Nutritional & Dietetics

The Bachelor of Science in Nutritional Sciences and Dietetics

The Bachelor of Science program in Nutritional Sciences and Dietetics prepares students for careers in Nutritional Sciences and Dietetics. The 120-hour degree plan is linked below. Upon successful completion of the 120-hour course of study, students will receive a Bachelor of Science degree in Nutritional Sciences and Dietetics.

The Didactic Program in Dietetics at Texas Southern has Full Accreditation from The Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics (ACEND) until June 30, 2027. ACEND is located at 120 South Riverside Plaza, Suite 2190, Chicago, IL 60606-6995, (800) 877-1600, ext. 5400. https://www.eatrightpro.org/acend.

Mission of the Program

In alignment with the University’s mission, the mission and goals of the COPHS, the Dietetics program at Texas Southern University seeks to provide comprehensive experiences designed to prepare students from diverse ethnic and academic backgrounds, especially African Americans and underrepresented minorities, for entry into supervised practice programs leading to eligibility for the CDR credentialling examination to become a registered dietitian nutritionist by providing a series of carefully planned curriculum experiences embracing the academic knowledge/concepts and professional experiences prescribed by ACEND.

Program Goals and Outcomes

Goals and outcome measures of the Dietetics program include:

Goal #1 Program graduates will be prepared for supervised practice and graduate programs that lead to eligibility for the RDN credential, as well as for entry‑level positions in dietetics‑related careers.

Objectives

At least 80% of students (full-time) complete program requirements within 3 years (150% of planned program length).
At least 80% of students (part-time degree) complete program requirements 4.5 years (150% of planned program length).
At least 80% of students (full-time verification statement–only) complete program requirements within 3 years
At least 80% of students (part-time verification statement–only) complete program requirements within 4.5 years (150% of planned program length).
“At least 50% percent of program graduates apply for admission to a supervised practice program prior to or within 12 months of graduation”. (RE 2.1.c.1.b.1)
“Of program graduates who apply to a supervised practice program, at least 50% percent are admitted within 12 months of graduation”. (RE 2.1.c.1.b.2)
“The program’s one-year pass rate (graduates who pass the registration exam within one year of first attempt) on the CDR credentialing exam for dietitian nutritionists is at least 80%”. (RE 2.1.c.1.c)
At least 80% of supervised practice program directors, graduate program faculty, or employers will rate TSU DPD graduates’ preparation for supervised practice, graduate education, or entry-level employment as satisfactory or better within 12 months of graduation. (RE 2.1.c.1.d)

Goal #2 Program graduates will contribute to diversity in the field of nutrition and dietetics

Objective

At least fifty percent (50%) of the graduates will identify themselves as individuals from groups that are underrepresented in the dietetics profession.

Admissions

Admission Requirements for the Dietetics Program
Program Admission Requirements	Students seeking admission to the dietetics program must apply for admission to Texas Southern University under the appropriate classification: Freshmen Admission Transfer Admission Readmission International Admission
Dietetics Admission	Once admitted to Texas Southern University, admission to the Dietetics program requires a student to have a: 3.0-grade point average; and the submission of a Declaration of Major form signed by the student, advisor, and Chair to the Registrar.
Handbook	Click HERE for the Student Handbook
GPA	3.0 on a 4.0 scale
Prerequisite Courses	Click HERE for a list of courses with prerequisites
Degree Plan	Click HERE for the degree plan.
Course Descriptions	Click HERE for course descriptions.

Program Admission & Completion Requirements

Completion of the Dietetics program with a baccalaureate degree and receipt of a verification statement requires successfully earning 120 semester hours, grades of “C” or better in required English and Mathematics courses. Students must earn an overall GPA of 3.0 in all pre-requisite science programs and in all major (NUTR) courses. Students are allowed six years from the date of admission to the University to complete degree requirements under the catalog in existence when they are admitted to Texas Southern University. Additionally, full-time students must complete the professional phase of the program in three (3) years, and part-time students must complete the professional phase in four (4) years. See the university website for the appropriate catalog ( https://catalog.tsu.edu/undergraduate/ )

Admission to the Dietetics program for the 2025-2027 academic years requires students to have a 3.0 grade point average and the submission of a Declaration of Major form signed by the student, advisor, and associate dean to the Registrar. (https://tsu.edu/registrar/index.php ). Students with a GPA lower than 3.0 will need to increase their GPA to 3.

Students who enter the DPD in the Fall 2026, must make and maintain a 3.0 or better overall GPA to remain eligible to continue in the program. They must also maintain a 3.0 GPA in all science courses and all Nutrition (NUTR) courses to receive a Verification Statement. Students must also earn a “C” in all major courses (NUTR) to qualify for a verification statement.

See the Retention/Remediation Procedures section of this handbook for an explanation of how the program responds when students do not meet these grade and GPA requirements.

Verification Statement

Requirements for Obtaining the Statement of Verification
A statement of verification will be granted to all students who successfully complete degree requirements, including earning a cumulative 3.0 average; earning grades of “C” or above in all required English and Mathematics courses; earning grades of “C” or better in all pre-professional courses; earning a cumulative GPA of 3.0 in all Science courses and major NUTR courses, and earning grades of “C” or better in all professional (NUTR) courses. Verification Statements will be issued by the DP Director upon official degree confirmation by the University (an official, sealed transcript is required). Copies of Verification Statements will be filed in each student’s folder. Verification letters must be submitted with applications for admittance to a graduate supervised practice programs.

The Didactic Program in Dietetics (DPD) at Texas Southern University offers a verification statement–only, non‑degree option for individuals who already hold at least a baccalaureate degree from a U.S. regionally accredited institution (or foreign equivalent with an acceptable evaluation) and who wish to complete the ACEND‑accredited didactic curriculum required for a DPD verification statement. This option allows post‑baccalaureate students to complete DPD requirements without earning a second bachelor’s degree; however, students who complete more than 30 credit hours at TSU may apply separately for a post‑baccalaureate degree in accordance with university policies.

Eligibility and prerequisites
Applicants to the verification statement–only option must:

Hold a previously awarded bachelor’s degree (or higher) in any field from a regionally accredited institution (or foreign equivalent documented by an approved credential evaluation agency).
Meet Texas Southern University admission requirements for post‑baccalaureate or non‑degree students.
Have completed the following prerequisite courses (or approved equivalents) with a grade of C or higher: General Biology I with lab, General Chemistry I with lab, Organic Chemistry (or combined Organic/Biochemistry), Human Anatomy and Physiology I and II, Introductory Nutrition, College Algebra (or higher‑level Math), and college‑level English composition.

Required DPD coursework
After transcript review, the program director develops an individualized plan of study that identifies all remaining DPD course requirements for the verification statement–only student. These requirements are based on the same ACEND‑aligned DPD curriculum required of degree‑seeking students and may include, but are not limited to, the following TSU NUTR courses:

NUTR 235 – Introduction to Nutrition
NUTR 240 – Introduction to Food Preparation
NUTR 335 – Nutrition and Aging
NUTR 336 – Nutrition Through the Lifecycle
NUTR 337 – Nutrition and Physical Activity
NUTR 340 – Experimental Foods Lab
NUTR 350 – Culture, Society and Foods
NUTR 423 – Community Nutrition
NUTR 430 – Nutrition Counseling and Education
NUTR 440 – Food Production Systems
NUTR 440L – Food Production Systems Lab
NUTR 445 – Food Systems Management
NUTR 450 – Nutrition Status Assessment Laboratory
NUTR 456 – Advanced Nutrition I
NUTR 457 – Advanced Nutrition II
NUTR 460 – Medical Nutrition Therapy I
NUTR 460L – Medical Nutrition Therapy I Lab
NUTR 461 – Medical Nutrition Therapy II
NUTR 461L – Medical Nutrition Therapy II Lab
NUTR 490 – Capstone Seminar

Courses completed in a prior degree may be accepted toward DPD requirements if they are equivalent to current program courses, taken within program‑defined time limits (for example, 5–10 years for most sciences), and meet minimum grade requirements. Credits earned from similar courses completed in another ACEND‑accredited DPD or nutrition and dietetics program are eligible for transfer when course content and learning outcomes align with the corresponding TSU DPD course. Equivalency, recency, and transfer decisions are determined by the program director in consultation with departmental faculty and are documented in the student’s file.

Program length and completion requirements
The typical program length for a verification statement–only student who requires most DPD professional courses is approximately 24 months (4 semesters) of full‑time enrollment or 36 months (6 semesters) of part‑time enrollment. Students with substantial approved transfer and equivalent credits may complete the program in a shorter timeframe, as determined at admission and updated through advising.

Program completion for the verification statement–only option is defined as successful completion of all DPD courses listed on the individualized plan of study with grades of C or higher, achievement of a minimum 3.0 GPA across all DPD‑required courses used to determine program completion, and demonstration of attainment of all ACEND KRDNs as documented through required summative assessments, labs, and projects. After final grades are posted and the Program Director verifies that all coursework, GPA, and KRDN requirements have been met, the Director issues the ACEND DPD verification statement in accordance with ACEND policies for verification statement format, signatures, and record retention. Verification statement–only students are recognized as DPD completers but do not automatically earn a second bachelor’s degree from TSU; students who complete more than 30 TSU credit hours may apply separately for a post‑baccalaureate degree following University procedures.

Assessment of Prior Learning toward Program Requirements
Students who transfer into the Department from other colleges or universities must have their transcripts evaluated by the University registrar. Transcripts of students who transfer into the DP from other University departments or programs are reviewed by the Dietetic Program Director or a faculty designee to determine credits toward progression in the Dietetics degree plan. Course credit is not awarded for experiential learning. Students seeking credit for courses taken at foreign institutions must have their transcripts evaluated by a transcript evaluation recognized by ACEND (https://www.eatrightpro.org/acend/students-and-advancing-education/international-students/foreign-degree-evaluation-agencies). The report from the evaluation agency will then be reviewed by the Dietetic Program Director or a faculty designee for determination of credits toward progression in the Dietetics degree plan or granting of a Verification Statement.

The DPD director will evaluate the courses to determine if credit will be given toward the progression of the dietetics degree plan or the granting of a Verification Statement. Any course coming from another ACEND-accredited program will be credited. A course syllabus will be required and reviewed. Course substitutions will be considered once the course syllabus is reviewed. No substitutions will be regarded as for NUTR 450, 456, 460, 460L, 461, and 461L unless transferring from another ACEND-accredited program. A grade of C or better is required for granting credit for NUTR 450, 456, 460, 460L, 461, and 461L.

To complete the verification statement–only option and become eligible for a DPD verification statement, students must successfully complete all courses identified on their individualized plan of study with grades of C or higher, achieve a minimum GPA of 3.0 across the required courses used to determine DPD completion, and demonstrate attainment of all ACEND Knowledge Requirements (KRDNs) through designated summative assessments, assignments, labs, and projects. Program completion is defined as fulfillment of all coursework, transfer/equivalency, grade, GPA, and competency requirements documented on the individualized plan of study. Once final grades are posted and all requirements are verified, the program director issues the ACEND DPD verification statement in accordance with institutional and ACEND policies. Verification statement–only students are recognized as DPD program completers but do not automatically receive a second bachelor’s degree from TSU; students who complete more than 30 credit hours at TSU may choose to apply separately for a post‑baccalaureate degree.

KRDN Policy

The curriculum contains assignments that cover the “Foundation Knowledge Requirements and Learning Outcomes for Didactic Programs in Nutrition and Dietetics” (KRDN) as prescribed by ACEND Accreditation Standards. Students must achieve all KRDNs to successfully complete the DPD program and obtain a verification statement. KRDNs are assessed in designated courses throughout the degree plan, and the KRDNs assessed in a given course are listed in the respective course syllabus. If a student does not successfully meet the requirement for a KRDN in the assigned course, the student will work with the DPD Director to complete an appropriate substitute assignment, which may be embedded in another course or may be a separate assignment directly supervised by the DPD Director to ensure that the KRDN is met.

Distance Courses and Online administration of exams

TSU students received a unique username and password that are used to access my TSU, blackboard and campus email. Online course content and materials are only accessible through Blackboard using the unique username and password. No course materials will be distributed via email. All materials will be posted on Blackboard. Students taking distance education courses must participate in course activities on a regular basis.

Distance Education

Some courses in the Didactic Program in Dietetics (DPD) curriculum may be delivered using distance education formats (online or hybrid courses). Distance education courses use the university’s learning management system (Canvas) and may include a combination of asynchronous activities (e.g., recorded lectures, discussion boards, quizzes) and synchronous activities (e.g., live online class meetings). Students enrolled in distance education courses are expected to meet all course requirements and deadlines, participate regularly in online activities, and maintain professional behavior in virtual settings in accordance with the COPHS Student Code of Conduct.

All distance education courses in the DPD are designed to meet the same learning outcomes, KRDN requirements, and assessment standards as face‑to‑face courses. Faculty who teach DPD courses using distance education are required to complete training in online pedagogy and recommended practices through institutional professional development, and the program monitors student performance and feedback to ensure that distance courses support student success and program outcomes

Students are responsible for ensuring they have reliable access to a computer and internet connection that meet the University’s minimum technical requirements for online coursework, including a current web browser, productivity software (such as Microsoft Office 365), and the ability to participate in proctored or secure online assessments as required. TSU’s online learning guidance emphasizes that students should confirm their technical readiness and have an appropriate workspace for taking tests and participating in web‑based activities; general information about expectations for online courses is available at: https://catalog.tsu.edu/undergraduate/tsu-online/ .

Students who need assistance with technology access (such as MyTSU login, email, Wi‑Fi, or loaner laptops) may contact the Office of Information Technology (OIT) and review student technology resources at: https://tsu.edu/oit/students.php.

Program Costs and Financial Assistance

Tuition costs for students at Texas Southern University are comparable to those at other state universities. Due to the variability of changes in fees from time to time, however, students are encouraged to consult the University’s Office of Enrollment Management for updated information governing current fees. Presently, Texas residents who are enrolled in 12 hours may expect to pay an estimated $4,172.00 in tuition and fees and those enrolled in 15 hours can expect to pay an estimated $5,203.00 in tuition and fees per semester; non-residents may expect to pay an estimated $9136 in tuition and fees and those enrolled in 15 hours can expect to pay an estimated $10,721.65 in tuition and fees per semester; International students enrolled in 12 hours can expect to pay an estimated $9,256.00 while those enrolled in 15 hours can expect to pay an estimated $11,278.00 per semester. In addition to tuition and University fees, students who plan to park on campus must pay a student parking fee. Students are encouraged to refer to the Texas Southern University website (https://tsu.edu/safety-and-wellness/public-safety/campus-parking.php) for current parking fees. Other general costs incurred by DPD students include lab attire, books and supplies, and membership in the Dietetics professional organization.

The estimated cost for lab attire is seventy dollars ($70.00) but may vary from one department to another. Costs for books and supplies vary by the number and subject disciplines in which the student is enrolled during a specific semester. Student membership in the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics (which is highly recommended at the freshman and sophomore levels and required at junior and senior levels) are set by the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics. Additional information regarding fees may be found on the Academy’s website at https://tsu.edu/safety-and-wellness/public-safety/campus-parking.php. As a student member of the Academy, students are automatically members of the Texas Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics. There is an additional membership fee to become a member of the Houston Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics. Student membership in the Academy is required in the Junior and Senior levels.

Texas Southern University offers a variety of financial aid options, including federal and state grants, institutional scholarships, work study, and federal student loans to help students finance their education. Students apply for aid by completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and following the steps outlined by the Office of Student Financial Assistance at TSU: https://tsu.edu/admissions/financial-aid/the-process/index.php . Detailed information about types of aid, eligibility, and application timelines is available in the TSU undergraduate catalog under “Types of Financial Aid and Assistance”: https://catalog.tsu.edu/undergraduate/financial-aid-assistance/.

DPD students are encouraged to review these resources early and to monitor their MyTSU portal and the TSU Financial Aid website for important deadlines and updates.

Didactic Program And Dietetics

Upon completion of the program, you will be eligible to apply for admission into an ACEND accredited supervised practice program (dietetic internship - DI). After successfully completing a DI, students/interns are eligible to take the registration exam for dietitians/nutritionists to become a Registered Dietitian/Nutritionist (RD/RDN). The DPD at Texas Southern University (TSU) admits students into the program who are seeking a Bachelor's degree. Post-baccalaureate students who are interested in completing only the didactic courses (DPD) are also admitted. Registered dietitian nutritionists are food and nutrition experts who translate the science of nutrition into practical solutions for healthy living, disease prevention, and management. They work throughout the community in hospitals, schools, public health clinics, nursing homes, fitness centers, food management, food industry, universities, research, and private practice. RDNs are advocates for advancing the nutritional status of Americans and people around the world.

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). For more information about this requirement visit CDR's website: https://www.cdrnet.org/graduatedegree.

In addition, CDR requires that individuals complete coursework and supervised practice in program(s) accredited by the Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics (ACEND). Graduates who successfully complete the ACEND-accredited Didactic Program in Dietetics at Texas Southern University are eligible to apply to an ACEND-accredited supervised graduate practice program.

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

For more information about educational pathways to become a RDN click here.