Welcome, and thank you for your interest in the Didactic Program in Dietetics (DPD) at the University of Maryland.
Since 1977, our undergraduate ACEND Accredited Program prepares students to become outstanding Registered Dietitian Nutritionists (RDN). Students of the Dietetics Program at the University of Maryland benefit from decades of experience from our accomplished and diverse faculty. Graduates of our Dietetics Program may choose to pursue entry into medical and dental school, pharmacy and physician assistant school, or graduate study in a variety of fields.
Approximately 120 students are enrolled in the program. Of alumni who have taken the national Registration Exam for Dietitians in the past five years, 100 percent have passed the exam within one year of first attempt. More program outcomes data are available upon request.
*Effective January 1, 2024, the Commission on Dietetic Registration (CDR) will require a minimum of a master’s degree to be eligible to take the credentialing exam to become a registered dietitian nutritionist (RDN). Additionally, CDR requires that individuals complete coursework and supervised practice in program(s) accredited by the Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics (ACEND). It is also important to consider that the majority of states have enacted laws to regulate the practice of dietetics to protect the public. Thus, graduates might have to obtain licensure or certification when needed. To review CDR information about state licensure requirements, click here.
With pride, we invite you to explore what a degree in Dietetics can do for you, and visit the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics website for great resources.
Starting Fall 2023, the program will start offering a nutrition science track - non-thesis Combined BS/MS degree in Dietetics. The program is designed for outstanding undergraduate dietetic students so they can complete the MS degree in one year from the completion of the BS degree.
As we strive to serve our students and prospective students, the Dietetics Program now offers Virtual Office Hours via Zoom on Thursdays 1:30 PM to 2:00PM. To reserve an appointment time, use the link below to find an open time slot.
Sign up for Virtual Office Hours UMD COVID-19 Information
For questions about the Dietetics Program, email: mudahogo@umd.edu and you are welcome to contact the UMD Pre-Transfer Advising for additional help.
Accreditation Status
The Dietetics program at the University of Maryland is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics (ACEND) of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics. ACEND contact information is as follows: 120 S Riverside Plaza, Suite 2000, Chicago, IL 60606-6995, phone number 800/877-1600, ext 5400, and ACEND@eatright.org . Current and prospective students are welcome to contact ACEND with any questions or concerns they might have.
