Second Degree in Nutrition and Dietetics

The second degree option is designed for the student who holds a B.A. or a B.S. degree in a non-related field, and requires a minimum of 32 credits to complete the degree and Nutrition and Dietetics coursework to meet ACEND Didactic Program in Dietetics verification requirements. Students earn a B.S. in Foods and Nutrition and a DPD verification statement. (Please review the University's policy on Second Baccalaureate Degree.) Applicants entering the program through the second degree option are required to formally apply to the major meeting all the established criteria described for the Nutrition and Dietetics concentration.

Interested students 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 Second Degree leading to DPD Verification Application Information. This link will outline the Initial Review of Application process in detail.

  • Meet the University's requirements for a second degree.
  • Hold a 3.0 cumulative grade point average (GPA) in past college-level studies. Prospective students not meeting this standard must submit a letter discussing past academic performance (see Initial Review of Application).
  • Successfully complete all identified coursework requirements towards the ND/DPD concentration determined on an individual basis, but must meet a minimum of 24 credits towards the major.
  • Complete one four-credit course under the SEU Essentials General Education requirements, Element III.
  • Maintain academic standing GPA 3.0 or higher for ND concentration, demonstrate attainment of all ACEND educational requirements and pre-professional standards as outlined for students enrolled in the ND concentration.
  • Applicants must formally apply to the major meeting all the established criteria described for the Nutrition and Dietetics concentration.
  • Initial Review/Acceptance of transfer credit towards second-degree: Only coursework with a letter grade of "B" or higher for the ND concentration requirements and related courses will be accepted for initial transfer. Exceptions to this will be considered for applicants have earned a course grade of "C" in a required-related course but who hold a degree in the field of study (e.g., chemistry). Nutrition courses completed at another institution must be completed within the past five years in order to transfer to the major. FN320 and FN325 (Nutritional Biochemistry I and II) and all courses with specific ACEND Didactic Program in Dietetics student learning outcomes must be completed at the University unless specific permission is provided by the DPD Director or the FN Program Chair.
  • Foreign Degree: The TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) is required for students whose first language is other than English. TOEFL scores and a PDF copy of the original educational services transcript that states U.S. degree equivalency. See ACEND for list of approved foreign degree transcript evaluation agencies. Available at: https://www.eatrightpro.org/acend/students-and-advancing-education/international-students/foreign-degree-evaluation-agencies. On occasion, a copy of the foreign degree may be requested.
  • NOTE: Applicants must first complete and submit the required Initial Review of Application to the DPD Director. Once initial DPD review completed, qualified applicants will be directed to apply through the Office of Admissions under the Continuing Studies Program.