Frequently Asked Questions

What is a Didactic Program in Dietetics (DPD)?
The DPD is an accredited program that enables a student to complete coursework necessary to apply for a supervised practice experience (also known as a dietetic internship). Upon successful completion of the program, a student is issued a Verification Statement. This statement is required by all dietetic internship programs. After completion of a dietetic internship, a student is eligible to take the credentialing examination in order to become a Registered Dietitian (RD). The DPD at Georgia State University is a degree program, and the student must receive a degree in order to obtain the Verification Statement. The typical student receives a Bachelor of Science degree.

What does accreditation mean?
Accreditation by the Commission on Accreditation for Dietetics Education (CADE) helps assure students that experts in the field of nutrition and dietetics have evaluated the quality of a program. The accreditation process involves thorough programmatic evaluation by the institution as well as by the accrediting agency. Both the DPD and the Dietetic Internship at Georgia State University received 10-year initial accreditation in 2001. Further information can be obtained by contacting CADE at: 120 Riverside Plaza, Suite 2000, Chicago, IL 60606. Other information about dietetics accreditation can be obtained by visiting the website of the American Dietetic Association at www.eatright.org.

If I already have a college degree will I be required to receive another one?
Both the DPD and the Master's Program at Georgia State are degree programs. A student with a degree from another institution must also receive a degree from GSU, but undergraduate program requirements can be integrated into the Master's Degree. The Master's Degree alone does not satisfy DPD requirements, but can complement the DPD requirements. Students with prior degrees in the sciences or other areas of nutrition tend to integrate well into the Master's Degree with DPD requirements satisfied by a combination of undergraduate and graduate courses. Students with degrees in other areas of study are advised on a case-by-case basis.

How do I become a Registered Dietitian (RD)?
Completion of the DPD and receipt of the Verification Statement will allow the student to apply for a dietetic internship. A list of dietetic internships can be found on the website listed above. After completing the dietetic internship, the student sits for the Registration Examination for Dietitians. If successful on the exam, the graduate then becomes a Registered Dietitian (RD). Continuing professional development is required of all RDs, and these requirements can be met in a variety of ways.

When do I select a dietetic internship?
During your last year in the program at Georgia State, your advisor will assist you and your fellow students with the application process for internships. A list of dietetic internships can be found on the website for the American Dietetic Association. Georgia State University not only has the DPD, but also has two options for dietetic internships. Our dietetic internship program was accredited by CADE in 2001. The two options are: traditional 9-month dietetic internship or two-year (minimum of 4 semesters) combined dietetic internship and master's degree program. Therefore, if a student wishes to obtain a Master's Degree after completing the DPD requirements, that option is also available at Georgia State and other institutions. Dietetic Internships are competitive programs and applicants are computer matched. More information about the internship available at Georgia State can be found on the Department of Nutrition website.

How is the job market?
The RD credential is the key to securing a rewarding career. As a career choice, there are a wide variety of options for employment including hospitals, HMO's or other health care facilities; sports nutrition and corporate wellness programs; food and nutrition-related businesses and industries; private practice; community and public health settings; universities and medical centers; research areas; and other nutrition and food related agencies.

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment of dietitians is expected to grow faster in long-term care, residential care facilities, and physician clinics. Other areas of practice grow as emphasis on disease prevention and education increases. Selecting a career in nutrition appears to be a wise decision as our former students tend to be placed in positions at 100%.

Why should I select Georgia State programs over other programs?
Each individual has unique needs and desires. Our programs are located in a dynamic urban environment that affords our students the opportunities for an endless array of experiences. The Nutrition Student Network (NSN), a chartered student organization at Georgia State, schedules meetings and volunteer activities that acquaint students with a myriad of career options and opportunities. Students are able to volunteer in nutrition related areas in order to become more competitive for dietetic internship placements. The faculty also assist students with part-time jobs in dietetics that are appropriate for their level of education. Our faculty members are experts in many areas of nutrition and dietetics and have developed extensive networks of colleagues and resources that make our program desirable. Program faculty are very student focused, and we get to know our students extremely well. For the DPD graduating class of 2004, we had a 100% placement rate for dietetic internship programs. We position our students to succeed in their career choice.

How do I find out more information about the university and the application process for your program?
You will find your questions about Georgia State University answered from links at the homepage www.gsu.edu. Additionally, you will find information about the various options in nutrition, the faculty, and program requirements and processes on the Department of Nutrition website. Links to program directors are also available for individual questions.

We appreciate your interest in our program. While a personal visit is not required for admission, it helps you gain perspective about our programs, students, faculty, and facilities. Please contact us for further information.

What are the advantages of obtaining an advanced degree in nutrition?
Graduate study provides students with an environment to explore new ideas and to gain new knowledge and problem-solving skills to optimize personal, social, and professional opportunities. Personally, students become better able to master complex information. Social and professional benefits include development of advanced practice skills, in-depth exploration of one's area of practice, and the acquisition of new perspectives. Graduate study can also provide opportunities for career advancement and career change and multi-skilling or cross-training, as well as financial advantages. Graduate education provides students with the ability to develop expertise that will enable them to pursue leadership roles. Perhaps one of the greatest benefits of graduate study is gaining research skills and knowledge of research methodology.

What will my graduate experience be like in the Division of Nutrition at Georgia State?
Our faculty is dedicated to providing students with an academic experience that will prepare them to meet professional demands of a dynamic workplace. While all students complete a core of courses to ensure a master's level knowledge of nutrition sciences and research, students may also choose areas of interest.

Students may select from a variety of program interests that match the research interests of faculty. Traditionally, students have had interests in community nutrition, nutrition and physical fitness, sports nutrition, nutrition intervention, food science, nutrition assessment, and geriatric nutrition. Throughout the program, graduate students are mentored using a challenging, yet supportive environment.

Are Graduate Assistantships available?
A number of graduate assistantships, including Graduate Research Assistantships (GRAs) and Graduate Laboratory Assistantships (GLAs), may be available for qualified graduate students. Students wishing to obtain a graduate assistant position should complete and submit the Application for Graduate Assistantship form. Generally, assistantships cover the student's tuition costs (not fees) and provide a financial stipend. The amount of the stipend depends on the level of the assistantship and the contracted amount of time the student spends working on the assistantship.

What is included in the curriculum of the graduate program?
The curriculum for the thesis/master's project option includes health sciences core courses, specialization nutrition courses, and either a thesis or master's project. The health sciences core includes research methods, statistics, and health care trends and provides opportunities for interdisciplinary learning. The specialization includes courses in the science of nutrition, nutrition research, nutrition intervention, and three elective courses chosen based on the student's interests and professional goals. The curriculum for the professional practice option includes health sciences core courses, nutrition courses, and courses specific to the professional practice area.

What are the requirements for admissions to the graduate program?
Selection to the graduate program is competitive and based upon several factors including: grade point average (3.0 in all college-level course work), GRE scores (1000 on the verbal and quantitative sections) or MAT score (50), extracurricular and leadership activities, maturity, and the ability to express oneself adequately in written communication (based on the statement of professional goals). Students must have also completed course work in anatomy, physiology, inorganic chemistry, organic chemistry, biochemistry, and human nutrition and metabolism. The latter two courses must have been completed within 10 years prior to beginning the graduate program.