B.S. Nutrition, Dietetics

Goal 1: To prepare DPD graduates by emphasizing foundation knowledge and competency in nutrition and dietetics so that graduates of the DPD will successfully apply their undergraduate education in post-baccalaureate supervised practice (e.g., dietetic internships, coordinated master's programs, or individualized supervised practice pathway (ISPP)), graduate/professional studies, and entry-level practice.

Outcome Objectives

• Within 3 years of admission to the professional-DPD curriculum, 80% of students will complete the requirements to receive a Verification Statement of DPD program completion.
• 60% of DPD graduates will apply to dietetic internships/supervised practice prior to or within 12 months of graduation.
• 60% of DPD graduates applying to dietetic internships/supervised practice are admitted to a supervised practice program within 12 months of graduation.
• The DPD 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 will be at least 80%.
• 90% of DPD graduates who complete a dietetic internship/supervised practice experience will be rated by their program directors as having met or exceeded the performance expectations of the program.
• DPD graduates responding to the senior survey will report a mean satisfaction rating of very good or outstanding with their Auburn University education.

Goal 2: DPD graduates will continue life-long learning to improve professional practice by participating in continuing education after graduation.

Outcome Objectives

• At least 70% of graduates responding to the DPD graduate survey indicate they have attended or participated in a continuing education activity such as a seminar, conference, webinar or self-study.

 Program outcomes data are available upon request.

Pathway to Becoming a Registered Dietitian/Registered Dietitian Nutritionist

1. Complete a baccalaureate degree and earn a Verification Statement from a Didactic Program in Dietetics. Classes vary according to program, but in general, coursework covers subjects that may range from food and nutrition sciences, foodservice systems management, business, economics, computer science, culinary arts, sociology and communication to science courses such as biochemistry, physiology, microbiology, anatomy and chemistry. 
2. Complete a supervised practice requirement. In addition, individuals must complete at least 1,000 hours of supervised practice to gain real-world experience and apply knowledge learned in the classroom to the context of a variety of work settings. These hours can be completed through a Dietetic Internship, Coordinated Program in Dietetics, or a Graduate Program in Dietetics.
3. Earn a graduate degree. A minimum of a master’s degree is required to be eligible for the RDN exam. 
4. Pass a national examination. Once you complete your degrees and supervised practice, you may schedule to take CDR's Registration Examination for Registered Dietitians to become a credentialed as registered dietetics nutritionist. This is called "RDN eligibility," meaning you have completed the requirements to become eligible to take the national exam.
5. Meet requirements to practice in your state. Many states have regulatory laws (i.e. licensure) for food and nutrition practitioners. All states accept the RDN credential for state licensure purposes. In the state of Alabama, you must be licensed to practice.
6. Stay up to date through continuing education. After successfully passing the national exam and earning the credential, RDNs maintain ongoing professional development in order to stay up to date on the latest research, recommendations and best practices.

Auburn University’s Didactic Program in Dietetics (DPD) is directly affiliated with 3 Dietetic Internships, allowing students who apply for and are accepted into one of the 3 programs to easily transition from the DPD into the next steps of their education as a dietitian. Each of these internship programs align their requirements with the MS in Nutrition at Auburn University, creating an easy bridge between the BS and MS programs. The 3 affiliated internships include:

• Auburn University Dietetic Internship
• Aramark Dietetic Internship Program
• Morrison Healthcare Dietetic Internship

In addition to the affiliated programs, DPD students also have the ability to apply for other accredited dietetic programs. All dietetic internships require a minimum of 1,000 hours of hands-on experience. These programs typically charge tuition and fees, and full-time programs can take between 9 and 24 months to complete, depending on whether graduate coursework is included alongside the practice component.

Academic performance is a strong predictor of student success in obtaining a placement. Paid and volunteer work experience in nutrition, dietetics, food service, community settings, or related fields is also valued. Acceptance into dietetic internships and graduate school is competitive.

Auburn University M.S. in Nutrition Non-Thesis Option with Dietetic Internship

Auburn University offers an opportunity for all Auburn DPD students to apply for early entry into its MS-DI Program. Auburn University students are able to complete the MS-DI program in 4-semesters making them eligible to sit for the RD Exam upon completion. Interested Auburn University DPD students should submit an Application to Graduate School by October 1 of their senior year for early entry. 

Accelerated Bachelor’s/Master’s Curriculum for Nutrition

The Nutrition Accelerated Bachelor’s/Master’s Program (ABM) offers students an opportunity to earn both the bachelor's and the master's degrees in less time and at less cost than usual. The ABM program allows these students to count 9 hours toward both the bachelor's and master's degrees, reducing the total number of credits to be taken during the Dietetic Internships affiliated with Auburn University. 

Below is a list of approved courses (maximum of 9 credits allowed) that can be taken in the ABM program and what course that replaces at the undergraduate level for DPD students:

NTRI 6040        Global Nutrition and Hunger (Replaces NTRI 4620 Public Health Nutrition)

NTRI 7040        Health Behavior Theory for Nutrition Counseling & Education (Replaces NTRI 5760 Nutrition Counseling)

NTRI 7030        Leadership and Management in Nutritional Sciences (Replaces NTRI 5560 Nutrition and Food Service Management) 

Eligibility Requirements for the Accelerated Bachelor’s/Master’s include:

• Cumulative GPA of 3.4
• Completed 45 hours of coursework, with at least 24 hours at Auburn University

Explore the diverse roles available to Registered Dietitian Nutritionists across healthcare, community, corporate, and specialty fields.