What is the didactic program in dietetics at Pepperdine university?

As of January 1, 2024, the Commission on Dietetic Registration requires a master's degree to sit for the national RDN exam, a major change that impacts all prospective dietitians. Pepperdine University's Didactic Program in Dietetics (DPD), part of the Nutritional Science major at Seaver College, provides the foundational undergraduate coursework required for this career path.

Quick Summary

Pepperdine University offers an undergraduate Didactic Program in Dietetics (DPD), accredited by ACEND, through its Nutritional Science major. This program provides the academic foundation necessary for students to pursue a career as a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RDN). Completion of a master's degree and a supervised practice program are also required for RDN eligibility. The university is transitioning to a new coordinated graduate program model.

Key Points

• RDN Credential Changes: As of 2024, a master's degree is required to be eligible for the Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RDN) exam.

• Undergraduate DPD: The DPD at Pepperdine is the ACEND-accredited academic component of the Nutritional Science major, providing the necessary foundational coursework.

• Transitional Period: Pepperdine is transitioning away from its ISPP and developing a new, integrated Coordinated Program (CP) that combines graduate studies and supervised practice.

• Structured Curriculum: The DPD curriculum is built around core nutritional science topics, including clinical nutrition, food systems, and public health.

• Future Pathways: Graduates of Pepperdine's DPD will need to complete both a master's degree and an accredited supervised practice program to become RDNs.

• Coordinated Program Advantage: The upcoming coordinated program will streamline the process by combining graduate coursework and supervised practice into one program, simplifying the path for future RDNs.

The Pepperdine University Didactic Program in Dietetics (DPD)

The Didactic Program in Dietetics (DPD) at Pepperdine University is an ACEND-accredited undergraduate program within the Seaver College Nutritional Science major. It offers the essential academic coursework for aspiring Registered Dietitian Nutritionists (RDNs). Graduates who complete the DPD receive a verification statement needed for the next steps in the RDN credentialing process.

RDN Credentialing Path: Post-2024

The route to becoming an RDN has changed significantly, with a mandatory master's degree requirement effective January 1, 2024. The path now involves:

1. ACEND-Approved Coursework: Pepperdine's undergraduate DPD provides this foundation, leading to a verification statement.
2. Master's Degree: Required for RDN exam eligibility as of 2024.
3. Supervised Practice: An ACEND-accredited program with at least 1,000 hours of training. Pepperdine's ISPP is being discontinued in 2026 as the university transitions its program model.
4. National Exam: Passing the CDR's Registration Examination for Dietitians is the final step.

The Nutritional Science Major Curriculum

The DPD coursework is part of the four-year Nutritional Science major. It covers various aspects of food and nutrition science, policy, and public health, preparing students for diverse nutrition-related careers.

Course topics typically include:

• Nutritional Science
• Foods and Nutrient Analysis
• Food Service Management
• Nutrition Counseling
• Clinical and Public Health Nutrition
• Life Cycle Nutrition
• Food and Nutrition Policy
• Research Methods

Transition to a Coordinated Program

To align with the new RDN requirements, Pepperdine is seeking ACEND accreditation for a Coordinated Program (CP). A CP integrates supervised practice into a graduate curriculum, offering a more direct path to the RDN credential. The current Coordinated BS/MS/ISPP option for Seaver College students will end in 2026, with the new CP designed to replace it.

Traditional DPD vs. Coordinated Program at Pepperdine

Feature	Traditional DPD Pathway (Pre-2026 at Pepperdine)	Coordinated Program (Future at Pepperdine)
Undergraduate	Complete undergraduate DPD coursework and earn DPD verification statement.	Complete foundational undergraduate coursework.
Graduate School	Apply separately to a master's degree program.	Master's degree coursework is integrated into the program.
Supervised Practice	Apply separately for a dietetic internship (DI) or ISPP after graduating with DPD and master's degree.	Supervised practice hours are integrated into the master's degree program.
Timeframe	4 years (undergrad) + master's degree + internship (varies).	Seamless 5-6 year program for both graduate degree and supervised practice.
Application Process	Two-step application: undergraduate DPD program, then separate application to graduate program and dietetic internship.	One unified application process for the combined graduate degree and supervised practice program.
Key Benefit	Flexibility to choose a master's program and internship at different institutions.	Streamlined, all-inclusive program that simplifies the path to becoming an RDN.

Conclusion

Pepperdine University's didactic program in dietetics provides a strong academic foundation for students pursuing the RDN credential. In response to the new master's degree requirement, Pepperdine is transitioning to a Coordinated Program. This new program aims to offer a streamlined educational experience by combining graduate coursework and supervised practice. Prospective students should check Pepperdine's official nutritional science page for updates on the new coordinated program.

To learn more about the undergraduate nutritional science curriculum and the path to becoming an RDN, consult the official Pepperdine Seaver College website.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the DPD program at Pepperdine University?

The DPD is the ACEND-accredited academic component of the undergraduate Nutritional Science major at Pepperdine University's Seaver College, which provides the foundational coursework required to pursue a career as a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RDN).

Does Pepperdine's DPD include a master's degree?

No, the DPD itself is an undergraduate program that provides the required coursework. However, as of 2024, a master's degree is required for eligibility to take the RDN exam, so students must complete a graduate degree in addition to the DPD.

How do I become an RDN if I graduate from Pepperdine's DPD program?

To become an RDN, you must first complete the DPD at Pepperdine, then complete a master's degree and an ACEND-accredited supervised practice program. After meeting these requirements, you can take the national registration exam.

Is Pepperdine's ISPP program still available?

No, Pepperdine's Individualized Supervised Practice Pathway (ISPP) is being discontinued and will no longer be offered as of July 1, 2026. The university is transitioning to a coordinated graduate program model.

What is replacing Pepperdine's DPD and ISPP model?

Pepperdine is applying to ACEND to transition to a new Coordinated Program (CP). This new program will combine both the master's degree and supervised practice components into a single, integrated curriculum.

What are the application requirements for the DPD at Pepperdine?

The DPD is the undergraduate Nutritional Science major, so students apply to Pepperdine University's Seaver College. Admission requirements are based on the general university and major prerequisites, which can be found in the program's handbook on the Seaver College website.

What is the difference between a DPD and a Coordinated Program (CP)?

A DPD provides the academic coursework, after which students must separately apply for a master's degree and supervised practice. A Coordinated Program (CP) combines the graduate degree and supervised practice into one integrated program, streamlining the process.