 Food Systems Management I 3
ٱ4500 Nutrition Counseling 3
ٱ4870 Research Seminar I 1
Credits16
Spring
DIET3030 Sustainable Food Systems 3
ٱ4150 Medical Nutrition Therapy II 3
ٱ4360 Food Systems Management II 3
ٱ4700 Farm to Table Ecology 3
ٱ4880 Research Seminar II 1
DIET4950 Culinary Philosophy & Practice 3
Credits16
Total Credits120

Hepatitis A vaccine required before enrolling

Background Check Required

Apply for Admission

Contact Doisy College of Health Sciences
Recruitment specialist
314-977-2570
dchs@health.slu.edu