Didactic Program in Dietetics

Nutrition | Undergraduate Degrees | Overview

Skip to Content (Press Enter)

Overview

The Didactic Program in Dietetics (DPD) at UNC Greensboro consists of the coursework and knowledge requirements needed to become a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RDN).

Students are issued a DPD verification statement after successfully completing the DPD. The verification statement is required by ACEND as proof of program completion. The DPD program prepares students for the next steps in their studies: completion of a graduate degree, and a supervised practice program such as UNCG’s Dietetic Internship (DI) program.

Once students have earned a graduate degree and completed their DPD and DI programs, they are eligible to take the national registration exam for RDNs, offered by the Commission on Dietetic Registrations (CDR).

In most states, graduates also must obtain licensure or certification to practice. See here for more information about state licensure requirements.

Read about educational pathways to become a RDN on the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics website.

Overview: How to Become an RDN

Academic Calendar

The UNCG Didactic Program in Dietetics follows the university academic calendar. 

Estimated Program Cost Per Year

In-StateOut-of-State
Tuition & fees for Undergraduate and 2nd degree students*$7,661$24,012
Tuition & fees for Graduate students**$8,614$23,328
Housing on campus$6,000
Books$800
Computer, webcam, speaker, internet and microphone$1000
Liability Insurance per semester ***$7.50 per semester
Uniform and Restaurant Approved Non-skid shoes for Food labs$75
Student Membership in the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics$58
Travel to experiential learning locations required for coursework$30
* 12 credit hours
**9 credit hours
*** That student is taking NTR 309, NTR 421, NTR 423

Based off 2025-2026

Financial Aid & Scholarships

There are numerous types of financial assistance available on campus:

DPD Technological Competence Requirements

Although the majority of the coursework is face to face, students are expected to understand the basics of the learning management system, Canvas, and navigate its features.

Students should be able to:

  • Use a keyboard and mouse
  • Send and receive email
  • Use common software applications such as Microsoft Office
  • Record and upload video presentations
  • Use text editors, save files in various formats (.docx, .pdf, .pptx), and install/update software
  • Navigate the internet using web browsers (Chrome and Firefox are preferred and supported by Canvas)
  • Perform basic internet searches and locate web addresses

UNCG provides technology training opportunities for students, including online resources, workshops, and support for using classroom technologies.

Laurie Allen

Laurie Allen, M.Ed., R.D.N., L.D.N.,
AP Associate Professor
lhschroe@uncg.edu

DIRECTOR of Didactic Program in Dietetics

Resources

Accreditation

The UNCG Didactic Program in Dietetics is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics (ACEND) of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics with oversight by the U.S. Department of Education.

ACEND contact information:
Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics
120 South Riverside Plaza, Suite 2190
Chicago, Illinois 60606-6995
Phone: 800/877-1600 (ext. 5400)
Email: acend@eatright.org