Didactic Program in Dietetics (Graduate Certificate)

The Didactic Program in Dietetics (DPD) Certificate is a two semester program that prepares students to enter a dietetic internship or a graduate program in nutrition and dietetics that requires a DPD Verification Statement. Eligibility criteria include a previous bachelor’s degree (in any field) and successful completion of the prerequisite courses.  

The University of New Hampshire’s DPD curriculum is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics (ACEND).  Coursework includes a variety of science and professional courses that meet the ACEND required knowledge.  Course instructors incorporate a variety of educational techniques including in-class learning and hands on clinical and simulation experiences.  Approximately 95-100% of our graduating students who apply for dietetic internships are accepted to an internship during their final semester.   

Admission Requirements

1. Bachelor’s degree with GPA > 3.0
2. Completion of prerequisite courses within the past 10 years with a combined GPA > 3.2
3. Earned > B in the introductory nutrition course (NUTR 400 Nutrition in Health and Well Being or equivalent)
4. Earned > C+ in the Anatomy and Physiology I or Chemistry I course (BMS 507 Human Anatomy and Physiology I or CHEM 403 General Chemistry I or approved equivalent)

Prerequisite Courses at UNH (or approved equivalent from outside institution): 

Prerequisite Courses at UNH (or approved equivalent from outside institution): DPD Science Courses

All prerequisite courses must have been completed within the past 10 years at a regionally accredited U.S. college or university.  

The Didactic Program in Dietetics Certificate is a two semester, 21-credit program that prepares students to enter a dietetic internship.

Certificate Program Coursework:

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Deadlines

Applications must be completed by the following deadlines in order to be reviewed for admission:

• Fall: July 1
• Spring: Dec. 1
• Summer: May 1
• Special: N/A

Application fee: $25

Campus: Durham

New England Regional: No

Accelerated Masters Eligible: No

New Hampshire Residents

Students claiming in-state residency must also submit a Proof of Residence Form. This form is not required to complete your application, but you will need to submit it after you are offered admission, or you will not be able to register for classes.

Transcripts

If you attended UNH or Granite State College (GSC) after September 1, 1991, and have indicated so on your online application, we will retrieve your transcript internally; this includes UNH-Durham, UNH-Manchester, UNH Non-Degree work and GSC. 

If you did not attend UNH, or attended prior to September 1, 1991, then you must upload a copy (PDF) of your transcript in the application form. International transcripts must be translated into English.

If admitted, you must then request an official transcript be sent directly to our office from the Registrar's Office of each college/university attended. We accept transcripts both electronically and in hard copy:

• Electronic Transcripts: Please have your institution send the transcript directly to grad.school@unh.edu. Please note that we can only accept copies sent directly from the institution.
• Paper Transcripts: Please send hard copies of transcripts to: UNH Graduate School, Thompson Hall- 105 Main Street, Durham, NH 03824. You may request transcripts be sent to us directly from the institution or you may send them yourself as long as they remain sealed in the original university envelope.

Transcripts from all previous post-secondary institutions must be submitted and applicants must disclose any previous academic or disciplinary sanctions that resulted in their temporary or permanent separation from a previous post-secondary institution. If it is found that previous academic or disciplinary separations were not disclosed, applicants may face denial and admitted students may face dismissal from their academic program.

Letters of Recommendation: 2 Required

Recommendation letters submitted by relatives or friends, as well as letters older than one year, will not be accepted.

Personal Statement/Essay Questions

Prepare a brief but careful statement of personal interest and career goals.

Statements must be included with your submitted application.

Resume

A current resume is required with your submitted application.

Additional Department Requirements

In addition the department requires a bachelor’s degree with GPA > 3.0; completion of prerequisite courses within the past 10 years with a combined GPA > 3.2; earned > B in the introductory nutrition course (NUTR 400 or equivalent); earned > C+ in the Anatomy and Physiology I or Chemistry I course (BMS 507 or Chem 403 or approved equivalent). 

Applicants also need to submit the Didactic Program in Dietetics Certificate Prerequisite Course Verification Form with corresponding grades and calculated DPD GPA directly to the UNH Graduate School admissions office so that it can be added to their application. For more information, please contact the department directly.

Important Notes

All applicants are encouraged to contact programs directly to discuss program-specific application questions.

International Applicants

Prospective international students are required to submit TOEFL, IELTS, or equivalent examination scores. English Language Exams may be waived if English is your first language. If you wish to request a waiver, then please visit our Test Scores webpage for more information.