Special Conditions - Didactic Program in Dietetics Verification Statement

The Didactic Program in Dietetics (DPD) Verification Statement option meets the needs of students who already hold a B.A. or B.S. degree in foods, nutrition, or dietetics, and who wish to complete Didactic Program in Dietetics coursework to meet ACEND DPD verification statement requirements. Upon final completion of coursework, a DPD Verification Statement is issued to the candidate by the DPD Director. This is a non-degree option and is only available to qualified candidates. SEU students who finished their first degree under the General Studies in Foods and Nutrition concentration and who qualify, may apply.

Qualified applicants must:

Contact the DPD Director and complete an Initial Review of Application. This process should be completed by July 15 for consideration of the Fall admission and by November 15 for consideration of a January admission. Please see Special Options DPD Verification for Applicants Who Hold a Related Nutrition Degree. This link will outline the Initial Review of Application process in detail.

  • Applicants must either 1) hold a B.A. or B.S. degree in foods and/or nutrition, or related area of study from a U.S. regionally-accredited institution, or 2) be a graduate of the SEU FN program under the General Studies in Foods and Nutrition concentration.
  • Have completed degree requirements within the past five years or demonstrate substantive professional experience.
  • Hold a 3.0 cumulative grade point average (GPA) in past college-level studies.
  • IMPORTANT: Coursework that will be counted towards the DPD verification, or where a student has received a grade of "C" the applicant may be advised to repeat the remain competitive for application to a dietetic internship or for graduate studies.
  • NOTE: Applicants must first complete and submit the required Initial Review of Application to the DPD Director. Once initial DPD review is completed, qualified applicants apply through the Office of Admissions under the Continuing Studies Program.

If accepted:

  • Enroll as non-matriculated visiting student.
  • Applicant must successfully complete all identified coursework requirements towards the ND/DPD concentration. This will be determined on an individual basis, but must meet a minimum of 12 credits in the DPD core concentration at SEU. In some cases, students may be required to exceed this minimum.
  • Complete Medical Nutrition Therapy and Practice I, and II at SEU.
  • Maintain academic standing of a letter grade of B or higher in all courses completed.
  • Demonstrate attainment of all ACEND educational requirements, and pre-professional standards as outlined for students enrolled in the ND concentration.
  • Demonstrate continuous enrollment (fall/spring academic calendar) until DPD verification coursework is completed. Generally, this will be completed within one to three semesters.
  • Please note, the DPD Director maintains the right to withhold verification or dismiss any student in the special considerations option who fails to meet established standards.