Auburn University’s Dietetics Program offers a comprehensive, science-based curriculum that prepares students for diverse careers in nutrition and dietetics. The program meets all accreditation requirements set by the Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics (ACEND), ensuring graduates are eligible to pursue the Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RDN) credential and will receive a Verification Statement at the completion of the program.
Students begin with a strong foundation based in nutrition fundamentals as well as biological and chemical sciences, including courses in lifecycle nutrition, biology, anatomy, physiology, nutritional genomics, and biochemistry. This scientific core supports advanced coursework in medical nutrition therapy, public health nutrition, foodservice systems management, experimental foods, and nutrition education and counseling.
Programs of Study
The Department of Nutritional Sciences offers two undergraduate degree options for its Bachelor of Science in Nutrition: Pre-Health and Nutrition Science Option and Dietetics Option.
Dating back to 1921, the Didactic Program in Dietetics (DPD) at Auburn University is more than just an academic program — it’s a launchpad for a meaningful career in nutrition and health. You will dive into hands-on learning, connect with expert faculty, and prepare to become a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RDN) who makes a real impact in communities, clinics, and beyond. If you're passionate about food, health, and helping others thrive, this is where your journey begins
Additional Information
The Didactic Program in Dietetics (DPD) at Auburn University is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics (ACEND). ACEND serves and protects students and the public by assuring the quality and continued improvement of nutrition and dietetics programs. ACEND will review complaints that relate to a program’s compliance with the accreditation/approval standards. ACEND is interested in the sustained quality and continued improvement of dietetics education programs but does not intervene on behalf of individuals or act as a court of appeal for individuals in matters of admission, appointment, promotion, or dismissal of faculty, staff, or students.
ACEND contact information:
Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics
Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics
120 South Riverside Plaza, Suite 2190
Chicago, IL 60606-6995
Phone: 800-877-1600
Email: ACEND@eatright.org
Website: https://www.eatrightpro.org/acend
Interested in studying abroad? Check out study abroad opportunities delivered through CHS Global in the College of Human Sciences or Auburn Abroad through Auburn University. Interested in an opportunity more specific to health and nutrition — the Department of Nutritional Sciences supports two options.
Student Dietetic Association
The Student Dietetic Association (SDA) is a student organization affiliated with the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics (AND). The goals are to involve Auburn students in the expansion and communication of nutrition knowledge through projects such as "National Nutrition Month" programs, lectures on current topics in nutrition, and practical yet fun social events. The Student Dietetic Association allows nutrition and food science students as well as students in other curricula to have a greater understanding of nutrition and the professional applications of nutrition in health care. Contact the Department Head, Department of Nutrition, Dietetics and Hospitality Management, for further information.
Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics
The Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics offers Student Membership at a discount, allowing students access to the Journal of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, webinars, Nutrition Care Manual, the Evidence Analysis Library and automatic state association affiliation.
Undergraduate students in the Department of Nutritional Science have the opportunity to engage in meaningful research that spans both basic science and applied nutrition. From studying cellular and molecular mechanisms of nutrient metabolism to evaluating community-based nutrition interventions, students work alongside faculty on projects that contribute to real-world health solutions.
These experiences not only deepen scientific understanding but also strengthen applications for post-graduate programs/graduate school and enhance career readiness in dietetics, public health, and biomedical sciences.
- Laboratory-based studies in biochemistry and metabolism
- Applied research in public health nutrition, food systems, and behavioral interventions
- Collaborative projects with interdisciplinary healthcare teams
- Presentation and publication of findings at university symposia and professional conferences
In addition to Auburn’s institutional awards, students pursuing education in dietetics can apply for scholarships through the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics Foundation. The Foundation offers over 250 scholarships annually, ranging from $500 to $25,000, for undergraduate, graduate, doctoral, and dietetic internship students. Applicants complete a single universal application to be matched with eligible awards. These scholarships support students from diverse backgrounds and academic paths, and many are open to both Academy members and non-members.
Academic Advising
Academic advising is provided to students in the pre-dietetics designation through the College of Human Sciences (CHS) Academic Dean’s Office. Since the dietetics program is sequential in nature and a formal application process to the Professional Didactic Program in Dietetics is required, students are strongly encouraged to meet with their assigned CHS advisor each semester. Upon admission to the Didactic Program in Dietetics, students are assigned a department advisor and are strongly encouraged to meet each semester with their advisor. Most NTRI courses are offered only once per year during the semester listed on the DPD Plan of Study, the exception being NTRI 2000 Nutrition and Health, which is offered each semester. The program is sequenced to allow full-time students to complete the DPD in two years once admitted to the professional component. It is imperative that students stay on track in order to graduate in a timely manner.
Health Services
The Auburn University Medical Clinic provides a full range of primary and urgent medical care services for Auburn students, faculty, staff, spouses and dependents and visitors. Services are provided on an appointment basis. Walk-ins will be evaluated and given appointments or seen immediately based on the urgency of their condition. The clinical staff consists of fully licensed and board certified/eligible physicians, certified registered nurse practitioners and certified physician’s assistants. Student health services include allergy and immunization, diagnostic services for illnesses and injuries, follow-up assessment and treatment, laboratory and x-ray, massage therapy, mental health, pharmacy, sports medicine, and women’s health. Services are provided on a fee-for-service basis with on-site billing. Check of the Auburn University Medical Clinic’s Website for more information or to schedule an appointment.
Counseling
Student Counseling Services (SCS), a department in the Division of Student Affairs, is the primary counseling center for Auburn University's undergraduate and graduate student community. The mission of SCS is to provide comprehensive preventative and clinical mental health services to enhance the psychological well-being of individual students, as well as the broader campus culture. Counseling Services is committed to supporting the academic, retention, and student development missions of Auburn University, so students can have a balanced university experience and take full advantage of the educational opportunities at the university.
Academic Support Services
Auburn University Academic Support has a number of services available to students. Individual and group instruction is provided to students experiencing academic difficulty. The Study Partners Program, peer tutoring, offers free tutoring services to students enrolled in selected undergraduate subjects. Supplemental Instruction provides peer-facilitated academic assistance in a group for specific courses (e.g., biology, anatomy and physiology, and general and organic chemistry).
