The Dietetics emphasis, also known as the Didactic Program in Dietetics (DPD), at Seattle Pacific University provides the coursework required to become a Registered Dietitian (RD).
Academic requirements and a suggested course sequence for the Dietetics emphasis are available in the undergraduate catalog (click here).
After completing the DPD and the baccalaureate degree, a student wanting to become an RD must also complete a Dietetic Internship and take an exam offered by the Commission on Dietetic Registration http://www.cdrnet.org/. Additional information on educational requirements and the RD credential can be found from the American Dietetic Association http://www.eatright.org. A list of Dietetic Internships is also available on this page.
Application to the Major
DPD students apply to the major after successful completion of the prerequisite science courses and either FCS 2365 Food Science or FCS 3340 Human Nutrition. A minimum GPA of 2.8 is required for admission to the major. Click here for the Food and Nutrition Major Application form 
DPD for Post-Baccalaureate Students
Admission to the University as a post-baccalaureate student requires a separate application. Admission to the DPD requires a minimum overall GPA of 2.8 and the completion of the following prerequisite courses, with attainment of C- (1.7) or better in each: BIO2101 General Biology, BIO 2129 Anatomy & Physiology, BIO 2130 Anatomy & Physiology, CHM 1211 General Chemistry, CHM 1330 Organic and Biological Chemistry, PSY 1100 or SOC 1100, FCS 2365 Food Science or FCS 3340 Human Nutrition. Course requirements for non-degree seeking post-baccalaureate students desiring DPD verification are the same as those for the undergraduate dietetics emphasis except that FCS 1050 and FCS 3240 are omitted. A transcript review by the DPD Director will determine the courses that must be completed to fulfill the DPD requirements. Applicants may be asked to submit course syllabi for evaluation. Only courses completed within the last 7 years will be considered for meeting DPD requirements. Students who opt to complete the requirements for a second baccalaureate degree may be eligible for federal student financial aid click here; non-degree or approved-certificate seeking students are not eligible for financial aid.
DPD Accreditation
The Didactic Program in Dietetics is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation for Dietetics Education (CADE) www.eatright.org/cade of the American Dietetic Association. CADE's contact information is:
The Commission on Accreditation for Dietetics Education
120 South Riverside Plaza, Suite 2000
Chicago, Illinois 60606-6995
Phone: 312/899-0040 ext. 5400
Email: cade@eatright.org.
www.eatright.org/cade.
Graduates of the Seattle Pacific University DPD who are verified by the Program Director may apply for CADE-accredited dietetic internships to establish eligibility to take the CDR registration examination for dietitians. Learn more about dietetics education, DPD, programs and RD credential from the American Dietetic Association. http://www.eatright.org
DPD Internship Placement Rate and Exam Pass Rate
Our program outcomes are very good. Five-year internship and/or graduate school acceptance rates are 79%. The five-year RD first-time exam pass rate is 95%, increasing to 98% when repeat exam takers are included.
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Mission, Goals and Objectives of the Didactic Program in Dietetics
The mission of our Dietetics program is to prepare graduates who engage the culture and offer solutions to nutrition problems faced by individuals, families and communities. Students are prepared to enter a dietetic internship, graduate school and/or employment.
Goal 1: The program will prepare competent graduates who are accepted into DI programs, the professional arena and/or graduate study programs.
Outcomes
- For students matriculating at SPU as freshmen and accepted into the dietetics major, at least 80% will complete baccalaureate degree requirements within 6 years of matriculation.
- For transfer students accepted into the dietetics major, at least 80% will complete baccalaureate degree requirements within 3 years of acceptance into the major.
- At least 75% of graduates will rate their academic preparation as satisfactory or higher.
- At least 75% of internship directors will rate the academic preparation of interns from SPU as satisfactory or higher.
- At least 80% of students will rate their DPD academic advising as satisfactory or higher.
- At least 90% of graduates will prepare a portfolio that demonstrates academic competency, communication skills, and examples of community service and leadership.
- Over a five-year period, 60% of DPD graduates will apply to supervised practice programs the year they complete the program.
- Over a five-year period, 80% of those applying to supervised practice programs during the academic year they complete the program will be accepted.
- Over a five-year period, the pass rate for DPD graduates taking the registration examination for the first time will be at least 80%.
Goal 2: The program will provide students with opportunities to develop scholarship and critical thinking skills.
Outcomes
- At least 90% of students will demonstrate an understanding of the scientific process by successfully
- Evaluating published food- and nutrition-related research studies.
- Writing two different types of research papers.
- Designing and completing a small research project.
- At least 90% of students will create portfolios that provide examples of scholarly work.
Goal 3: The program will encourage students to value professional participation, leadership, and community service as a way of engaging the culture.
Outcomes
- At least 75% of students will demonstrate professional participation (ADA student member, nutrition club participant, attendance/participation at local food and nutrition meetings or events), community service or leadership activities.
- At least 75% of graduates will participate in community or professional service.
Goal 4: The program will aid students in the development of cultural competence.
Outcomes
- At least 80% of the FCS food and nutrition courses required in the dietetics curriculum will include content pertaining to cultural competence.
- At least 60% of graduates will rate their improvement in cultural competence as satisfactory or greater.
- At least 20% of graduates will be employed in a setting that serves a culturally diverse population.
DPD Director Contact Information
Gaile Moe, PhD, RD
Department of Family and Consumer Sciences
Seattle Pacific University
3307 3rd Ave West
Seattle, WA 98119
206-281-2238
gmoe@spu.edu