Overview
Are you interested in how food and diet affect health and well-being? Then the Clinical Dietetics and Nutrition program is the perfect starting point for your career.
SHRS offers an undergraduate program which provides students with the approved Commission on Accreditation for Dietetics Education (CADE) didactic curriculum. In addition to completion of the didactic program, students who desire to become registered dietitians will need to apply for and complete a supervised practical experience in a CADE-accredited Coordinated Masters Degree Program or a Dietetic Internship Program. Upon completion of a minimum of 900 hours of supervised practice, students will be eligible to take the registration examination to become credentialed Registered Dietitians.
The program at Pitt has accepted students from all over the country and the world, including China, Japan, Kuwait, Mexico and Ghana among others. Courses are taught by leaders in medical nutrition therapy, medicine and other medical professions. Program faculty includes registered dietitians that have earned masters or doctoral degrees.
Many opportunities for pre-professional involvement are available. Field experience offers an opportunity for you to gain experience in the profession prior to graduation. Students can also become involved in the Student Dietetic Association of the University of Pittsburgh http://www.pitt.edu/~sorc/sda/ to expand their interest and knowledge of dietetics. The organization encourages and provides opportunities for participation and leadership through committees, program development, research projects and field experiences.
Preparation
High school students interested in the Dietetics program are encouraged to take three years of high school math, chemistry and biology. This preparation, although not a requirement for entrance, is helpful for students when making the transition into the program.
Freshmen or sophomores get involved in the Student Dietetic Association of the University of Pittsburgh prior to program application to enhance your admission potential.
The Pitt Freshman Guarantee
Entering freshmen may qualify for a guarantee into the Coordinated Masters program in Dietetics (CMD). For consideration, please indicate "Dietetics" on admissions application.
Qualifying students will meet the following criteria:
- Complete the Undergraduate Program in Dietetics (DPD) at the University of Pittsburgh with an overall GPA of 3.3 or better and fulfill all admissions criteria for the CMD.
The Didactic program in Dietetics is accredited by the Commission of Accreditation for Dietetics Education of the American Dietetic Association, 120 South Riverside Plaza, Suite 2000, Chicago, IL, 60606-6995, 312/899-5400.
Download the 2008-2009 Didactic Program Handbook (.pdf file)
Download the 2009-2010 Didactic Program Handbook (.pdf file)