Develop the knowledge and skills to pursue a career as a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RD/RDN).

We offer both a Didactic Program in Dietetics (DPD) and supervised practice through the Dietetic Internship (DI). These programs are separate. Both programs may be of interest to students pursuing the Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RD/RDN) credential.

Nutritional Sciences

This program is offered through the Division of Nutritional Sciences.

macros image of a water dropper
two students working in a teaching kitchen

Didactic Program in Dietetics (DPD)

Translating the science of nutrition into healthy food choices for individuals and groups or appropriate nutrition therapy for those with illness requires the integration of many different disciplines. 

The Cornell DPD curriculum provides a broad and integrated academic program that is strongly grounded in the physical, biological and social sciences. The program emphasizes critical thinking, communication skills, quantitative literacy and the application of theory to practice. Note: This program is separate from the supervised practice through the Dietetic Internship (DI). 

Students begin with basic courses in biology, chemistry, social sciences and introduction to food, nutrition, and health issues and nutrition and the life cycle. In the second year, students progress to organic chemistry, physiology and courses that examine the social science aspects of food and nutrition and the nutritional and physicochemical properties of foods. Advanced courses taken in the junior and senior years apply biochemistry, physiology and social sciences to problems in clinical nutrition, counseling, communications, public health and food and nutrition management. Throughout the program, students develop skills that will foster personal and professional growth as life-long learners and as leaders and team members in the dietetics profession.

hands placing sliced vegetables on a baking tray
close up of a pile of red peppers

Program and curriculum

The Cornell DPD graduates approximately 10-20 students per year. Our DPD program prepares students for supervised practice programs and provides advising throughout the program. Admission to the supervised practice programs is competitive. Students with a strong GPA, relevant work/volunteer experience, and strong letters of support often do well in placing to their top choice of supervised programs. The Cornell DPD program provides resources, advising and assistance for each student interested in pursuing the RD/RDN credential. 

Any student accepted to Cornell may consider the DPD. Most students however are completing one of the majors offered by the Division of Nutritional Sciences. Many nutrition majors at Cornell complete the courses required for the dietetics program. Students completing the DPD are required to register as a pre-dietetics student (see below for details) and work closely with their faculty advisors and DPD Program to prepare course schedules and to acquire field, work, and research experiences that enhance classroom learning. Pre-dietetics students formally apply to the DPD, typically in the junior year. Accepted students work with the DPD director to further prepare and plan for application to supervised practice programs.

Candidates outside of Cornell with a degree who are interested in the DPD program may consider applying to Cornell through the special studies option. The special or visiting student option is offered through the transfer departments in both the College of Human Ecology and the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences. Note that earning a second bachelor's degree at Cornell is not an option. Students accepted via this option have two semesters to complete dietetics coursework. Coursework in physical and biological sciences, behavioral sciences, communications, computational sciences and nutrition core courses, including lifecycle nutrition, should be completed prior to application.

See the sections below for more information on the steps for applying to the DPD Program at Cornell:

The RD/RDN is the most widely held credential of nutrition practitioners. Many jobs in nutrition require this credential to be considered for employment. The Commission on Dietetics Registration (CDR) confers this credential once you have met all of the criteria to be registered. 

Steps to become a RD/RD

1. Complete the minimum academic requirements for a supervised practice program and hold at least a bachelor’s degree. 

Some but not all programs will require candidates to complete a DPD program and obtain a DPD verification statement from an ACEND-accredited program. As of January 1, 2024, a graduate degree is required to be eligible to take the Commission on Dietetic Registration Exam.

2. Complete an ACEND-accredited supervised practice dietetics program.

Supervised practice/experiential learning is combined with the Coordinated Program and Future Graduate Program to assist you in completing your graduate degree during the program. If you opt to do a stand-alone graduate degree, you will then need to apply to an accredited supervised practice dietetic internship after completing your graduate degree.

3. Pass the Commission on Dietetic Registration's Dietetic Registration Exam. 

Once you complete your graduate degree and supervised practice, you may schedule to take this exam to become credentialed. This is called "RDN eligibility," meaning you have completed the requirements to become eligible to take the national exam. Learn more: RDN exam overview.

4. Gain licensure in your state of practice, if applicable. 

Many states have regulatory laws (i.e., licensure) for food and nutrition practitioners. All states accept the RDN credential for state licensure purposes. Learn more: state licensure information.

5. Maintain continuing education. 

After successfully passing the national exam and earning the credential, RDNs maintain ongoing professional development in order to stay up to date on the latest research, recommendations and best practices. Learn more: continuing professional education requirements for RDNs.
 

You must complete the following courses listed below to complete the Cornell DPD Program and be issued a DPD Verification Statement. All courses should be taken for a letter grade. Course substitutions must be approved by the DPD director and a formal course substitution form must be completed.

Courses (credits)Total creditsConcentration

Inorganic chemistry

  • Chem 2070-2080 (8)
8Physical and Biological Science

Organic chemistry

  • Chem 1570 (3) or Chem 3530 (3) or Chem 3570-3580 (6)
  • Chem 2510 (2) or Chem 3010 (4)
5-10 

Microbiology

  • BioMi 2900 General Microbiology (3)
3 

Biology (8-9) 

  • BioG 1500
  • Two of the following: BioMG 1350, BioG 1440/1445, or BioEE 1610/1780

Physiology (6)

  • NS 3410 (4, spring, lecture)
  • NS 3420 (2, spring, lab, concurrent registration with NS 3410)
14-15 

Psychology

One of the following:

  • HD 1130 Introduction to Human Development (3, fall)
  • HD 2150 Human Development: Infancy and Childhood (3, fall or summer)
  • HD 2170 Human Development: Adolescence and Emerging Adulthood (3, spring)
  • Psych 1101 Introduction to Psychology (3, fall and spring)
3Behavioral Science

Communication

  • First-year seminars (6)
6Communications

Statistics

One of the following:

  • AEM 2100 Introductory Statistics (4, fall)
  • BTRY 3010 Statistical Methods I (4, fall)
  • MATH 1710 Statistical Theory and Application in the Real World (4, fall or spring)
  • PSYCH 3500 Statistics and Research Design (4, fall)
  • PUBPOL 2100 Introduction to Statistics(4, fall or spring)
  • SOC 3010 Evaluating Statistical Evidence (3, spring)
  • STSCI 2150 Introductory Statistics for Biology (4, fall)
  • STSCI/ILRST 2100 (4, fall or spring)
3-4Computational Sciences

Nutrition Core

  • NS 1150 Nutrition, Health and Society (3, fall)
  • NS 2450 Social Science Perspectives on Food and Nutrition (3, fall)
  • NS 3450 Nutritional and Physicochemical Aspects of Food (3, fall)
  • NS 3310 Nutrient Metabolism (4, spring)
  • NS 3320 Methods in Nutritional Sciences (3, fall)
16Professional Sciences

Dietetics Courses

  • NS 1220 Nutrition and the Life Cycle (3, spring)
  • NS 2470 Food for Contemporary Living (2, fall and spring)
  • HADM 1361 Principles of Food and Beverage Operations Management (4, fall and spring) or HADM 3365 Foodservice Management Essentials (3, spring and summer)
  • NS 4250 Nutrition Communications and Counseling (3, spring)
  • NS 4410 Nutrition and Disease (4, fall)
  • NS 4420 Implementation of Nutrition Care (3, fall)
  • NS 1600 Introduction to Public Health (3, fall) or NS 4500 Public Health Nutrition (3, fall)
  • NS 4880 Applied Dietetics in Food Service Management (4, spring)
25 

This chart depicts typical progress for students completing the DPD Program at Cornell University. Use this as a guide to check your progress at the end of each semester and plan necessary steps for upcoming semesters. This is only a guide and you should meet with the DPD director regularly to assess your progress.

End of first year

  • Attend DPD informational meeting.
  • Register as a pre-Dietetics student.
  • Join CUDA. Membership in the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics recommended.
  • Meet with DPD director.
  • Update faculty advisor on plans to pursue dietetics.
  • Successfully complete first year academic requirements.
  • Seek exploratory dietetics related experiences (shadowing, externships) and/or volunteer or work experiences for winter break.

End of second year

  • All steps noted above.
  • Successfully complete second year academic requirements.
  • Seek substantive dietetics related experiences during semesters or winter/summer break.
  • Plan to apply to DPD in August of junior year. Work on application over the summer.

End of third year

  • Gain acceptance into DPD.
  • Successfully complete third year academic requirements.
  • Seek substantive dietetics related employment, internships or supervised practices to complement prior experience.
  • Remain in contact with faculty advisor and/or others from whom you will request a letter of recommendation.
  • Review supervised practice programs and plan to visit over summer break and senior year winter break.
  • Take GREs.

End of fourth year

  • Attend all scheduled DPD meetings.
  • Meet individually with DPD director in the fall semester.
  • Request DPD transcript evaluation and pay DPD fee.
  • Complete DICAS standardization application.
  • Register with the D&D Digital for computer match.
  • Complete DPD and degree course requirements.
  • Request that your final Cornell transcript with degree posted be sent to the Dietetics office after graduation.
  • Provide Dietetics office with forwarding address for Verification Statements, including supervised practice director's name and address.
  • After graduation: begin supervised practice program.

DPD mission

The Cornell DPD program produces graduates with critical thinking and prepares graduates for supervised evidence-based practice, leading to eligibility for the Commission on Dietetics Registration (CDR) credentialing exam to become registered dietitians/registered dietitian nutritionists and for leadership in their careers in nutrition and dietetics. 

Cornell DPD goals and objectives

Goal 1

Program graduates will be capable of integrating knowledge and theory in nutritional sciences and exhibit skills necessary for competent supervised practice and for careers in nutrition.

Objectives
  • At least 90% of program directors and employers will rate the preparation of our graduates, on average, as “satisfactory” or better within 12 months of graduation.  
  • At least 85% of graduates will rate the preparation received in the program, on average, as “satisfactory” or better.  
  • At least 85% of alumni will rate the preparation received in the program, on average, as “satisfactory” or better. 

Goal 2

Program graduates will have critical thinking skills necessary for supervised evidence-based practice, for leadership development and for graduate study.

Objectives
  • At least 80% of students complete program requirements within 3 years (150% of planned program length).
  • At least 75% 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 75% percent are admitted within 12 months of graduation.
  • 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%.
  • Of students not applying to or accepted into supervised practice programs who do not plan to take the DTR exam or seek employment the year they complete the DPD, at least 50% will gain acceptance into graduate school and/or apply/re-apply to supervised practice programs within 12 months of graduation.
  • Of students not applying to or accepted into supervised practice programs who do not plan to attend graduate school or apply/re-apply to supervised practice programs the year they complete the DPD, at least 50% will secure employment in nutrition &/or take the DTR examination.  
  • At least 15% of graduates will engage in professional leadership roles* within 3 years of graduation.  (* Serving on the local/state/national dietetic association/DPG/MIG; serving as a preceptor; delivering a professional presentation; employed as or responsibilities of manager/supervisor/director; engaged in legislative/political endeavors; community leadership).

Cornell DPD outcomes

The success of the DPD at Cornell is measured using outcomes related to program goals. A full report of outcomes is available upon request.

Admission to supervised practice programs is competitive. Students with a strong GPA, relevant work/volunteer experiences and letters of support often do well in placing to their top choice of supervised practice programs. The Cornell DPD currently graduates approximately 10-20 students per year. Of students who apply to supervised practice programs the year they complete the program, approximately 95% are accepted.

Our DPD graduates are highly successful and well-prepared for evidence-based practice, leadership, and graduate study. Placement rates of our graduates in dietetic internships and graduate schools are 95% and better. Feedback from our graduates, program directors and employers indicate satisfaction with knowledge and skills developed through the program. The passing rate of our graduates taking the Registration Examination for Dietitians for the first time is 99% (five-year average).

This program follows the Cornell academic calendar which varies from one year to the next. Fall semester classes begin the last week in August and end the first week in December. Spring semester classes begin the third week in January and end the first week in May. Visit the Cornell academic calendar for exact dates.

Tuition and fees depend on several factors, including which undergraduate college you apply to and if you are a New York state resident. We encourage you to explore all available financial aid options at Cornell. Learn more:

The DPD program at Cornell University is currently accredited through 2032 by the Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics (ACEND) of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics. ACEND can be reached at: 120 South Riverside Plaza, Suite 2190, Chicago, IL 60606-6995 Phone: 1-800-877-1600 Ext. 5400.

The DPD program at Cornell University includes required coursework necessary to complete ACEND's knowledge requirements and learning outcomes based on the 2022 Accreditation Standards for Nutrition and Dietetics Didactic Programs (DPD). 

The DPD is a program, not a major, and as such DPD coursework may be completed with any major. DPD coursework fits best, however, with majors in the Division of Nutritional Sciences. Issuance of a Verification Statement verifies that a student has completed DPD requirements and is eligible for supervised practice. The Verification Statement is the form used by ACEND-accredited programs to document that an individual has completed the requirements of a dietetics education program. The completion of ACEND Didactic Program requirements and at least a bachelor's degree from a U.S. regionally accredited college/university or foreign equivalent are necessary for eligibility to enter an ACEND-accredited supervised practice program. The Verification Statement is also used to verify that all academic requirements are met for Active membership in the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics. A Verification Statement will be issued to Cornell students after all necessary steps required by the program and successful completion of required course work has been verified (see Policies and Procedures). 

Preparing to apply

Students typically apply to the DPD in their junior year, but you need to begin planning earlier to make sure you complete all the program requirements.

Before you complete the requirements for admission into the DPD program, submit the DNS DPD Student Intent Form to register as a "Pre-Dietetics" student. 

You can register to be a DPD student at any point, but the earlier the better to ensure your take the correct classes and receive adequate advising.

Registering as a dietetics student helps us to keep track of students working to complete DPD requirements. It also allows us to plan for student needs in dietetics and allows students to receive individual advisement and guidance on the path to becoming an R.D. Pre-dietetics students will get pre-enroll access to specific courses for the DPD (e.g., NS 2470 Contemporary Foods), and they will be able to enroll in DPD courses outside of DNS (e.g., HADM 3365).

After you submit the DPD Student Intent Form, you are required to contact the DPD director to discuss the program requirements and your academic plans. Advising and academic planning is an ongoing process and a helpful resource while completing the DPD requirements. The curriculum information on this page, the DPD handbook, and other resources shared by the DPD director will help students stay on track.

 

will help students to stay on track with the DPD to apply during their junior year.

Registered pre-dietetics students should apply to the DPD at the beginning of their third year (fourth year for junior transfer students). Learn more about the admissions process and requirements below.

Application and admission

Cornell University students interested in pursuing a career as a Registered Dietitian will need to apply (typically in their junior year) to the DPD Program offered by the Division of Nutritional Sciences. The DPD application is available on the Cornell DPD Canvas site, which can be accessed by all pre-dietetics students. For students who would like more information about the program and/or application but are not yet registered as pre-dietetics, contact DNS Student Services and the DPD director.

DPD application and admissions take place during the fall semester each year. Students should plan to work on parts of the application prior to the October 1 deadline to ensure they have time to receive assistance with the materials, if necessary. Cornell Career Services can assist students with their professional development. This application process is meant to help each student prepare for their post-graduation life and ensure students understand what dietetics entails. See below for instructions for each part of the application that should be submitted: 

  1. DPD Application: all forms should be completed in a typed format and in full.
  2. Transcripts: unofficial transcripts or copies are permissible. If you do not know how to access your transcripts, contact DNS Student Services for assistance.
  3. Resume:  limit to 1-2 pages.
  4. Essay: see instructions under "Supplemental Items" on the DPD application form.
  5. Submit all application materials as one PDF file.
     

Admission into the DPD is a competitive and selective process with a limited number of placements. Completing DPD requirements should be an option pursued as part of a thoughtful plan by students serious in pursuing dietetics and health careers. Admissions reflect an overall competitiveness for successful placement into supervised practice and commitment to a career in dietetics and health. Selection will be based on successful academic progress, committed intention to pursue a career in dietetics and health, potential for excellence or leadership in the field of dietetics and a high likelihood for successful placement into an accredited internship post-baccalaureate.
 

To apply, a student must meet the following minimal application criteria.

  • Strong academic performance (generally a GPA ≥ 2.9).
  • Completion of the following courses:
    • NS 1150
    • NS 1220
    • NS 2450
    • NS 2470
    • 1 semester organic chemistry
    • Recommended: NS 3410 & NS 3420
  • Evidence of committed intention to pursue a career in dietetics including:
    • Registration as a pre-dietetics student
    • Completion of at least one dietetics related experience, including but not limited to work, volunteer, field or lab experience.
    • Membership in CUDA, Southern Tier Dietetics Association or the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics
    • Understanding of the role of the R.D. in promoting health in various practice settings.
       
  • Registered pre-dietetics students should apply to the DPD at the beginning of their third year (fourth year for junior transfer students).
  • Complete the DPD Application and submit the complete application and supplemental items as one PDF file by October 1 to your individual Cornell Box folder.
  • Selected students will be interviewed by current Cornell University Dietetic Interns.
  • Applications and results of interviews will be reviewed by DPD Director and the DPD Admissions Committee appointed by the DPD Director.
  • Accepted students will be notified by early November.
     
  • DPD Application: all forms should be typed and filled out completely.
  • Transcripts: Unofficial transcripts or copies are permissible. If you do not know how to access your transcripts, please reach out to DNS Student Services for assistance.
  • Resume: Please limit resume to 1-2 pages.
  • Essay: See instructions under "Supplemental Items" on the DPD application form.
  • Submit all application materials as one file.

Once accepted into the DPD, you will be required to:

  • Attend supervised practice application meetings during the fall of their senior year. Meeting dates and times will be made available at the start of the fall semester.
  • Complete remaining DPD required courses in order to receive the non-course milestone degree designation of 'Dietetics' on their student records and unofficial transcript.

There is a $75.00 fee to register as a dietetics student and complete the DPD requirements which is used to offset transcript evaluation, program supplies and accreditation fees. Students are required to pay this fee when submitting requests for transcript evaluation (after acceptance into the DPD).   
 

If you are not accepted into the DPD, or you are a pre-dietetics student who opts not to apply, you are strongly encouraged to meet with your academic advisor as well as career counselors in your college to discuss other career options. In addition, you will no longer receive the non-course milestone of Dietetics in your records and unofficial transcript.
 

Completing the program

After acceptance into the DPD program, you are expected to complete the following to graduate from the DPD Program and be issued a DPD Verification Statement:
 

You must successfully complete all DPD Core Knowledge Assessment Measures (based on the 2022 ACEND standards). 

  • The DPD program is required to assess each individual DPD student and track their demonstration of core knowledge requirements.
  • In the event that you do not meet an assessment measure set by the program, you will have a remediation process to help you meet the measure prior to issuing a DPD Verification Statement. (Please refer to the Policy & Procedures on Remediation for more information).  
  • More information on each DPD Core Knowledge Assessment Measure can be found in the Cornell DPD Student Handbook, which current students have access to on Cornell Box and information can also be found on the DPD Handbook and Resources webpage.
     

Before a DPD Verification statement is issued, you must send official transcripts with date degree conferred from the university registrar. The transcript should be sent to the DPD director. In addition to the above requirements the following is also necessary to complete the DPD Program:

  • A minimum of a baccalaureate degree.
  • A minimum of 21 credits under the Professional Sciences requirement must be completed at Cornell University. (Alternatively, a Cornell University graduate student may be issued a Verification Statement by Cornell if dietetics requirements are completed while that student is a graduate student at Cornell University. In either case, transcripts and course syllabi for dietetics coursework taken outside of Cornell must be provided by the student in order to complete the transcript evaluation process (see policy on "Credit for Prior Learning" under Policies and Procedures in the DPD).
     

Fieldwork in dietetics

Gaining experience in dietetics is an important component of your preparation for supervised practice in dietetics. Experience better informs your decision to pursue training in dietetics, builds on foundation knowledge, and assists with your skill development in key areas of dietetics education. 

Supervised practice program directors will evaluate applications for evidence of breadth and depth of dietetics-related experiences. It is wise to build a strong portfolio of experiences prior to applying to supervised practice.

DNS allows for field experiences to be completed for academic credit through NS 4020 Supervised Fieldwork. Opportunities in clinical nutrition, sports nutrition, long term care, management, and dietetics leadership have been developed for dietetics students looking to grow their portfolio of experience while on campus. Please reach out to the DPD director to discuss offerings. 

*Note: The DPD director can also help to facilitate a new NS 4020 experience for students in many cases if a student identifies an RD/RDN or dietetics worksite they want to work with for this course offering. 

NS 4020 supervised fieldwork opportunities

DPD Student Handbook

The Didactic Program in Dietetics (DPD) Student Handbook provides information about the program and helps students determine where to apply for supervised practice and how to best prepare applications.

View the handbook
two college students displaying a platter of food in a teaching kitchen

Contact us

If you are interested in the DPD program, please read all sections of this page fully.

Questions? Contact us at the emails below.

Bell peppers