Didactic Program in Dietetics, Certificate

Saint Louis University’s didactic program in dietetics, offered at the Doisy College of Health Sciences, prepares you to become a registered dietitian/nutritionist. You can still satisfy the requirements to gain eligibility for the program if you have a degree in a different area of study.

Curriculum Overview

SLU’s didactic program in dietetics (DPD) enrolls students who have already obtained an undergraduate degree in an alternate field and are pursuing a career on the path to becoming a registered dietitian/nutritionist.

The didactic program in dietetics features two curricular track options for DPD completion: a culinary track and a standard track. After completing the curriculum, you will earn a DPD verification statement that will prepare you to apply for dietetic internship programs, which are required to become a registered dietitian.

Clinical and Research Opportunities

Saint Louis University also offers a 15-month combined Master of Science/Dietetic Internship. Open to those who have completed the didactic program in dietetics certificate, the internship trains students to become competent entry-level dietitians and prepare for the Dietetic Registration examination while earning a master's degree.

Careers

Registered dietitians/nutritionists frequently work in hospitals or other health care facilities, as well as in food and nutrition-related businesses and industries. They may also work in schools, hospitals, commercial kitchens, catering companies or nutrition and culinary services.

Admission Requirements

Admission criteria for transfer students include:

  • A minimum 2.75 GPA on a 4.00 scale
  • Four years of high school English
  • Three years of high school math and science (including one year of chemistry and one year of biology)
  • A self-evaluation of transcripts

For priority enrollment in courses, applications should be complete by June 1 for a fall start date and Dec. 1 for a spring start date.

Self-Evaluation Directions for Applicants

Choose the appropriate self-evaluation of transcripts. Once the self-evaluation is complete, send your unofficial transcript and self-evaluation of courses to Whitney R. Linsenmeyer, Ph.D., at whitney.linsenmeyer@health.slu.edu.

  1. Fill in the corresponding course title and number, as well as the name of the institution and the grade you received. Official approval of course substitution will only occur after acceptance and enrollment into the program.
  2. Include a course description or preferably a course syllabus for any course in question. If you do not have a syllabus, try contacting that institution's department to request a copy for the appropriate year.
  3. A transcript must be included with the self-evaluation. An unofficial copy is acceptable.
  4. International students must have their transcript reviewed by World Education Services Inc.

To assist in filling out your self-evaluation of the transcript, you can view the undergraduate transfer articulation page.

Tuition

Tuition Cost Per Year
Undergraduate Tuition $52,260

Additional charges may apply. Other resources are listed below:

Net Price Calculator

Information on Tuition and Fees

Miscellaneous Fees

Information on Summer Tuition

Scholarships and Financial Aid

For priority consideration for graduate assistantship, apply by Feb. 1. 

For more information, visit the student financial services office online at https://www.slu.edu/financial-aid/index.php.

Accreditation

Saint Louis University's MS-DI program is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics (ACEND), the accrediting agency for the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics.

Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics (ACEND)
120 South Riverside Plaza, Suite 2190
Chicago, Illinois 60606-6995
312-899-0040 ext. 5400
https://www.eatrightpro.org/acend

  1. Graduates will be able to demonstrate effective professional communication in the transmission of food and nutrition information.
  2. Graduates will be able to demonstrate the ability to develop patient-centered care plans that reflect a value for the inherent worth of others.
  3. Graduates will be able to demonstrate nutrition education methods to facilitate diet changes in diverse populations.
  4. Graduates will be able to articulate the value of nutrition and dietetics professionals in an Interprofessional care context. 
  5. Graduates will be able to evidence the proper use of professional literature to make evidence-based nutrition care decisions.

Program Objectives

Goal 1: To prepare a generalist, internship-eligible graduate who has achieved basic competencies as identified by the Core Knowledge Requirements and Expected Learning Outcomes

  • 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%.
  • At least 70 percent of program graduates apply for admission to a supervised practice program prior to or within 12 months of graduation.
  • At least 50 percent of program graduates are admitted to a supervised practice program within 12 months of graduation.
  • A minimum of 80 percent of students completing dietetic internships and/or post-baccalaureate programs will indicate that they “strongly agree” or “agree” that their undergraduate education adequately prepared them for their post-BS education.
  • At least 80 percent of students completing dietetic internships and/or post-baccalaureate programs will indicate that they strongly agree or agree that their undergraduate education made them competitive with colleagues from other programs.
  • At least 80 percent of program students* complete program/degree requirements within 3 years (150 percent of the program length). Program completion rate is calculated by tracking students from the beginning of the junior year.   *ACEND specific Objectives

Goal 2: To prepare a graduate who is knowledgeable about nutritional care in multiple settings and demonstrates specific personal and professional competencies.

  • A minimum of 80 percent of dietetic internship directors will indicate that graduates were more than satisfactorily prepared for success in their dietetic internship program.
  • A minimum of 80 percent of students will indicate that they strongly agree or agree that they felt adequately prepared for the dietetic internship program.  

Goal 3: To provide a basis for further development and life-long learning that will assure continued competence.

  • A minimum of 85 percent of graduates will answer that they agree or strongly agree that the DPD program instilled a desire for continued development as a self-learner.

Goal 4: To prepare a graduate who will contribute to society based on development of a sense of community and social/civic responsibility.

  • A minimum of 75 percent of graduating seniors will have participated in a total of at least 20 hours of service learning by the end of the DPD program.
  • A minimum of 85 percent of graduates will indicate that they agree or strongly agree that the DPD program supported development of judgments respectful of the inherent dignity and worth of individuals.  

DPD Certificate Standard Track

Prerequisites *
BIOL 1240
BIOL 1245
General Biology: Information Flow and Evolution
and Principles of Biology I Laboratory
4
BLS 4510Medical Microbiology4
CHEM 1110
CHEM 1115
General Chemistry 1
and General Chemistry 1 Laboratory
4
CHEM 1120
CHEM 1125
General Chemistry 2
and General Chemistry 2 Laboratory
4
CHEM 2410
CHEM 2415
Organic Chemistry 1
and Organic Chemistry 1 Laboratory
4
CHEM 3600Principles of Biochemistry3
ECON 1900Principles of Economics3
ENGL 1900Advanced Strategies of Rhetoric and Research3
IPE 2100Interprofessional Collaboration and Healthcare in Global Context3
MGT 3000Management Theory and Practice3
PPY 2540Human Physiology4
PSY 1010General Psychology3
STAT 1300Elementary Statistics with Computers3
or MATH 1300 Elementary Statistics with Computers
Nutrition and Dietetic Courses
DIET 1000Contemporary Issues in Food and Nutrition2
DIET 2080Foundations in Nutrition3
DIET 2100Nutrition in the Lifecycle3
DIET 2510Principles of Food Preparation3
DIET 2511Cultural Aspects of Food3
DIET 3600Food Science4
DIET 3700Quantity Food Procurement/Prep3
DIET 3850Advanced Nutrition4
DIET 3890Internship Seminar1
DIET 4100Medical Nutrition Therapy I3
DIET 4110Clinical Practicum Lab I2
DIET 4150Medical Nutrition Therapy II3
DIET 4160Clinical Practicum Lab II3
DIET 4300Foundations in Comm. Nutrition3
DIET 4350Food Systems Management I3
DIET 4360Food Systems Management II3
DIET 4400Nutrition Education3
DIET 4500Nutrition Counseling3
DIET 4870Research Seminar I1
DIET 4880Research Seminar II1
HCE 2010Foundations in Clinical Health Care Ethics3
IPE 1100Introduction to Interprofessional Health Care1
Total Credits103
 
*

Prerequisites can be taken at Saint Louis University or an accepted institution for transfer credit. Refer to Transferology for more information on transferring coursework to Saint Louis University. 

DPD Certificate Culinary Track 

Prerequisites *
ACCT 2200Financial Accounting3
BIOL 1240
BIOL 1245
General Biology: Information Flow and Evolution
and Principles of Biology I Laboratory
4
BLS 4510Medical Microbiology4
CHEM 1110
CHEM 1115
General Chemistry 1
and General Chemistry 1 Laboratory
4
CHEM 1120
CHEM 1125
General Chemistry 2
and General Chemistry 2 Laboratory
4
CHEM 2410
CHEM 2415
Organic Chemistry 1
and Organic Chemistry 1 Laboratory
4
CHEM 3600Principles of Biochemistry3
ENGL 1900Advanced Strategies of Rhetoric and Research3
IPE 2100Interprofessional Collaboration and Healthcare in Global Context3
MGT 3000Management Theory and Practice3
PPY 2540Human Physiology4
PSY 1010General Psychology3
STAT 1300Elementary Statistics with Computers3
or MATH 1300 Elementary Statistics with Computers
Nutrition and Dietetic Courses
DIET 1000Contemporary Issues in Food and Nutrition2
DIET 2080Foundations in Nutrition3
DIET 2100Nutrition in the Lifecycle3
DIET 2510Principles of Food Preparation3
DIET 2511Cultural Aspects of Food3
DIET 2750World Cuisines3
DIET 3030Sustainable Food Systems3
DIET 3190Garde Manger3
DIET 3600Food Science4
DIET 3700Quantity Food Procurement/Prep3
DIET 3750Advanced Cooking 3
DIET 3850Advanced Nutrition4
DIET 3890Internship Seminar1
DIET 4020Beverage Theory and Service: Wine, Spirits, Beer, Coffee & Tea3
DIET 4100Medical Nutrition Therapy I3
DIET 4110Clinical Practicum Lab I2
DIET 4150Medical Nutrition Therapy II3
DIET 4250Baking and Pastry 3
DIET 4300Foundations in Comm. Nutrition3
DIET 4350Food Systems Management I3
DIET 4360Food Systems Management II3
DIET 4500Nutrition Counseling3
DIET 4870Research Seminar I1
DIET 4880Research Seminar II1
DIET 4950Culinary Philosophy & Practice3
HCE 2010Foundations in Clinical Health Care Ethics3
Total Credits117
*

Prerequisites can be taken at Saint Louis University or an accepted institution for transfer credit. Refer to Transferology for more information on transferring coursework to Saint Louis University. 

Roadmaps are recommended semester-by-semester plans of study for programs and assume full-time enrollment unless otherwise noted.  

Courses and milestones designated as critical (marked with !) must be completed in the semester listed to ensure a timely graduation. Transfer credit may change the roadmap.

This roadmap should not be used in the place of regular academic advising appointments. All students are encouraged to meet with their advisor/mentor each semester. Requirements, course availability and sequencing are subject to change.

Standard Certificate Option

Plan of Study Grid
Year One
FallCredits
BIOL 1240
BIOL 1245
General Biology: Information Flow and Evolution
and Principles of Biology I Laboratory
4
CHEM 1110
CHEM 1115
General Chemistry 1
and General Chemistry 1 Laboratory
4
DIET 1000 Contemporary Issues in Food and Nutrition 2
ENGL 1900 Advanced Strategies of Rhetoric and Research 3
 Credits13
Spring
CHEM 1120
CHEM 1125
General Chemistry 2
and General Chemistry 2 Laboratory
4
IPE 2100 Interprofessional Collaboration and Healthcare in Global Context 3
DIET 2511 Cultural Aspects of Food 3
ECON 1900 Principles of Economics 3
IPE 1100 Introduction to Interprofessional Health Care 1
 Credits14
Year Two
Fall
CHEM 2410
CHEM 2415
Organic Chemistry 1
and Organic Chemistry 1 Laboratory
4
DIET 2080 Foundations in Nutrition 3
HCE 2010 Foundations in Clinical Health Care Ethics 3
PPY 2540 Human Physiology 4
PSY 1010 General Psychology 3
 Credits17
Spring
CHEM 3600 Principles of Biochemistry 3
DIET 2100 Nutrition in the Lifecycle 3
DIET 2510 Principles of Food Preparation 3
MGT 3000 Management Theory and Practice 3
 Credits12
Year Three
Fall
BLS 4510 Medical Microbiology 4
DIET 3600 Food Science 4
 Credits8
Spring
DIET 3700 Quantity Food Procurement/Prep 3
DIET 3850 Advanced Nutrition 4
DIET 4300 Foundations in Comm. Nutrition 3
STAT 1300
Elementary Statistics with Computers
or Elementary Statistics with Computers
3
 Credits13
Year Four
Fall
DIET 3890 Internship Seminar 1
DIET 4100 Medical Nutrition Therapy I 3
DIET 4110 Clinical Practicum Lab I 2
DIET 4350 Food Systems Management I 3
DIET 4500 Nutrition Counseling 3
DIET 4870 Research Seminar I 1
 Credits13
Spring
DIET 4150 Medical Nutrition Therapy II 3
DIET 4160 Clinical Practicum Lab II 3
DIET 4360 Food Systems Management II 3
DIET 4400 Nutrition Education 3
DIET 4880 Research Seminar II 1
 Credits13
 Total Credits103

Hepatitis A vaccine required before enrolling

Background Check Required

Culinary Certificate Option

Plan of Study Grid
Year One
FallCredits
BIOL 1240
BIOL 1245
General Biology: Information Flow and Evolution
and Principles of Biology I Laboratory
4
CHEM 1110
CHEM 1115
General Chemistry 1
and General Chemistry 1 Laboratory
4
DIET 1000 Contemporary Issues in Food and Nutrition 2
ENGL 1900 Advanced Strategies of Rhetoric and Research 3
 Credits13
Spring
CHEM 1120
CHEM 1125
General Chemistry 2
and General Chemistry 2 Laboratory
4
DIET 2511 Cultural Aspects of Food 3
HCE 2010 Foundations in Clinical Health Care Ethics 3
PSY 1010 General Psychology 3
 Credits13
Year Two
Fall
CHEM 2410
CHEM 2415
Organic Chemistry 1
and Organic Chemistry 1 Laboratory
4
DIET 2080 Foundations in Nutrition 3
DIET 2510 Principles of Food Preparation 3
PPY 2540 Human Physiology 4
 Credits14
Spring
ACCT 2200 Financial Accounting 3
CHEM 3600 Principles of Biochemistry 3
DIET 2100 Nutrition in the Lifecycle 3
DIET 2750 World Cuisines 3
STAT 1300
Elementary Statistics with Computers
or Elementary Statistics with Computers
3
MGT 3000 Management Theory and Practice 3
 Credits18
Year Three
Fall
BLS 4510 Medical Microbiology 4
DIET 3190 Garde Manger 3
DIET 3600 Food Science 4
IPE 2100 Interprofessional Collaboration and Healthcare in Global Context 3
 Credits14
Spring
DIET 3700 Quantity Food Procurement/Prep 3
DIET 3750 Advanced Cooking 3
DIET 3850 Advanced Nutrition 4
DIET 4250 Baking and Pastry 3
DIET 4300 Foundations in Comm. Nutrition 3
 Credits16
Year Four
Fall
DIET 3890 Internship Seminar 1
DIET 4020 Beverage Theory and Service: Wine, Spirits, Beer, Coffee & Tea 3
DIET 4100 Medical Nutrition Therapy I 3
DIET 4110 Clinical Practicum Lab I 2
DIET 4350 Food Systems Management I 3
DIET 4500 Nutrition Counseling 3
DIET 4870 Research Seminar I 1
 Credits16
Spring
DIET 3030 Sustainable Food Systems 3
DIET 4150 Medical Nutrition Therapy II 3
DIET 4360 Food Systems Management II 3
DIET 4880 Research Seminar II 1
DIET 4950 Culinary Philosophy & Practice 3
 Credits13
 Total Credits117

Hepatitis A vaccine required before enrolling

Background Check Required

Apply for Admission

Contact Doisy College of Health Sciences:
Julie Miller
Recruitment Specialist
314-977-2570
dchs@health.slu.edu