Didactic Program in Dietetics/Master of Science and Dietetic Internship (DPD/MS+DI)

  • Fall 2008 Graduate Information Sessions:
    9/26, 3-4pm
    10/29, 5:30-6:30pm
    11/14, 2-3pm
    12/17, 5:30-6:30pm
    1/9, 10-11am
    Refreshments will be served.
    All information sessions will take place at BU Sargent College,
    635 Commonwealth Ave., in Rm. 200.
    Please RSVP to Diane Wadman at: dwadman@bu.edu

(Program for students without undergraduate preparation in nutrition who want to be Registered Dietitians)

Program Focus: Advanced study in human nutrition

Possible Career Paths: Hospitals, outpatient clinics, private practice, athletic clubs/wellness centers, public health programs, nutrition and health communication and consulting to professional sports teams, corporations and restaurants.

The Program

This program is for students without undergraduate backgrounds in nutrition who want to complete the didactic requirements for credentialing as a Registered Dietitian, a graduate level academic program in nutrition and an accredited DI. The DPD/MS is a five semester program. In the  “Courses Sequences” section courses are classified based upon whether they meet DPD requirements, MS requirements or both. All DPD courses must be completed with a minimum grade of C. In order to satisfactorily complete the MS degree a minimum of 33 graduate credits must be completed with a minimum cumulative graduate GPA of 3.0. After satisfactory completion of the five semester DPD/MS program students will receive a DPD verification statement and be awarded an MS degree. They can then apply to, and will be pre-selected into, the DI program.  If they choose to accept the DI appointment, they cannot participate in the ADA National Computer Match. The DI begins in either January or June following successful completion of the DPD/MS. After satisfactory completion of the DI, which includes documentation of the completion of dietetic competencies and the MS/DI program evaluation, students will receive the DI verification statement.

The MS program prepares students to critically evaluate and implement the results of current research, solve problems, and communicate effectively. Students study with faculty involved in research, education, administration, professional practice, communication, and consulting. As part of their program, students develop a research proposal and complete an individually designed practicum. Practicum sites have included an eating disorders clinic, a nutrition support team at a large urban hospital, a private practice focused on nutrition for athletes, a clinical research center at a large teaching hospital, an outpatient cardiovascular clinic at a suburban teaching hospital and the offices of a nationally distributed nutrition newsletter.

The DI is accredited by the Commission Accreditation for Dietetics Education (CADE) of the American Dietetic Association (ADA), 120 South Riverside PLaza, Suite 2000, Chicago, IL 60606-6995, (312) 899-0040 ext. 5400.

The DI is a six-credit, 29 week, full-time course requiring payment of tuition. In addition, interns must pay a non refundable $1000 fee to their internship site during the first two weeks of the DI. A cay may be necessary to get to the DI site as some sites are approximately 40 miles from Boston.

The DI has clinical sites at major teaching and community hospitals in the greater Boston area. The clinical sites provide excellent opportunities for students to observe and participate in a wide variety of specialties such as nutrition support, pediatrics, oncology, nephrology, cardiology, diabetes, surgical care, out-patient counseling, food service and management.

Depending on their program, graduates can expect to pursue careers in a wide variety of settings. Clinical environments could include medical and surgical services of hospitals, outpatient clinics, cardiac rehabilitation centers and private practices. Graduates could also work in the fitness/wellness industry, the pharmaceutical industry, public health or as consultants to professional sports teams, corporations and restaurants.