Request Information
Ready to find out what MSU Denver can do for you? We’ve got you covered.
The mission of the DPD at MSU Denver is to prepare diverse students for successful careers in food, nutrition and dietetics; graduate school; or supervised practice leading to eligibility for the CDR credentialing exam to become a registered dietitian nutritionist through quality education that is culturally sensitive and instills a desire for life-long learning.
One of the career options for students pursuing the Master of Science in Nutrition and Dietetics (MSND) is to become a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RDN). The MSND program provides the option to receive a DPD verification statement. The DPD track within the MSND is approved by the Accreditation Council on Education in Nutrition and Dietetics (ACEND) and satisfies the first step towards becoming an RDN. Please review the MSND Didactic Program in Dietetics (DPD) Option Handout below for more details about the MSND + DPD track.
Students who are accepted into the MSND + DPD program are not automatically enrolled in or accepted into the Dietetic Internship program at MSU Denver or outside Dietetic Internships. Dietetic Internships require a separate application process and are competitive in nature. For more information about the application process and your eligibility for the Dietetic Internship, schedule an appointment with an advisor by calling 303-615-0990 or emailing [email protected].
Fall 2019 – Spring 2022: Didactic Program in Dietetics Option
Fall 2022: Didactic Program in Dietetics Option
Students are encouraged to review the “Becoming an RDN FAQs” below for more information about commonly asked questions. Additionally, students that are interested in becoming an RDN are strongly encouraged to meet with an advisor to further discuss the pathway towards becoming an RDN. To schedule an advising appointment, please call us at 303-615-0990 or email us at [email protected].
The steps to become an RDN are:
Students enrolled in the MSND program are not required to pursue becoming an RDN. Career opportunities for non-RDN nutrition professionals do exist. However, students are encouraged to meet with an advisor to discuss the option of becoming an RDN and how the RDN vs non-RDN pathway could impact their future career. To schedule an advising session, please email [email protected] or call 303-615-0990.
Students with a prior Didactic Program in Dietetics (DPD) verification statement can apply for Dietetic Internships prior to starting or finishing the MSND program. Students without a prior DPD verification statement who are pursuing the MSND program with the DPD option, can apply to dietetic internships during the last semester of their studies.
For further questions, please email us at [email protected].
Most Dietetic Internship programs cost money to complete. Students are paying for an experiential learning opportunity while enrolled in a Dietetic Internship program. Costs for Dietetic Internships approximately range from $5,000-$50,000, depending on location, completion of a master’s degree along with the internship, etc. Dietetic Internships tied to graduate credit are eligible for financial aid to cover expenses.
Further, it should be noted that most Dietetic Internships are full-time programs which require the student to complete rotations in the field on a full-time, 40 hour a week, basis. Students are not paid for this time.
Dietetic Internships are therefore, unpaid experiences that have a cost. The Department of Nutrition can help you determine strategies for overcoming cost barriers associated with the Dietetic Internship. To schedule an appointment with an advisor to speak more about this, call 303-615-0990 or email [email protected].
Full-time Dietetic Internships typically range from 6-12 months. Part-time Dietetic Internships typically range from 1-2 years in length.
The Department of Nutrition offers many resources for students as they prepare for applying to Dietetic Internships including:
Goal 1: Prepare students for a career using their knowledge of food, nutrition and dietetics.
Objectives:
Goal 2: Students from a diverse background will graduate and be successfully placed in jobs, internships or graduate school.
Objectives:
Goal 3: Students will embrace life-long learning to improve professional practice by participating in continuing education after graduation.
Objective:
Programs outcome data are available upon request by emailing: [email protected]