MS/DPD - THE UNIVERSITY OF ALABAMA

Don’t Have a DPD Verification Statement?

The University of Alabama’s ACEND accredited Master’s Didactic Program in Dietetics (MS/DPD) is designed for students who hold, or will hold, a bachelor’s degree but do not already have a DPD Verification Statement. The MS/DPD combines the Master of Science in Human Nutrition with the academic requirements needed to earn a DPD Verification Statement. The 36-credit program is available 100% online or on campus and officially launches in Fall 2027.

Students do not have to wait until Fall 2027 to begin preparing for the MS/DPD. Prerequisite courses may be completed before Fall 2027. Students admitted to the MS may also begin approved graduate courses before Fall 2027 that can later count toward the MS/DPD when the option officially launches.

Path to KADDI

Students who need a DPD Verification Statement would complete the following sequence:

Complete any required undergraduate prerequisites
Complete The University of Alabama’s MS/DPD
Earn the MS in Human Nutrition and DPD Verification Statement
Apply to the KADDI Dietetic Internship
After completing supervised practice, become eligible to take the RD exam

The MS/DPD itself does not include supervised practice. Students who need a DPD Verification Statement must complete the UA MS/DPD and receive their Verification Statement before applying to KADDI.

PREREQUISITES

The MS/DPD requires 35 credit hours of undergraduate prerequisite coursework. Students may have a bachelor’s degree in any field.

Science prerequisites

CH 104 Introductory Chemistry, 4 hours
CH 105 Introductory Organic Chemistry, 4 hours
BSC 215 Human Anatomy and Physiology I, 4 hours
BSC 216 Human Anatomy and Physiology II, 4 hours

Nutrition prerequisites

NHM 101 Introduction to Human Nutrition, 3 hours
NHM 201 Nutrition in the Life Cycle, 3 hours
NHM 295 Introduction to Nutrition Research, 1 hour
NHM 340 Community Nutrition, 3 hours
NHM 361 Nutritional Biochemistry, 3 hours
NHM 363 Applied Nutrition, 3 hours
NHM 365 Medical Nutrition Therapy I, 3 hours

Students must earn at least a C- in the science prerequisites and a B- in the nutrition prerequisites.

Students who are missing prerequisites may complete them online through UA. Students may apply to UA’s undergraduate Food and Nutrition program as a post-graduate student to receive an official transcript review and work with an advisor to identify any remaining requirements. Course equivalencies are reviewed individually. Note: CH 104 and CH 105 are not offered online through UA.

GRADUATE CURRICULUM

MS/DPD Graduate Curriculum (36 credit hours)

The MS/DPD includes 12 graduate courses totaling 36 credit hours. Course sequencing is planned individually with the student’s advisor.

NHM 509 Research Methods in Nutrition
NHM 530 Advanced Nutrition Counseling
NHM 550 Advanced Community Nutrition I
NHM 558 Nutrition in Prevention and Treatment of Chronic Disease
NHM 566 Advanced Clinical Nutrition
NHM 567 Nutrition Support of the Critically Ill
NHM 572 Metabolism of Energy Nutrients
NHM 573 Advanced Vitamin and Mineral Metabolism
NHM 587 Integrated Food Systems Management
NHM 588 Advanced Food Service Systems Management
NHM 597 MS Capstone Course
POPH 522 Biostatistics

Students must earn a B or higher in all graduate courses, maintain at least a 3.0 GPA in the graduate DPD coursework, successfully complete all required DPD coursework and assessments, and earn the MS in Human Nutrition before the DPD Verification Statement is issued.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Who is the MS/DPD for?

Students with a bachelor’s degree who do not already have a DPD Verification Statement.

Can I complete the MS/DPD and KADDI at the same time?

No. Students using the MS/DPD to earn their DPD Verification Statement must complete the MS/DPD first. After receiving the MS and DPD Verification Statement, they may apply to KADDI.

Do I have to wait until Fall 2027 to get started?

No. Students may begin completing undergraduate prerequisites before Fall 2027. Students admitted to the MS may also begin approved graduate coursework before Fall 2027 that can later apply toward the MS/DPD.

Can I complete the MS/DPD online?

Yes. The graduate program is available 100% online or on campus.

Does the MS/DPD include the dietetic internship?

No. The MS/DPD provides the graduate degree and DPD Verification Statement. Graduates must then complete an ACEND-accredited supervised practice program, such as KADDI.

Is the GRE required?

No.

Questions About the MS/DPD?

For information about prerequisites, transcript review, course planning, or the MS/DPD application process, contact:

Dr. Tiffany Hylton

MS Program Director

tmhylton@ua.edu

205-348-6973