Dietitian Nutritionist Program Admissions

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Admissions

The Accelerated Master of Science is an upper division program, to learn more about these programs, click here.

Application

Application Opens

Accelerated MS
October 6, 2025

Post-Baccalaureate
September 15, 2025

Didactic Program in Dietetics (DPD) Graduate
September 15, 2025

Application Closes

Accelerated MS
April 1, 2026Deadline extended from March 1, 2026

Post-Baccalaureate
April 1, 2026Deadline extended from March 1, 2026

Didactic Program in Dietetics (DPD Graduate)
February 15, 2026

Application System

Accelerated MS

Current University of Pittsburgh undergraduates: Complete the SHRS Upper-Level Transfer Application (ULTA).
Transfer students: Complete transfer application and pay the application fee through the main Pitt Admissions office followed by the ULTA application.

Post-Baccalaureate
Complete the application through the Graduate Centralized Application System (GradCAS).
The application fee is $50 (U.S).

DPD
Complete the application through the Dietetics Inclusive Centralized Application Services (DICAS).
The application fee is set by DICAS.
DICAS charges $50 for the first program you apply to and $25 for each additional program.

Prerequisites

Accelerated MS

Minimum cumulative and prerequisite GPA of 3.0 (based on 4.0)
- Please note that admission to the program is competitive and meeting the minimum admission criteria does not guarantee admission.
60 credits are required to begin the program
- All prerequisite coursework must be completed prior to the start of the fall semester (August).
  - The only prerequisite courses that may be taken in the first year of the program are: NUTR 1600 Introduction to the Profession of Dietetics and NUTR 1090 Cultural Influences in Food and Nutrition or NUTR 1612 Food and Culture.

Prerequisites Courses

Official transcripts from all colleges and universities attended are required

Post-Baccalaureate

Bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution.
- Minimum cumulative and prerequisite GPA of 3.0 (based on 4.0).
- All prerequisite coursework must be completed prior to the start of the fall semester (August).
  - The only prerequisite courses that may be taken in the first year of the program are: NUTR 1600 Introduction to the Profession of Dietetics and NUTR 1090 Cultural Influences in Food and Nutrition or NUTR 1612 Food and Culture.
- Applicants must complete the prerequisite self-evaluation and submit through GradCAS.

Prerequisites Courses

Official transcripts from all colleges and universities attended are required.

Didactic Program in Dietetics Graduate

The program is looking for a verification statement from an ACEND-accredited undergraduate program.
Official transcripts from all colleges and universities attended are required.
No other prerequisites are required.

*See the General Education and Graduation requirements from the Kenneth P. Dietrich School of Arts and Sciences.

Transcripts

Applicants are required to provide transcripts from all U.S. universities, colleges or other higher education institutions attended.

Admitted students will need to submit official transcripts to the SHRS Admissions Office prior to enrolling in classes.

Experience

All applications require a resume demonstrating evidence of adequate exposure to the field of dietetics and an appreciation of the breadth, depth and scope of practice. This can be accomplished through either volunteer or paid work experience in nutrition and dietetics related settings; there is no minimum number of hours required.

Current Pitt Students: View this SharePoint Site for more information about local Pittsburgh shadowing, volunteering and other hands-on opportunities. Pitt Passport required.

Personal Statement

All applications require a personal statement.

This statement should reveal the applicant’s personality, values, character and creativity, and describe how those experiences would promote empathy and a sense of belonging for future patients and colleagues in the Dietitian Nutritionist Program. Applicants may also include sharing how these experiences contribute to promoting compassion and wellness in healthcare. Please also discuss your professional goals as a registered dietitian. Maximum of 500 words.

Letters of Recommendation

Required for the DPD Graduate and Post-Baccalaureate Application

One letter of recommendation from a registered dietitian, a supervisor in volunteer or work experience or a college professor. The letter should address the applicant’s academic, professional and personal attributes, potential for meaningful graduate study and should speak to your leadership experience and commitment to service.

Technical Standards and Skills

All candidates and students must have access to a computing device for the program curriculum, for in-class activities and online coursework.

Students will need access to a computer with a camera, a high-speed Internet connection, an updated version of a web browser, and access to common tools and software such as Microsoft email, as well as program specific software listed under Program Costs. If there is a concern with access to the above requirements, please contact the program director immediately for support.

Full understanding of the Essential Program Standards.

Application Review Process

For the Accelerated MS
Personal interview with the nutrition faculty by request.

For the DPD and Post-Baccalaureate
A personal interview with nutrition faculty is required.

Other Requirements

Clinical Clearances

Please note that this program requires students to complete portions of their education (e.g., supervised practice experiences) at facilities external to the University to meet requirements for graduation. Many of these external facilities require screening measures such as, but not limited to, criminal background check, child abuse clearance, health appraisal, fingerprint-based background check and/or drug test prior to placement at the facility. The results of these requirements may limit and potentially eliminate placement options for the student which can, in turn, result in an inability to meet graduation requirements. Additionally, conviction of a misdemeanor, felony, or felonious or illegal act abuse may prevent the student from becoming credentialed and/or licensed to practice in the field.

International Student Information

The following requirements are necessary for applicants from outside of the U.S.

For questions about the international student requirements, please reach out to the SHRS Admissions Office.

Academic Credential Evaluations

Students who have completed the equivalent of a baccalaureate degree or higher at an institution outside of the United States are required to provide an academic credential evaluation from Educational Credential Evaluators, Inc. or World Education Services (WES), Inc. with their application.

A course-by-course evaluation with GPA conversion is required.
Evaluations are not required for degrees earned in the United States. If you have attended an English Canadian institution, please contact the SHRS Admissions Office.
Individual SHRS programs may have their own specific Academic Credential Evaluation requirements.

Verification of English Language Proficiency

The University of Pittsburgh accepts the official results of the Duolingo English Test, the International English Language Testing System (IELTS) or the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) as a measure of English language proficiency.

Verification is required unless the following apply:

The applicant is a citizen of a country whose official language is English.
The applicant has completed a degree program at a regionally accredited institution in the U.S.
The applicant is not a citizen of a country whose official language is English but has completed a degree program at an institution outside of the U.S. where the language of instruction is English and where the official national language of the country in which the institution is located is English.

Minimum Scores by Program

How to Submit Scores

Duolingo English Test: Scores should be made available electronically to “University of Pittsburgh – School of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences”
International English Language Testing System (IELTS): Scores should be made available electronically to “University of Pittsburgh Health and Rehabilitation Sciences”
Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL): Scores should be submitted electronically through ETS to institution code “2927”.

Dietitian Nutritionist Program (MS)