COORDINATED PROGRAM IN DIETETICS (CP)

Directions and Information for Application

Texas Christian University

MS in Nutrition with DPD Verification (MS DPD)

Department of Nutritional Sciences

P.O. Box 298600

Fort Worth, TX 76129

(817) 257-7309 (phone or fax)

The mission of the Department of Nutritional Sciences (NTDT) at Texas Christian University is to provide a distinctive

program of study in all areas of nutrition and dietetics within a traditional liberal arts setting. The faculty of the department

affirm their commitment to the education of broadly informed, scientifically competent, self-educating, and ethically

responsible professionals who are capable of entering successful careers in nutrition and dietetics, and are cognizant of the

needs of the community and society at large.

The Texas Christian University MS in Nutrition with DPD Verification (MS DPD) is currently granted accreditation by the

Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics (ACEND). ACEND is the accrediting agency for education

programs preparing students for careers as registered dietitian nutritionists (RD/RDN) or nutrition and dietetics technicians,

registered. ACEND serves and protects students and the public by assuring the quality and continued improvement of

nutrition and dietetics education programs. ACEND is recognized by the US Department of Education as a Title IV

gatekeeper. This recognition affirms that ACEND meets national standards and is a reliable authority on the quality of

nutrition and dietetics education programs.

The mission of the Didactic Program in Dietetics (DPD) at Texas Christian University is to support the missions of the

University, college and department by fostering a rigorous academic curriculum that prepares students to be scientifically

competent, accountable and ethically responsible citizens who are prepared for supervised practice, and thereby advancing

as self-educating dietetics professionals who will become Registered Dietitian Nutritionists in the global community.

A Didactic Program in Dietetics (DPD) is designed for those who wish to enter the dietetics profession. It is an academic

program in a U.S. regionally accredited college or university that culminates in a minimum of a baccalaureate degree. The

TCU MS DPD is a three-year program that meets the eligibility requirements and accreditation standards for entry-level

dietetics education programs specified by the Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics (ACEND).

Coursework is based upon achievement of Core Knowledge Requirements for the RDN for Didactic Programs in Dietetics

and emphasizes the scientific and evidence base of dietetics practice, professional practice expectations, clinical and

customer services, practice management and the use of resources. MS DPD curriculum provides students with a course of

study in advanced nutrition topics related to disease prevention and management, health optimization, and food and nutrition

sustainability. Students are able to tailor the degree with additional course options within, and outside of, the Department

of Nutritional Sciences. More detailed program information and graduation requirements are available on the MS DPD

website and the TCU Graduate Catalog.

Eligibility and Program Prerequisites:

Eligibility for admission to the MS DPD track is based on completion of prerequisite courses with a cumulative GPA of at

least 3.0 for Nutrition classes, an Associated Requirements GPA of at least 2.75, no more than 3 grades below a "B-" in the

Associated Requirements, 200 hours of documented food or nutrition practical experience, and an application packet. GRE is

not required. Applicants for whom English is a second language must pass the TOEFL at the level set by the University.

Applications for the MS DPD must be submitted by April 30 to the Department of Nutritional Sciences and TCU Graduate

Admissions for entry the following fall semester. Materials and directions for application to the MS DPD are available online

from the MS DPD website.

The MS DPD requires the following prerequisites:

a. General Chemistry I

b. General Chemistry II with lab

c. Organic Chemistry

d. Physiology with lab

e. Nutrition

f. Nutrition Throughout the Lifecycle

g. Medical Terminology

h. Microbiology

i. Human Behavior, Psychology, Sociology or Anthropology

Students accepted to the MS DPD receive conditional acceptance pending completion of post-baccalaureate coursework at

TCU. Details of specific program completion requirements, including post-baccalaureate required courses, will be specified

in the letter of conditional appointment. Admission is made without regard to age, race, color, religion, sex, sexual

orientation, gender, gender identity, gender expression, national origin, ethnic origin, disability, predisposing genetic

information, covered veteran status, and any other basis protected by law. Program policies and procedures shall protect

student civil rights, privacy of information, and comply with institutional equal opportunity programs. After successful

completion of required post-baccalaureate courses, the student’s status will change from “conditional” to “admitted”

graduate student status.

Program Costs: Information regarding costs for tuition and University fees are available through the Offices of Admission

and Financial Aid. More detailed costs for students are outlined in the DPD Student Handbook and include approximately

$1000 per year for lab fees, photocopying, school and office supplies, textbooks, and professional dues.

Prior to beginning program courses, a medical release form must be on file for all MS DPD students. In addition, all students

accepted into the MS DPD are required to have current CPR certification, a current Food Handler’s card, drug screening,

criminal background check, a recent negative TB test, and proof of program-required immunizations.

Selection Criteria: Applications will be reviewed by a selection committee. Qualified applicants will be contacted for an

interview. Students will be selected on the basis of:

a. Cumulative Nutrition GPA (3.0 minimum)

b. Associated Requirements GPA (2.75 minimum)

c. No more than three grades below a “B- “in Associated Requirements courses”

d. Evaluation of documented food and nutrition work and/or volunteer experiences (200 hours minimum)

e. Program prerequisites completed

f. Completed MS DPD application form

g. Completed TCU Graduate Admissions application form

h. Evaluation of personal letter

i. Evaluation of typed statement of goals

j. Evaluation of resume

k. Evaluation of three Letters of Recommendation on the “Recommendation Form”

l. Results of the student interview with the selection committee

Final approval for admission to the program will be contingent upon the recommendation of the Nutritional Sciences faculty.

All application materials become the property of the Texas Christian University Nutritional Sciences Department. All

applicants will be notified of their admission status within six weeks of completed application submission.

Required Application Components:

1. Cover Page

2. Personal letter of application (Include how academic and personal background influenced the decision to apply for

the MS DPD.)

3. Statement of personal and professional goals

4. Resume

5. Completed MS DPD application form *Note: TCU Graduate Admission application must also be submitted.

6. One copy of transcripts from all colleges and universities attended.

a. Current TCU students may submit an unofficial TCU transcript with their application; all transcripts from

other colleges and universities must be official and sent directly to the Nutritional Sciences office.

b. International students must have their degree transcripts evaluated by one of the Commission on Dietetic

Registration’s (CDR) approved foreign degree evaluation agencies.

7. Three written recommendations from faculty and/or employment supervisors. The recommendation form is available

on the MS DPD website. *TCU Nutritional Sciences faculty should not be used for reference.

8. Correctly completed GPA calculation sheet. The GPA calculation sheet template is available on the MS DPD website.

9. Documented food and nutrition work and volunteer experience log. The experience log template is available on the

MS DPD website.

Application materials and letters of recommendation should be submitted the TCU Department of Nutritional Sciences via

email at nutrition@tcu.edu by April 30. All application materials should be submitted in one email, with the exception official

transcripts and letters of recommendation, which may be emailed separately, and the TCU Graduate Admissions application,

which is submitted online. Incomplete or late application packets will NOT be considered.

Texas Christian University (TCU) is committed to providing a positive learning, living and working environment free from

discrimination and harassment. In support of this commitment, TCU prohibits a range of behaviors, including unlawful

discrimination and harassment based on age, race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, gender

expression, national origin, ethnic origin, disability, predisposing genetic information, covered veteran status, and any

other basis protected by law, except as permitted by law.

MS in Nutrition with DPD Verification (MS DPD) Application Form

Texas Christian University

P.O. Box 298600

Fort Worth, TX 76129

(817) 257-7309 (phone or fax)

Applicants who are conditionally accepted will be required to complete the following items by the specified dates

their own expense. Additional details and instructions will be provided upon acceptance.

*Please initial besides each item to acknowledge your understanding: INITIAL

By August 1

, provide documentation of the following:

a. Transcripts showing required prerequisites completed since application submission with a

passing grade of C- or better. TCU transcript can be unofficial. Outside universities must be

official sent directly to the Nutritional Sciences office. ____

b. Pass a criminal background check through the company specified by the DPD ____

c. Receive a negative result on a random drug screening through the company

specified by the DPD. ____

d. Pay for DPD name tag.

e. Texas Food Handler Training Certificate. ____

f. Completed physical exam. ____

g. Shot record showing immunizations (including Tdap, MMR, Hepatitis A & B,

varicella, COVID-19). ____

h. Annual tuberculosis (TB) test, CPR certification, and health insurance. ____

i. Student membership in the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics. ____

I. Personal Data

Name: _____________________________________________________________________________________________________

(First) (Middle) (Last)

Present Address: ________________________________________________________________________________________________________

(Number & Street) (City, State, Zip) (Area Code & Tel. No.)

Permanent Address: _____________________________________________________________________________________________________

(If different from above) (Number & Street) (City, State, Zip) (Area Code & Tel. No.)

Email Address: _____________________________

II. Education

College or

University

City & State

Dates

Attended

GPA

# Hours

Completed

Degree(s)

Received/or

Expected

& Dates

Nutrition GPA __________ Associated Requirements GPA __________

(Courses from all colleges/universities applied to your degree should be included in the Nutrition and Associated Requirements GPAs).

Submit completed GPA calculation sheet and official transcripts from all colleges and universities attended. Current TCU students may

submit an unofficial TCU transcript.

III. Academic Plan

List (a) current courses and (b) courses to be completed before entering the Texas Christian University MS DPD (Not on official transcript.)

Current Courses:

Course #

Course Title

Cr. Hrs.

College/University

Additional Courses to be Completed Prior to Entering the MS DPD:

Course #

Course Title

Cr. Hrs.

College/University

Semester Planned

to Complete

IV. Letters of Recommendation

Complete the information about the individuals who will write your letters of recommendation.

Name

Title

Physical address and email address

Phone #

Include Area Code