Dietetics

Didactic Program in Dietetics (DPD)

Courses

Students enrolled in the DPD will complete a variety of courses to enhance their knowledge and skills related to food and nutrition, medical nutrition therapy, management, and education/counseling. Required courses include food & nutrition courses such as lifespan nutrition, community nutrition & chemistry of foods; science courses such as chemistry, physiology, anatomy & microbiology; medical nutrition therapy courses; and management courses.

Suggested Course Sequences

Several DPD and non-dietetics required courses are offered every-other-year; therefore a suggested course sequence is provided for students entering the program in either even or odd years. Students are encouraged to meet with their undergraduate advisor each semester for course and career advice.

The current academic calendar and important deadlines can be found here.

Marshall University Graduation Information

Academic Requirements according to the DPD handbook and the undergraduate catalog. A student’s college will make the final check of courses required, total earned credits, degree, and GPA requirements, as well as other university-wide requirements. To receive a baccalaureate degree from Marshall University, a student must:

  1. Have a minimum of 120 credit hours (some colleges or majors require more);
  2. Have an overall Grade Point Average of 2.00 or higher
  3. Have a Marshall Grade Point Average of 2.00 or higher
  4. Have an overall Grade Point Average of 2.00 or higher in the major area of study
  5. Have earned a grade of C or better in English 102 or 201H
  6. Have met all major(s) and college requirements
  7. Have met the requirements of the Core Curriculum
  8. Have met the residence requirements of Marshall University, including 12 hours of 300/400 level coursework in the student’s college (see section entitled “Residence Requirements”)
  9. Be enrolled at Marshall at least one semester of the senior year
  10. Have transferred no more than 72 credit hours from an accredited West Virginia two-year institution of higher education.
  11. Colleges and specific programs may have unique requirements that are more stringent than those noted above. Students are responsible for staying informed about and ensuring that they meet the requirements for graduation.

Dietetics-Specific Policies Related to Graduation

  1. The last 60 hours of required dietetics courses (including all 300- and 400-level DTS courses) and non-dietetics courses must be completed within three years prior to graduation.
  2. All 400-level DTS courses must be completed at Marshall University.
  3. Students will not be permitted to enroll in 400-level DTS courses is their GPA is below 2.5.

All Dietetics related policies are found in the Undergraduate DPD Student Handbook.

Dietetic Internship Computer Matching

Graduates of Marshall’s DPD are eligible to apply for a dietetic internship / supervised practice program. Computer matching is a mandatory component of the dietetic internship application process. To participate in matching, applicants should complete the online registration and select internship priority choices by 11:59 PM Central Standard Time on February 15, 2020. Please note this is in addition to DICAS.

Online registration is completed through D&D Digital at http://www.dnddigital.com/. There is a $50.00 fee for computer matching registration. The applicant will find additional information regarding computer matching at the aforementioned website or by requesting information from the following:

D&D Digital, Inc.
304 Main Street, Suite 301
Ames, IA 50010
Phone: 515.292.0490

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 order to be approved for registration examination eligibility with a bachelor’s degree, an individual must meet all eligibility requirements and be submitted into CDR’s Registration Eligibility Processing System (REPS) before 12:00 midnight Central Time, December 31, 2023. For more information about this requirement visit CDR’s website: https://www.cdrnet.org/graduatedegree. In addition, CDR requires that individuals complete coursework and a supervised practice program accredited by the Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics (ACEND). Graduates who successfully complete the ACEND-accredited Didactic Program in Dietetics at Marshall University are eligible to apply to an ACEND-accredited supervised practice program and apply to take the CDR credentialing exam to become an RDN.

Successful completion of the Marshall University DPD, and subsequent issuance of the DPD Verification Statement, meets requirements set forth by the WV Board of Licensed Dietitians to comply with licensure by allowing students to enroll in a supervised practice program. Please note that students may apply for WV licensure only after a supervised practice program has been successfully completed. Please contact the West Virginia Board of Licensed Dietitians for more information. In most states, graduates must obtain licensure or certification to practice. For more information about state licensure requirements click here.

For more information about educational pathways to become a RDN click here.

Distance Technology Requirements

Technology requirements for students enrolled in DTS 210 and other online courses, or those which use virtual components, will need a desktop or laptop computer, or tablet with reliable Internet access. Electronic devices should include a webcam and microphone for course work. Students will use Blackboard, Marshall’s Learning Management System, to complete online courses. Students must be proficient in the use of computers, Internet browsers, Microsoft Office Word, and other common applications. Blackboard support is available 24/7 and the IT service desk is also available to provide technology assistance.

Program Costs

For the most accurate calculation of tuition and fees, visit the Bursar’s website at http://www.marshall.edu/bursar/.

Campus Room and Board Information can be found here.

Other Expenses:
Books & Supplies – $ 800.00
ID Badge, Upperclassmen – $ 5.00
White Laboratory Coat – $ 30.00

Online courses carry an additional fee of $50 per credit hour. More information related to cost of virtual courses can be found on the Marshall University Tuition and Fees website.

Some hospitals/physician offices may require a current tuberculosis test be on file for students participating in activities in those facilities. The cost of a TB test varies and is the student’s responsibility. TB tests are given at the Cabell Huntington Health Department free of charge (703 7th Avenue) for Cabell County resident and at a minimal charge for non-residents.

For more information on scholarships and financial aid assistance, visit our Office of Student Financial Assistance in Old Main 116, calling 304-696-3162 or emailing sfa@marshall.edu.