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BS/DPD | Overview |  How to Apply | DPD Advisors | DPD Handbook | Graduation Info | Verification Statement | FAQs

BS Dietetics/DPD - How to Apply

First, apply to to ISU.

  • Complete the ISU Undergraduate Application Process and get accepted into Idaho State University as an undergraduate student.
  • After completing program prerequisites, apply for the BS Dietetics/DPD.

Acceptance to the DPD is Competitive

A master's degree is required to take the credentialing exam to become a dietitian. So, to get accepted into the DPD, you must possess the academic prowess and grit to be a successful graduate student.

During the first two years at ISU, students take sciences, as well as a series of general education/objective courses. These classes help prepare you for the advanced courses offered in the DPD program. After completing ISU and DPD prerequisites, students apply for a “seat” in the program:

  • A seat is required for NTD 4401: Medical Nutrition Therapy (MNT) I and NTD 4402/4402L: MNT II.
  • Other professional courses can be taken without a seat if course prerequisites are met.
  • The goal is for students to take the MNT courses during their senior year. Thus, some students may be admitted to the DPD on a pre-award basis until they reach their final year in the program.

A Limited Number of DPD Seats

Thus, the achievement of the minimum standards does not ensure DPD admission. Before applying for a seat in the DPD, students must meet the following two admission requirements:

  • GPA of 3.0 or above (cumulative) on a 4.0 scale in both required prerequisite courses and professional courses
  • Completion of all DPD prerequisite courses with a grade of C- or higher

For an application to be competitive, students must also meet the following requirements:

  • Completion of the majority of the ISU general education requirements
  • Demonstrated interest in the profession of dietetics through classroom participation, leadership roles, and work/life experiences
  • The ISU Department of Nutrition and Dietetics offers many opportunities for students to engage in community initiatives and nutrition-oriented student groups, which help to strengthen their DPD applications
  • Once accepted, to remain in the DPD, students must earn a C- or better in all dietetic required courses.

5-Step DPD Application Process

All ISU undergraduates must complete a set of ISU general education courses, or GERC. These required classes provide the core skills, knowledge and values all students need to be successful in their field of study and professional life after graduation.

GERC are mapped to a set of university-wide learning objectives. The Dietetics curriculum requires coursework from five of those objectives. Ideally, the general education courses should be completed before applying to the DPD program, but must be completed before graduation with a C- or higher.

 ISU Objectives and General Education Requirements

Objective

Course Number

Course Title

Credit Hours

Objective 1

ENGL 1102

English Composition

3

Objective 2

COMM 1101

Principles of Speech

3

Objective 3

MATH 1153

Statistics

3

Objective 4

 Choice of two courses in two categories  

6

Objective 5

(minimum 2 courses + 1 lab)

BIOL 1101

CHEM 1101

CHEM 1102

CHEM 1103

NTD 2239

Biology I

Essentials of Chemistry I

Essentials of Chemistry II

Essentials of Chemistry Lab

Nutrition

Minimum 7

Objective 6

(minimum 2 courses)

ECON 2201

PSYC 1101

SOC 1101

Macro Economics

General Psychology

Introduction to Sociology

6

Objective 7 or 8

Critical Thinking or Information Literacy: Choice of one course in either category

3

Objective 9

Cultural Diversity: Choice of one course

3

 

The Didactic Program in Dietetics (DPD) program requirements are the dietetics coursework leading to the Bachelors of Science in Dietetics.  Before applying for a “seat” in the DPD program, students must complete the following prerequisites with a C- or higher.

Note: application for a seat is typically done during the spring semester of final completion of these prerequisite courses.

Required DPD Prerequisite Courses   

Course Number

Course Title

Credit Hours

BIOL 2227/2227L

Human Anatomy and Physiology I Lecture and Lab

4

BIOL 2228/2228L

Human Anatomy and Physiology II Lecture and Lab

4

BIOL 2233/2233L

Principles of Microbiology Lecture and Lab

4

CHEM 1101

Introduction to Chemistry (Objective 5)

3

CHEM 1102

Essentials of Organic & Biochemistry (Objective 5)

3

CHEM 1103

Essentials of Organic & Biochemistry Lab (Objective 5)

1

COMM 1101

Fundamentals of Oral Communication (Objective 2)

3

CPH 2210

Medical Terminology and Communication

2

ECON 2201

Principles of Macroeconomics (Objective 6)

3

ENGL 1101

Writing and Rhetoric I

3

ENGL 1102

Writing and Rhetoric II (Objective 1)

3

MATH 1153

Statistical Reasoning

3

NTD 1101

Introduction to Dietetics

1

NTD 2205/2205L

Foods and Meal Management and Lab

4

NTD 2239

Nutrition (Objective 5)

3

PSYC 1101

Introduction to Psychology (Objective 6)

3

SOC 1101

Introduction to Sociology (Objective 6)

3

 

Application Due Date: February 15, 2025 at 11:59 MST
Late applications will only be reviewed if seats are available.

Before you apply, make sure you have met the admission requirements. Applications will only be considered if those two requirements are met.

Students typically apply the spring before they want to start the DPD program. However, applicants are considered for placement either the upcoming academic year or the following year depending upon the anticipated year of graduation. Accepted students are notified of which year they are scheduled to take the MNT series.  

To apply for the DPD:

  • Submit official transcripts, if applicable:
    • Current ISU students do NOT need to submit transcripts.
    • However, official transcripts are required for all required classes taken at other colleges or universities that are NOT listed on the student’s ISU transcript.
    • Electronic copies: Email to Jenifer Reader at jeniferreader@isu.edu
    • Print copies: Mail to:

                                    DPD Director
                                    Idaho State University
                                    921 South 8th Avenue, Stop 8117
                                    Pocatello, ID 83209-8117

  • Write a letter of application: 
    • State the reasons for choosing a career in nutrition and dietetics. Share your professional goals. Thinking forward, where do you see yourself working in five years?

  • Complete the DPD Application:
  • Pay application fee online: $25 non-refundable application fee
    • We use an online payment service.
    • Please let us know if you have any problems with the online payment service—call (208) 282-5719.

 

Each application is carefully considered by a committee of Nutrition and Dietetics faculty members.  This process takes some time. Try not to worry during this review period, keep your focus on your coursework and life!

Applications are scored based on the following criteria:

  • Cumulative GPA in both required prerequisite courses and professional courses completed
  • Honors / Activities
  • Volunteer / Work Experience
  • Written letter of application

Applicants are notified in writing of acceptance status by the Friday before Spring Break. Committee decisions are final.  

Acceptance status can be:

  • Accepted to seat for the upcoming academic year
  • Accepted to a seat for the following academic year
  • Alternate for a seat for the upcoming academic year
  • Not accepted

Upon acceptance, students must take care of 5 administrative tasks in a timely manner:

  1. Write (email) to the DPD Director and accept the offer of the seat by the due date stated in the notice of acceptance.
  2. Read the DPD Handbook and submit the signature page confirming understanding of and agreement with all program requirements.
  3. Complete a background check.
  4. Complete HIPAA training.
  5. Ensure vaccination requirements are met: Students enrolled in Quantity Foods and MNT will have some required experiences at medical facilities within the local community. To comply with facility policies, all enrolled students must have updated vaccination records, including proof of:
    • Negative PPD (TB test) in the past 12 months
    • 2 MMR vaccinations or titer proving immunity
    • 3 Hepatitis B vaccinations or titer proving immunity
    • 2 varicella vaccinations or titer proving immunity
    • 2 proof of full COVID-19 vaccination
    • Updated Tdap (Tetanus, Diphtheria, and Pertussis) vaccination

    Students cannot go to off-campus medical facilties for MNT coursework
    unless these administative tasks are completed

Not accepted?

You may continue to take most dietetics classes, with the exception of the MNT classes. Appendix A of the DPD Handbook provides a listing of these classes. Please also talk with an advisor about your options.