How to Apply
Your path to a degree in Dietetics begins with applying to Idaho State University. Once you're accepted, choose Dietetics as your major. After you complete the prerequisite courses, you'll be ready to apply to the BS in Dietetics/DPD program.
Progressing Toward the DPD
During the first two years at ISU, students take sciences, as well as a series of general education/objective courses. These classes help prepare you for the advanced courses offered in the DPD program. After completing ISU and DPD prerequisites, students apply for a “seat” in the program:
- A seat is required for NTD 4401: Medical Nutrition Therapy (MNT) I and NTD 4402/4402L: MNT II.
- Other professional courses can be taken without a seat if course prerequisites are met.
- The goal is for students to take the MNT courses during their senior year. Thus, some students may be admitted to the DPD on a pre-award basis until they reach their final year in the program.
Meeting the minimum standards does not guarantee admission to the DPD program. Before applying, students must satisfy these two admission requirements:
-
Cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher (on a 4.0 scale) in both prerequisite and professional courses
-
Completion of all DPD prerequisite courses with a grade of C- or better
To be competitive, applicants should also:
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Complete most ISU general education requirements
-
Demonstrate interest in dietetics through classroom participation, leadership, and relevant work or life experiences
The ISU Department of Nutrition and Dietetics provides numerous opportunities for students to engage in community initiatives and nutrition-focused student groups, which can strengthen applications.
Once accepted, students must maintain a grade of C- or higher in all required dietetics courses to remain in the program.
DPD Application Process
Core Courses for Success
All ISU undergraduates must complete a set of General Education Requirements (GERC). These courses build core skills, knowledge, and values essential for academic and professional success.
GERC courses align with university-wide learning objectives. The Dietetics curriculum includes coursework from five of these objectives. Ideally, general education requirements should be completed before applying to the DPD program, and must be completed with a grade of C– or higher prior to graduation.
ISU Objectives and General Education Requirements |
|||
|
Objective |
Course Number |
Course Title |
Credit Hours |
|
Objective 1 |
ENGL 1102 |
English Composition |
3 |
|
Objective 2 |
COMM 1101 |
Principles of Speech |
3 |
|
Objective 3 |
MATH 1153 |
Statistics |
3 |
|
Objective 4 |
Choice of two courses in two categories |
6 |
|
|
Objective 5 (minimum 2 courses + 1 lab) |
BIOL 1101 CHEM 1101 CHEM 1102 CHEM 1103 NTD 2239 |
Biology I Essentials of Chemistry I Essentials of Chemistry II Essentials of Chemistry Lab Nutrition |
Minimum 7 |
|
Objective 6 (minimum 2 courses) |
ECON 2201 PSYC 1101 SOC 1101 |
Macro Economics General Psychology Introduction to Sociology |
6 |
|
Objective 7 or 8 |
Critical Thinking or Information Literacy: Choice of one course in either category |
3 |
|
|
Objective 9 |
Cultural Diversity: Choice of one course |
3 |
|
Preparing for the DPD
The Didactic Program in Dietetics (DPD) consists of specialized coursework required for the Bachelor of Science in Dietetics. Before applying for a seat in the DPD program, students must complete a set of prerequisite courses with a grade of C– or higher. These foundational courses ensure students are prepared for the rigorous professional coursework in the DPD.
Note: Applications for a DPD seat are typically submitted during the spring semester in which the final prerequisite courses are being completed.
Required DPD Prerequisite Courses |
||
|
Course Number |
Course Title |
Credit Hours |
|
BIOL 2227/2227L |
Human Anatomy and Physiology I Lecture and Lab |
4 |
|
BIOL 2228/2228L |
Human Anatomy and Physiology II Lecture and Lab |
4 |
|
BIOL 2233/2233L |
Principles of Microbiology Lecture and Lab |
4 |
|
CHEM 1101 |
Introduction to Chemistry (Objective 5) |
3 |
|
CHEM 1102 |
Essentials of Organic & Biochemistry (Objective 5) |
3 |
|
CHEM 1103 |
Essentials of Organic & Biochemistry Lab (Objective 5) |
1 |
|
COMM 1101 |
Fundamentals of Oral Communication (Objective 2) |
3 |
|
CPH 2210 |
Medical Terminology and Communication |
2 |
|
ECON 2201 |
Principles of Macroeconomics (Objective 6) |
3 |
|
ENGL 1101 |
Writing and Rhetoric I |
3 |
|
ENGL 1102 |
Writing and Rhetoric II (Objective 1) |
3 |
|
MATH 1153 |
Statistical Reasoning |
3 |
|
NTD 1101 |
Introduction to Dietetics |
1 |
|
NTD 2205/2205L |
Foods and Meal Management and Lab |
4 |
|
NTD 2239 |
Nutrition (Objective 5) |
3 |
|
PSYC 1101 |
Introduction to Psychology (Objective 6) |
3 |
|
SOC 1101 |
Introduction to Sociology (Objective 6) |
3 |
DPD Application Process
Application Deadline: February 15, 2025, by 11:59 PM MST
Late applications will only be reviewed if seats remain available.
Before applying, ensure you meet all admission requirements. Only complete applications meeting these requirements will be considered.
Students typically apply in the spring semester before they plan to start the DPD program. Applicants may be considered for placement either in the upcoming academic year or the following year, depending on their anticipated graduation date. Accepted students will be notified of their scheduled year to begin the Medical Nutrition Therapy (MNT) series.
To apply for the DPD program, you must:
-
Submit Official Transcripts (if applicable):
-
Current ISU students do not need to submit transcripts.
-
Official transcripts are required for all prerequisite courses taken at other institutions that are not listed on your ISU transcript.
-
Electronic transcripts should be emailed to Jenifer Reader at jeniferreader@isu.edu.
-
Printed transcripts can be mailed to:
DPD Director
Idaho State University
921 South 8th Avenue, Stop 8117
Pocatello, ID 83209-8117
-
-
Write a Letter of Application:
Explain why you chose a career in nutrition and dietetics, share your professional goals, and describe where you see yourself working in five years. -
Complete the DPD Application:
Submit the application online. Contact Jenifer Reader if you experience any issues. -
Pay the $25 Non-Refundable Application Fee:
Payment is made via an online service. For payment issues, call (208) 282-5719.
Selection and Notification
Each application is carefully reviewed by a committee of Nutrition and Dietetics faculty members. The review process takes time. While you wait, we encourage you to focus on your coursework.
Applications are evaluated based on the following criteria:
- Cumulative GPA in prerequisite and professional courses completed
- Honors and activities
- Volunteer and work experience
- Written letter of application
Applicants will be notified in writing of their acceptance status by the Friday before Spring Break. Please note that committee decisions are final.
Possible acceptance statuses include:
- Accepted for a seat in the upcoming academic year
- Accepted for a seat in the following academic year
- Alternate for a seat in the upcoming academic year
- Not accepted
Accepted Student Checklist
Upon acceptance, students must complete the following administrative tasks promptly:
-
Accept Your Seat
Email the DPD Director to formally accept your seat by the deadline stated in your acceptance notice. -
Review the DPD Handbook
Read the DPD Handbook thoroughly and submit the signed signature page confirming your understanding and agreement with all program requirements. -
Complete a Background Check
Follow the program's instructions for completing a background check. -
Complete HIPAA Training
Submit proof of completed HIPAA training. -
Meet Vaccination Requirements
Students enrolled in Quantity Foods and Medical Nutrition Therapy (MNT) will participate in experiences at local medical facilities. To comply with facility policies, all students must provide documentation of the following:- Negative PPD (TB test) within the past 12 months
- Two MMR vaccinations or a titer proving immunity
- Three Hepatitis B vaccinations or a titer proving immunity
- Two Varicella vaccinations or a titer proving immunity
- Proof of full COVID-19 vaccination (2 doses)
- Updated Tdap (Tetanus, Diphtheria, Pertussis) vaccination
Note: Students will not be permitted to attend off-campus medical facilities for MNT coursework until all administrative tasks are completed and verified.
Not accepted?
You may continue to take most dietetics classes, with the exception of the MNT classes. Appendix A of the DPD Handbook provides a listing of these classes. Please also talk with an advisor about your options.
