Didactic Program in Dietetics

Program Overview

The Didactic Program in Dietetics provides students with the competencies, knowledge, and skills required of the dietetics professional for practice roles of today and the future. The program helps students to develop critical thinking skills and problem solving ability in clinical and community nutrition and food service management. The Dietetics curriculum includes support courses from the social, physical, and life sciences. Students have the option to select elective courses outside the major and/or to complete minors in business, chemistry, education, gerontology, health science, human performance, journalism, or other areas. In addition, with the appropriate coursework, students are also prepared for advanced degrees (Master of Science) and post baccalaureate education (dietetic internships).

The dietetics concentration is appropriate for students who would like to become practicing nutritionists or dietitians.

The DPD Program at San José State University is accredited at the undergraduate level leading to a Bachelor of Science in Nutritional Science with a Concentration in Dietetics and the DPD Verification Statement. San José State University offers a MS in Nutritional Science and students can complete the DPD courses along with the masters level courses to receive a DPD Verification Statement.

Becoming a Registered Dietitian

Students must complete the following steps to become an RD. More details can be found at Becoming a Registered Dietitian.

  1. Completion of an Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics accredited Didactic Program in Dietetics.
  2. Successfully obtaining and completing an accredited supervised work experience (dietetic internship).
  3. Taking and passing a national registration examination.*

DPD Director

Dr. Giselle Pignotti

One Washington Square
San José, CA 95192-0058 

Accreditation

The SJSU DPD is accredited by the:

Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics (ACEND)

120 South Riverside Plaza, Suite 2190 
Chicago, IL 60606-6995


*Effective January 1, 2024, the Commission on Dietetic Registration (CDR) will require a minimum of a master's degree to be eligible to take the credentialing exam to become a registered dietitian nutritionist (RDN). In addition, CDR requires that individuals complete coursework and supervised practice in programs accredited by the Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics (ACEND). Graduates who successfully complete the ACEND-accredited didactic program in dietetics at San José State University are eligible to apply to an ACEND-accredited supervised practice program.

In most states, graduates also must obtain licensure or certification to practice. For more information about state licensure requirements visit the Commission on Dietetic Registration.

For more information about educational pathways to become a RDN visit the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics.