Didactic Program in Dietetics (Option II)
A Didactic Program in Dietetics is an academic program in a U.S. regionally accredited college or university that culminates in a minimum of a baccalaureate degree. The Didactic Program in Dietetics (DPD) at TCU offers the required didactic instruction (lecture and laboratory classes) to meet the Core Knowledge for the Registered Dietitian as mandated in the Accreditation Standards of the Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics (ACEND). The curriculum includes courses with a focus on basic human nutrition, food science, food and culture, community nutrition, food systems management, medical nutrition therapy and nutrition research. These courses are based on a solid science and math background, which include general chemistry, organic chemistry, biochemistry, microbiology, physiology, psychology and elementary statistics. The DPD prepares students for careers in a variety of nutrition/dietetics settings, including clinical, community, education, food systems or business/entrepreneurial.
Admission to TCU is required for all programs; however, admission to the University does not guarantee admission to the Didactic Program in Dietetics. Eligibility for admission to the Didactic Program in Dietetics is based on completion of at least 60 semester hours with a cumulative GPA of at least 3.0 for nutrition, (NTDT) classes; and an Associated Requirements GPA of at least 2.75, no more than 3 grades below a "B-" in the Associated Requirements, 45 semester hours of required prerequisites and major courses, 200 hours of documented food or nutrition practical experience and an application packet. Application packets for the Didactic Program in Dietetics must be received by Feb. 1, and applicants are notified of provisional acceptance by April 15. Students must earn a grade "C-" or better in all NTDT and Associated Requirement courses taken prior to admission. Students who are accepted begin coursework the subsequent fall semester. Final acceptance/enrollment in the Didactic Program in Dietetics depends on successful completion of work in progress and required summer school prerequisites.
A student's continuation in the Didactic Program in Dietetics is contingent upon attainment of a strong academic record and successful completion of the program sequence. Students must complete 500 hours of documented food or nutrition practical experience prior to the completion of their final semester in the Didactic Program in Dietetics. Upon graduation, the student must attain a minimum nutrition (NTDT) GPA of 3.0, earn a "C-" or better in all NTDT and Associated Requirement courses, and a maximum of three grades below a "B-" in the Associated Requirements. Students who successfully complete the Didactic Program in Dietetics will receive verification and are eligible to apply for a post-graduate Dietetic Internship.
Costs for tuition and University fees are available through the Office of Admission or Financial Services. More detailed costs for students are outlined in the DPD Student Handbook and include approximately $1,000 per year for items such as textbooks, lab fees, photocopying, school and office supplies, lab coat and professional dues.
The TCU Didactic Program in Dietetics is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics 120 S. Riverside Plaza, Suite 2190, Chicago, Ill. 60606-6995, (312) 899-0040, ext. 5400, www.eatright.org/ACEND .
Requirements
The program of study requires a minimum of 58 hours, on a 125-hour degree, consisting of:
Major Requirements
Associated Requirements
No minor is required.
All upper-level (30000 and 40000) NTDT courses, with the exception of NTDT 30123 Nutrition Throughout the Lifecycle and NTDT 30331 Medical Terminology, must be taken at TCU.