Dietetics

At the University of Dayton, our graduate programs in dietetics and nutrition are rooted in a mission to provide an interdisciplinary graduate degree in dietetics and nutrition in order to develop proficient and professional entry-level dietitian nutritionists who practice in diverse settings and are leaders in their field. Grounded in the Catholic and Marianist tradition, we prepare graduates who lead with integrity, compassion and a deep respect for the dignity of all people.

Our vision is to develop competent, service-minded, and socially responsible nutrition professionals who integrate evidence-based practice with a strong foundation in community engagement, leadership and interdisciplinary collaboration.

Whether you're just beginning your path to become an RDN or building on existing academic credentials, the University of Dayton offers ACEND-accredited pathways that combine rigorous graduate study, supervised practice and a values-driven learning environment — all in partnership with the ACEND accredited Premier Health Dietetic Internship.

Program Highlights

• Premier Health Dietetic Internship Partnership — Integrated ACEND accredited supervised practice experiences with a leading regional healthcare system.
• Mission-Driven Education — Rooted in Marianist values of community, justice, and service to others.
• Integrative and Interdisciplinary Environment — Work and learn in diverse practice settings to identify and address complex multifaceted nutrition issues.
• Holistic Teaching — You will benefit from small class sizes, personalized learning and faculty-student mentoring.
• Evidence-Based Practice — You will be at the forefront of learning and development, by engaging in evidenced-based practice and research projects, integral to the development of professionalism and leadership in patient care.

Visit the Catalog to view additional details about dietetics, including degree requirements and course descriptions.

We offer three tailored graduate pathways based on your academic background:

1. Master of Dietetics and Nutrition (MDN) + Premier Health Dietetic Internship
   For students who completed an bachelor’s degree from an ACEND-accredited didactic program in dietetics and hold an ACEND Verification Statement, this integrated program combines complete graduate degree advanced coursework and supervised practice to prepare you for the National Registration Examination to become a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RDN).
2. Advanced Dietetics and Nutrition Graduate Certificate + Premier Health Dietetic Internship
   For students who already hold a graduate degree in any field and an ACEND Verification Statement, this certificate is completed concurrent to support prerequisite coursework for the the ACEND accredited Premier Dietetic Internship (PDI) program required for the National Registration Examination to become a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RDN).
3. Verification Statement Graduate Certificate → MDN or Advanced Dietetics and Nutrition Graduate Certificate + Premier Health Dietetic Internship
   For students with a Bachelor’s degree in a field other than dietetics, this sequence provides the coursework to earn the ACEND verifications statement while earning 9 graduate credits towards the Advanced Dietetics and Nutrition Graduate certificate or the Master’s in the Dietetics and Nutrition degree and requires completion of the ACEND accredited Premier Health Dietetic Internship required for the National Registration Examination to become a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RDN).

Connect with us today to learn more about which pathway is right for you!

Fall Application Cycle

August 5: Application portal on DICAS opens for fall and spring application cycle

October 1: Application Deadline

October: Option Interviews

• After applying to the program, you can request either an in person or virtual interview, if you choose. This interview will facilitate mutual understanding to further share the holistic program and your personal goals to identify individualization options with care and support for you! Your completion of an interview will also give additional points in your application review.

November 1: Notification of Decision to Students

November 15: Deadline for Students to Notify Program of their Decision to Accept or Decline

Spring Cycle (If positions remain)

February 1: Application Deadline

February: Option Interviews

• After applying to the program, you can request either an in person or virtual interview, if you choose.  This interview will facilitate mutual understanding to further share the holistic program and your personal goals to identify individualization options with care and support for you!  Your completion of an interview will also give additional points in your application review.

March 1: Notification of Decision to Students

March 15: Deadline for Student to Notify Program of their Decision to Accept or Decline

Eligibility to Apply:

1. Students in the last year of their ACEND-accredited DPD program or have graduated from an ACEND-accredited dietetics program.
2. GPA (minimums to apply): 3.0 overall GPA, 2.5 science GPA, 3.0 professional dietetics coursework.
3. Nutrition Experience. Evidence of 200 hours of nutrition-related work experience (minimum 100 hours/paid documented experience, with 100 hours/documented nutrition related non-paid experience in which student made significant contributions to the development and/or delivery of nutrition related services is considered as meeting this requirement).
4. Service to the profession. Examples include: Active participation in Student Dietetic Association (SDA); executive position in SDA; service to undergraduate Dietetics program as a research assistant, teaching assistant or other project that supports the mission and goals of the undergraduate dietetics program; takes the leads on projects for the dietetics program or on nutrition-related project that impacts the community and fellow dietetic students.
5. Leadership experience. Examples include: Executive position in a university or community organization, works a job with high level of trust and responsibility assigned to position, serves as mentor in any setting, experience leading groups outside of the classroom setting.

Application Requirements:

1. Complete your application through DICAS.
2. Intent to Complete document or DPD Verification Statement (requested through DICAS completed by the DPD Program Director).
3. Personal Statement:
   • 1000-word limit
   • Discuss your interest in dietetics and your journey to prepare you to successfully complete the UD MDN and Premier Health Dietetic Internship program and practice in the profession of dietetics.
   • Describe your strengths and area of growth over the past five years.
   • Articulate how the UD MDN program and the Premier Health DI program can support you in achieving your personal and/or professional development goals and prepare you for practice.
   • Communicate interest in research and master's classes. Content and quality of writing will be evaluated within 1000 words, maximum.
4. Resume using the template in the DICAS application portal.
   • No more than two pages
   • Specify the number of work and volunteer hours for each position
5. Official transcripts for all coursework needed for the verification statement.
6. Letters of Recommendation (3): DPD Director, Medical Nutrition Therapy Professor, Work Reference
   • If two of these are the same person, an additional reference from your faculty or organizational advisor may be used; do not use personal friend or relative as a reference.

• Advanced Dietetics and Nutrition Practice (Graduate Certificate)

Rooted in our Catholic, Marianist traditions, the University of Dayton is dedicated to being transparent and ensuring student success.

Financial aid may be available for degree-seeking graduate students, file the FAFSA to be considered. Once you have applied and been accepted to a graduate program, we will prepare your applicable aid for the upcoming year.