Program Overview: Graduate Coordinated Program in Dietetics (GCPD)

Students in the Graduate Coordinated Program in Dietetics (GCPD) work simultaneously towards the completion of a graduate degree in nutritional sciences (MPH, MS or PhD) and the coursework & practice experiences necessary to become a registered dietitian nutritionist. This is a graduate level, 2-year, full-time program that is accredited by ACEND. The GCPD is completed with the MPH, MS, or PhD curriculum, and students must apply by December 1.

Curriculum and Training Structure

The GCPD curriculum is integrated into the first four quarters of the graduate degree curricula, followed by three quarters of the internship. Students complete 4 quarters of coursework for both the graduate program and the GCPD. Following this, students complete 3 quarters of supervised practice from January to August of year 2. For specific course requirements, students should review curriculum pages for the MS in Nutritional Sciences or MPH in Nutritional Sciences.

As an ACEND-accredited program, the GCPD provides 8 months of supervised practice in the following rotations:

• Clinical
• Ambulatory
• WIC/pediatric
• Management
• Food service
• MNT or PH concentration

Students accepted into the GCPD, along with the degree program, have a high credit load, leaving little time for additional electives. While students may be able to graduate after completing the practice experience, it is not uncommon for a student to take an additional quarter to finish their thesis/capstone. The timing of the PhD curriculum and internship requirements will be coordinated on a case-by-case basis to accommodate their dissertation research projects. PhD students may require additional time, but will be active in the GCPD for only two years.

Program Concentrations

The GCPD offers two concentration areas: Medical Nutrition Therapy (MNT) and Public Health (PH). MS students usually select the MNT concentration, and MPH students complete the PH concentration. PhD students select the concentration that best supports their career goals. MPH – Public Health Nutrition students may use the PH concentration as their practicum to meet the School of Public Health degree requirements. Interns work closely with GCPD faculty to select their concentration rotation, while other rotations are assigned.

Policies and Requirements

Students in the GCPD are subject to the policies of the School of Public Health and Food Systems, Nutrition, and Health Program, specifically the policies on immunizations, health insurance, and safety training. All students are also subject to a national background check and are required to maintain liability insurance. Specifically:

• Students not compliant with immunization or background check requirements will not be allowed to complete practice experience rotations.
• Practice experience sites have their own sets of requirements including background checks, orientations, and drug tests.
• All GCPD offers of admission are contingent on passing a national background check at the applicant’s expense ($50-100).

Application Process

To join the program, students must apply to the Food Systems, Nutrition, and Health Program for the degree (MS or MPH) and the GCPD for the RDN training program. Acceptance into the GCPD is conditional on acceptance to the Food Systems, Nutrition, and Health Program. PhD applicants can apply to the GCPD once enrolled in the program. Before applying, ensure you review eligibility requirements, including specific prerequisites.