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.
Assessment of Prior Learning and Credit for Program Requirements
Students who have taken courses or received a degree from other institutions should contact the Program Director, Dr. Amy Gannon, at amy.gannon@marshall.edu, to obtain a transcript evaluation. Credits toward DPD requirements are determined on an individual basis by both the Program Director and the University’s Office of Admissions. The DPD does not grant experiential learning credit for any course.
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:
- Have a minimum of 120 credit hours (some colleges or majors require more);
- Have an overall Grade Point Average of 2.00 or higher
- Have a Marshall Grade Point Average of 2.00 or higher
- Have an overall Grade Point Average of 2.00 or higher in the major area of study
- Have earned a grade of C or better in English 102 or 201H
- Have met all major(s) and college requirements
- Have met the requirements of the Core Curriculum
- 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”)
- Be enrolled at Marshall at least one semester of the senior year
- Have transferred no more than 72 credit hours from an accredited West Virginia two-year institution of higher education.
- 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
- 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.
- All 400-level DTS courses must be completed at Marshall University.
- 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.
Supervised Practice Experience/Dietetic Internship
The Marshall Didactic Program in Dietetics (DPD) provides students with a well-rounded education that includes both classroom and hands-on experience. Classes are small and the faculty are committed to ensuring the success of students. The DPD is approved by the Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics and meets the academic standards to qualify students for a dietetic internship (DI).
All dietetics students at Marshall University are prepared with the assumption they will pursue a career path in dietetics. Establishing a career as a registered dietitian nutritionist (RDN) involves several steps. First, students must successfully complete the DPD. Students are expected to complete the DPD within six years of starting the program. Following graduation from the DPD, students must complete an accredited supervised practice experience, usually a dietetic internship (DI), with a minimum of 1000 hours supervised practice. Following, students will be able to sit for the registered dietitian nutritionist exam, administered by the Commission on Dietetics Registration.
DICAS
The Marshall University Dietetic Internship participates in the online Dietetics Inclusive Centralized Application Service (DICAS) process.
DICAS will be available August 5, 2024 for the spring 2025 application cycle; more information may be found at http://dicas.liaisoncas.com. For Marshall’s MS/DI program, the online application must be submitted by 11:59 PM Eastern Standard Time on February 1, 2025. (Please note: all dietetic internship programs have different application due dates/requirements, so be sure to check deadlines for each program you are applying to.) In addition to a complete application, submission of transcripts from all colleges and/or universities attended, letters of recommendation, and a verification or intent to complete statement must be included. It is recommended that you begin the online application process well in advance of the February deadline to allow time for request, submission, and receipt of these items. The fee to use DICAS is $50 for the first application and $25 for each additional application. Visit our website for more information on applying to Marshall’s onsite or distance MS/DI programs.
Graduates of Marshall’s DPD are eligible to apply for a dietetic internship / supervised practice program.
Master’s Degree Requirement
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
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.
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.
Financial Aid
Financial aid is available for qualifying students. Please visit the Office of Student Financial Assistance for more information.
Academic and Program Calendar
The Department of Dietetics will observe the University calendar for all classes. Class breaks for holidays will be indicated on respective course syllabi.