Bachelor's Degree and DPD Programs
Welcome to the Bachelor's Degree and DPD Programs page!
On the pathway to becoming an RDN, you are here:
This page lists combined Bachelor's degree and Didactic Program in Dietetics (DPD) programs and stand-alone Bachelor's degree programs in the Dietetics field in Washington State. We also highlight online Bachelor's degree/DPD programs within the US, and relevant post-baccalaureate DPD programs.
- To learn more about the pathway pieces to become a Registered Dietitian, go to the RDN Pathway Overview page.
- To see typical Associate of Arts (AA) degree or Associate of Science (AS) degree transfer requirements and Dietetics-major related additional prerequisites, go to the AA and AS page. Please always check with the advisor at the school you're interested in attending about accepted transfer courses well in advance before applying.
- In the tables below, we list tuition and mandatory fees. For additional school-related expenses, see the Financial Resources page.
We'll periodically add more programs as we find out about them. If you have any questions or feedback, or would like to contribute a resource, please reach out to Toi at Toi.Sennhauser@doh.wa.gov.
Bachelor's Degree/DPD Programs
Choose this track if you know you want to complete your Didactic Program in Dietetics (DPD) verification at the same time as your bachelor’s degree.
Bachelor's Degree/DPD Programs in Washington State
Choose from the options in this section if you wish to attend an in-person program in Washington State.
Universities within Washington State currently don’t offer online bachelor’s degree/DPD programs.
- Central Washington University
-
Bachelor of Science in Food Science and Nutrition - Dietetics Specialization
Format: In-person
- Based in Ellensburg
Attendance:
- Full-time: possible
- Part-time: possible
- Can start any semester
- Program includes experiential learning through their “Cooperative Field Experience in Dietetics” course.
Transfers:
- Possible – accept AA, AS, or DTA
- Additional major-related prerequisites - Community college students should complete CHEM 111Lab, CHEM 112Lab, CHEM 113Lab, NUTR 101, PSY 101 prior to transfer
Credit loads:
- Quarter system
- Total credits to complete degree and program: 180 credits
- Minimum required credits to be taken at CWU: 45 credits
- Suggested credits to be taken at CWU as a transfer student: 110 credits (required total credits for this program)
- Remaining credits: may be taken at other institutions, including community colleges
Tuition (23-24 school year):
- Per 5-8 credit hours (1-2 classes): $1,070 - $1,872
- Per 10-18 credit hours (full-time): $2,340 per quarter
- Other mandatory fees: $410 - $724 per quarter
- Total estimated tuition expense: $14,040 (for 90 credits at CWU)
- https://www.cwu.edu/admissions-aid/cost-aid-value.php
Application requirements
- Must meet undergraduate admission requirements. Students wishing to attain full admission to the BS in food science and nutrition major must meet the following requirements:
- Successful completion of NUTR 101, Introduction to Human Nutrition, NUTR 240, Introduction to Foods and NUTR 240LAB, Introduction to Foods Laboratory with a grade of B (3.0) or higher.
- Students must receive a grade of C (2.0) or higher in all of the other major courses.
- In addition to the requirements listed above, students wishing to enter any of the food science and nutrition specializations must successfully complete CHEM 111, Introduction to Chemistry, CHEM 111LAB, Chemistry Laboratory or CHEM 181, General Chemistry I and CHEM 181LAB, General Chemistry Laboratory I, and MATH 100C, Intermediate Algebra, or their equivalents, before being admitted to the major. Students must consult with a major advisor for approval of the program specialization.
- Students are highly encouraged to complete at least five credits of NUTR 490, Cooperative Education.
Post-Baccalaureate/DPD verification only pathway: not offered
Website: https://www.cwu.edu/academics/explore-programs/dietetics-specialization.php
- Seattle Pacific University
-
Degree: Bachelor of Science in Nutrition and Dietetics
Format: In-person
- Based in Seattle
Attendance:
- Full-time: possible
- Part-time: possible
- Can start any quarter
- Program includes food service management field experience.
Transfers:
- Possible – accept AA, AS, or DTA
- A combined total of not more than 90 quarter credits will be accepted from all two-year colleges, approved test programs (i.e., AP, Cambridge International Program, CLEP, and IB), and schools not accredited by NWCCU or one of its peer accrediting agencies
- Additional major-related prerequisites
Credit loads:
- Quarter system
- Total credits to complete degree and program: 180 credits
- Minimum required credits to be taken at SPU: 45 credits, including no fewer than 15 upper-division credits in your major (more, if specified by the major), and at least 5 credits that fulfill SPU Foundations requirements
- Suggested credit to be taken at SPU as a transfer student: 90 credits
- Remaining credits: may be taken at other institutions, including community colleges
-
Tuition (23-24 school year):
Tuition (23-24 school year):
- Per 1-11 credit hours (part-time): $1,055 per credit
- Per 12-18 credit hours (full-time): $12,655 per quarter
- Other mandatory fees: up to $283 per quarter
- Total estimated tuition expense: $75,930 (for 90 credits at SPU)
- https://spu.edu/student-financial-services
Application requirements:
- Must meet all prerequisite requirements, including GPA requirement.
- Must meet undergraduate admission requirements.
Post-Baccalaureate/DPD verification only pathway: possible
Online Bachelor's Degree/DPD Programs within the US
Choose from the options in this section if you wish to attend an online program.
- Bowling Green State University
-
Degree: Bachelor of Science in Dietetics
Format: Online
- Based in Bowling Green, OH
- Full-time: possible
- Part-time: possible
- Can start any semester
- Asynchronous classes
- Many upper division courses offered once per year
- Required – accept AA, AS
- Additional major-related prerequisites
- Semester system
- Total credits to complete degree and program: 122 credits
- Minimum required credits to be taken at BGSU: varies by courses taken prior; minimum four semesters at BGSU
- Remaining credits: may be taken at other institutions, including community colleges
- Washington State students pay out-of-state tuition for online courses at this institution.
- If taking 8 credit hours (part-time) per semester: $3,281
- Other mandatory fees: $343 per semester
- Total estimated tuition expense: $14,496 (for 32 credits at BGSU)
- https://www.bgsu.edu/bursar/calculate-your-cost-of-attendance.html
- Non-competitive application process.
- Must meet undergraduate admission requirements.
Website: https://www.bgsu.edu/academics/online/diadactic-program-in-dietetics-bachelors.htm
- Kansas State University
-
Degree: Bachelor of Science in Dietetics
Format: Online
- Based in Manhattan, KS
- Full-time: possible
- Part-time: possible
- Can start any semester
- Majority asynchronous, a few synchronous; faculty can provide alternatives where needed
- Many upper division courses offered once per year
- Possible - accept up to 60 credit hours from accredited two-year institutions
- Additional major-related prerequisites
- Semester system
- Total credits to complete degree and program: 120 credits
- Minimum required credits to be taken at K-State: 30 credits
- Remaining credits: may be taken at other institutions, including community colleges
- In- and out-of-state tuition is the same for online courses at this institution.
- Per semester credit hour: $394
- Other mandatory fees: $75 per credit hour
- Total estimated tuition expense: $14,070 (for 30 credits at K-State)
- https://www.k-state.edu/finsvcs/cashiers/costs/online-programs-tuition-fees/
- Non-competitive application process.
- Must meet undergraduate admission requirements.
Website: https://online.k-state.edu/programs/dietetics-bachelors
- Lamar University - online post-baccalaureate program only
-
Certification: Didactic Program in Dietetics (DPD) verification statement
Format: Online
- Based in Beaumont, TX
- Full-time: possible
- Part-time: possible
- Can start any semester
- Mix of synchronous and asynchronous courses
- Many upper division courses offered once per year
- Non-applicable
- Semester system
- Minimum required credits to be taken at LU: 21 credits
- Washington State students pay out-of-state tuition for online courses at this institution.
- Per semester credit hour: $525
- Other mandatory fees: $51.50 per credit hour
- Total estimated tuition expense: $17,295 (for 30 credits at LU)
- https://www.lamar.edu/students/paying-for-school/undergraduate-tuition-fees.html
- Certification-related prerequisites
- Non-competitive application process.
- North Carolina Central University
-
Degree: Bachelor of Science in Nutrition and Dietetics
Format: Online
- Based in Durham, NC
- Full-time: possible
- Part-time: possible
- Can start any semester
- Most courses scheduled during daytime; may offer more evening and asynchronous courses in the future
- Many upper division courses offered once per year
- Possible - accept AA, AS
- Additional major-related prerequisites
- Semester system
- Total credits to complete degree and program: 120 credits
- Minimum required credits to be taken at NCCU: 30 credits
- Remaining credits: may be taken at other institutions, including community colleges
- Washington State students pay out-of-state tuition for online courses at this institution. NCCU is working on adjusting to offer a standard online tuition rate in the future.
- Per semester credit hour: $728
- Other mandatory fees: to be added soon
- Total estimated tuition expense: $21,840 plus mandatory fees (for 30 credits at NCCU)
- https://nccuonline.nccu.edu/costs/tuition/
- Non-competitive application process.
- Must meet undergraduate admission requirements.
- University of Alabama
-
Degree: Bachelor of Science in Human Environmental Sciences; Major: Food and Nutrition
Format: Online
- Based in Tuscaloosa, AL
- Full-time: possible
- Part-time: possible
- Can start any semester
- Classes offered every fall and spring, most every summer
- Program includes 120 hours of RD shadowing, two “experiential learning” sessions in the community that the student lives, and 60 hours in a food-service facility.
- Asynchronous classes
- Possible – accept AA, AS
- Additional major-related prerequisites
- Semester system
- Total credits to complete degree and program: 120 credits
- Minimum required credits to be taken at UA: 30 credits; most transfer students will have more than 30 credits from UA.
- Remaining credits: may be taken at other institutions – 60 credits must come from 4-year institutions, remaining 30 credits may come from community colleges
- In- and out-of-state tuition is the same for online courses at this institution.
- Per semester credit hour: $385
- Other mandatory fees: $10 per credit hour
- Total estimated tuition expense: $11,850 (for 30 credits at UA)
- https://online.ua.edu/tuition-financial-aid-scholarships/tuition/
- Non-competitive application process
- Must meet undergraduate admission requirements
Website: https://nutritionbydistance.ua.edu/
- University of Alaska Anchorage
-
Degree: Bachelor of Science, Dietetics
Format: Online
- Based in Anchorage, AK
- Full-time: possible
- Part time: possible – have to finish the DPD-specific courses (last two years of degree) within 3 years
- Can start any semester
- Most upper division courses offered once per year
- Three courses synchronous, remaining courses asynchronous
- Possible - accept AA, AS
- Additional major-related prerequisites
- Semester system
- Total credits to complete degree and program: 120 credits
- Minimum required credits to be taken at UAA: 30 credits (24 semester credits must be upper division courses)
- Remaining credits: may be taken at other institutions. Course preference given to students who sign up to the UAA BS Dietetics program earlier
- Washington State students pay in-state tuition for online courses at this institution.
- Per semester credit hour: $282
- Other mandatory fees: to $53.50
- Total estimated tuition expense: $10,065 (for 30 credits at UAA)
- https://www.uaa.alaska.edu/students/financial-aid/cost-of-attendance.cshtml
- Non-competitive application process.
- Must meet undergraduate admission requirements.
- University of Arizona - in progress
-
Degree: Bachelor of Science in Nutritional Sciences: Dietetics Emphasis
Format: Online
- Based in Tucson, AZ
- Full-time: possible
- Part time: unclear
- Most upper division courses offered once per year?
- Unclear if synchronous or asynchronous
- Possible - accept AA, AS
- Additional major-related prerequisites
- Semester system
- Total credits to complete degree and program: 120 credits
- Minimum required credits to be taken at UA: unclear
- Remaining credits: may be taken at other institutions.
- In- and out-of-state tuition is the same for online courses at this institution.
- Per semester credit hour: $525
- Other mandatory fees: to $51.50
- Total estimated tuition expense: $17,295 (for 30 credits at UA)
- https://online.arizona.edu/cost-and-aid/tuition
- Non-competitive application process.
- Must meet undergraduate admission requirements.
Website: https://online.arizona.edu/programs/undergraduate/online-bachelor-science-nutritional-sciences-bs
- University of North Florida
-
Degree: Bachelor of Science in Nutrition and Dietetics
Format: Online
- Based in Jacksonville, FL
- Full-time: possible
- Part-time: possible
- Upper division course sequence starts in Fall semester; apply to start in Fall
- Most upper division courses offered once per year
- Asynchronous classes
- Required for online track - accept up to 60 credit hours from accredited two-year institutions
- Additional major-related prerequisites
- Semester system
- Total credits to complete degree and program: 120 credits
- Minimum required credits to be taken at UNF: 52 credits
- Remaining credits: may be taken at other institutions, including community colleges
- Washington State students pay out-of-state tuition for online courses at this institution.
- Per semester credit hour: $693
- Other mandatory fees: $30 per credit hour
- Total estimated tuition expense: $37,596 (for 52 credits at UNF)
- https://www.unf.edu/tuition/
- Non-competitive application process.
- Must meet undergraduate admission requirements.
Website: https://www.unf.edu/brooks/nutrition/didactic-program-in-dietetics-bs.html
- University of Northern Colorado
-
Degree: Bachelor of Science in Dietetics
Format: Online
- Based in Greeley, CO
- Full-time: not offered
- Part-time: yes
- Time to complete: 5 semesters (18 months)
- Cohort-based; program starts every fall term
- Asynchronous classes
- Required – accept AA, AS
- Additional major-related prerequisites
- Semester system
- Total credits to complete degree and program: 120 credits
- Minimum required credits to be taken at UNCO: 30 credits
- Remaining credits: may be taken at other institutions, including community colleges
- In- and out-of-state tuition is the same for online courses at this institution.
- Per semester credit hour: $484
- Other mandatory fees: $0 per credit hour
- Total estimated tuition expense: $14,520 (for 30 credits at UNCO)
- https://www.unco.edu/costs/extended-campus.aspx
- Non-competitive application process.
- Must meet undergraduate admission requirements.
- No GPA requirement, but “aim for” 3.0 GPA for last two years of studies
Website: https://www.unco.edu/nhs/distance-dietetic-program/
Post-Baccalaureate DPD Programs within Washington State or US
Choose this track if you’ve already completed a bachelor’s degree and wish to gain your Didactic Program in Dietetics (DPD) verification statement now, prior to gaining your master’s degree.
The list in this section includes in-person programs in Washington State and online programs outside of Washington State who offer post-baccalaureate DPD programs. Refer to the university-specific information in the sections above for more information about their post-bacc program.
In-person Programs in Washington State
- Seattle Pacific University
Online Programs outside of Washington State
- Bowling Green State University
- Lamar University
- North Carolina Central University
- University of Alabama
- University of Alaska Anchorage
Stand-alone nutrition-focused bachelor's degree programs in Washington State
Choose this track if you wish to earn a bachelor’s degree in a nutrition-focused program through an in-person program in Washington State. Important Note: The bachelor’s degree programs listed below don’t prepare you for your RDN credential the same way a bachelor’s degree/DPD program does. If you wish to become an RDN, a stand-alone bachelor’s degree requires you to complete your Didactic Program in Dietetics (DPD) verification later, in addition to your master’s degree and/or dietetic internship.
- Bastyr University
-
Degree: Bachelor of Science in Nutrition, Food, and Exercise
Format: In-person
- Based in Kenmore (north of Seattle)
Attendance:
- Full-time: possible (2 years; Junior, Senior)
- Part-time: not possible
- Start date: Fall quarter
Transfers:
- Necessary – accept AA, AS, or DTA
- Additional major-related prerequisites
Credit loads:
- Quarter system
- Total credits to complete degree: 180 quarter credits (120 semester credits)
- Minimum required credits to be taken at Bastyr: 45 credits
- Suggested credit to be taken at Bastyr as a transfer student: 90 quarter credits (60 semester credits)
- Remaining credits: may be taken at other institutions, including community colleges
Tuition (23-24 school year):
- Per 1-11 credit hours (part-time): part-time not possible
- Per 12-18 credit hours (full-time): $10,238 per quarter
- Other mandatory fees: up to $100 per quarter
- Total estimated tuition expense: $60,534 (for 90 credits at Bastyr)
- https://bastyr.edu/admissions/tuition-fees
Application requirements:
- Must meet undergraduate admission requirements.
- Must meet all prerequisite requirements, including GPA requirement:
- Complete 90 quarter (60 semester) credits from a regionally accredited college or university or its equivalent (only courses with a grade of C or higher are transferable).
- Achieve a cumulative GPA of 2.5 and prerequisite GPA of 2.0.
- Complete the general education and major-based prerequisite courses
Website: https://bastyr.edu/programs/bachelor-science-nutrition-food-and-exercise
- Central Washington University
-
Degree: Bachelor of Science in Food Science and Nutrition – Foods and Nutrition Specialization
Format: In-person
- Based in Ellensburg
Attendance:
- Full-time: possible
- Part-time: possible
- Can start any quarter
Transfers:
- Possible – accept AA, AS, or DTA
- Additional major-related prerequisites
Credit loads:
- Quarter system
- Total credits to complete degree: 180 credits
- Minimum required credits to be taken at CWU: 45 credits
- Suggested credit to be taken at CWU as a transfer student: 76 credits (required total credits for this program)
- Remaining credits: may be taken at other institutions, including community colleges
Tuition (23-24 school year):
- Per 5-8 credit hours (1-2 classes): $1,070 - $1,872
- Per 10-18 credit hours (full-time): $2,340 per quarter
- Other mandatory fees: $410 - $724 per quarter
- Total estimated tuition expense: $14,040 (for 90 credits at CWU)
- https://www.cwu.edu/admissions-aid/cost-aid-value.php
Application requirements:
- Must meet undergraduate admission requirements.
- Students wishing to attain full admission to the BS in food science and nutrition major must meet the following requirements:
- Successful completion of NUTR 101, Introduction to Human Nutrition, NUTR 240, Introduction to Foods and NUTR 240LAB, Introduction to Foods Laboratory with a grade of B (3.0) or higher.
- Students must receive a grade of C (2.0) or higher in all of the other major courses.
- In addition to the requirements listed above, students wishing to enter any of the food science and nutrition specializations must successfully complete CHEM 111, Introduction to Chemistry, CHEM 111LAB, Chemistry Laboratory or CHEM 181, General Chemistry I and CHEM 181LAB, General Chemistry Laboratory I, and MATH 100C, Intermediate Algebra, or their equivalents, before being admitted to the major. Students must consult with a major advisor for approval of the program specialization.
- Students are highly encouraged to complete at least five credits of NUTR 490, Cooperative Education.
Website: https://www.cwu.edu/academics/explore-programs/food-nutrition-specialization.php
- Seattle Pacific University
-
Degree: Bachelor of Science in Food & Nutritional Sciences: Food and Nutrition Emphasis
Format: In-person
- Based in Seattle
Attendance:
- Full-time: possible (2 years; Junior, Senior)
- Part-time: possible (may take up to four years)
- Can start any quarter
Transfers:
- Possible – accept AA, AS, or DTA
- A combined total of not more than 90 quarter credits will be accepted from all two-year colleges, approved test programs (i.e., AP, Cambridge International Program, CLEP, and IB), and schools not accredited by NWCCU or one of its peer accrediting agencies
- Additional major-related prerequisites
Credit loads:
- Quarter system
- Total credits to complete degree: 180 credits
- Minimum required credits to be taken at SPU: 45 credits, including no fewer than 15 upper-division credits in your major (more, if specified by the major), and at least 5 credits that fulfill SPU Foundations requirements
- Suggested credit to be taken at SPU as a transfer student: 89 credits minimum
- Remaining credits: may be taken at other institutions, including community colleges
Tuition (23-24 school year):
- Per 1-11 credit hours (part-time): $$1,055 per credit
- Per 12-18 credit hours (full-time): $12,655 per quarter
- Other mandatory fees: up to $283 per quarter
- Total estimated tuition expense: $75,930 (for 90 credits at SPU)
- https://spu.edu/student-financial-services
Application requirements:
- Must meet undergraduate admission requirements.
- Must meet all prerequisite requirements, including GPA requirement.
- University of Washington - (Nutritional Sciences, Food Systems)
-
Degree: Bachelor of Arts in Food Systems, Nutrition, and Health
Format: In-person
- Based in Seattle
Attendance:
- Full-time: yes (2+ years – Freshmen and Sophomores must complete course requirements before declaring the major)
- Part-time: possible
- Can start any quarter
Transfers:
- Possible – accept AA, AS, or DTA
- To transfer directly into the major, students must have:
- 45+ credits
- English Composition course
- Introductory Nutrition course (preferably equivalent to NUTR 200 at UW)
- Cumulative GPA over 2.0
Credit loads:
- Quarter system
- Total credits to complete degree: 180 credits
- Minimum required credits to be taken at UW: 45 credits
- Suggested credit to be taken at UW as a transfer student: 90 credits
- Remaining credits: may be taken at other institutions, including community colleges
Tuition (23-24 school year):
- Per 5 credit hours (approx. 1 class): $1,863 per credit
- Per 10-15 credit hours (full-time): $3,729 per quarter
- Other mandatory fees: up to $350 per quarter
- Total estimated tuition expense: $24,000 (for 90 credits at UW at full-time status)
- https://www.washington.edu/opb/tuition-fees/current-tuition-and-fees-dashboards/undergraduate-tuition-dashboard/
Application requirements:
- Must meet undergraduate admission requirements. All students must complete the following in order to declare the major:
- 45 college credits with a minimum 2.00 cumulative GPA
- NUTR 200 Nutrition for Today or equivalent
- The following first- and second-year courses are suggested:
- Biology
- Chemistry
- Composition or writing
- Economics
- Nutrition
- Statistics
- Courses that satisfy the Interdisciplinary Breadth requirement
Website: https://nutr.uw.edu/undergraduate/foodsystems/
- University of Washington - (Public Health-Global Health)
-
Degree: Bachelor of Science in Public Health-Global Health: Nutritional Sciences Option
Format: In-person
- Based in Seattle
Attendance:
- Full-time: yes (2 years; Junior, Senior)
- Part-time: with permission only
- Can start any quarter
Transfers:
- Possible – accept AA, AS, or DTA
- Additional major-related prerequisites
Credit loads:
- Quarter system
- Total credits to complete degree: 180 credits
- Minimum required credits to be taken at UW: 58 credits
- Suggested credit to be taken at UW as a transfer student: 138 credits
- Remaining credits: may be taken at other institutions, including community colleges
Tuition (23-24 school year):
- Per 5 credit hours (approx. 1 class): $1,863 per credit
- Per 10-15 credit hours (full-time): $3,729 per quarter
- Other mandatory fees: up to $350 per quarter
- Total estimated tuition expense: $24,000 (for 90 credits at UW at full-time status)
- https://www.washington.edu/opb/tuition-fees/current-tuition-and-fees-dashboards/undergraduate-tuition-dashboard/
Application requirements:
- Must meet undergraduate admission requirements.
- Must meet all prerequisite requirements, including GPA requirement:
- 10-30 credits of natural science coursework
- 10-15 credits social science coursework
- Minimum 60 college credits
- Minimum 2.5 cumulative GPA
Website: https://sph.washington.edu/phgh/requirements/options
- Washington State University
-
Degree: Bachelor of Science in Nutrition and Exercise Physiology
Format: In-person
- Based in Spokane
Attendance:
- Full-time: yes
- Part-time: not advised
- Can start any semester: Fall semester start only
- BS NEP courses are taken in a set order and each class is only offered once a year
Transfers:
- Possible – accept AA, AS, or DTA
- Additional major-related prerequisites
Credit loads:
- Semester system
- Total credits to complete degree: 120
- Minimum required credits to be taken at WSU: 71 credits
- Suggested credit to be taken at WSU as a transfer student: 71 credits
- Remaining credits: may be taken at other institutions, including community colleges
Tuition (24-25 school year):
- Per 10-18 credit hours (full-time): $5,952 per semester
- Other mandatory fees: up to $100 per semester
- Total estimated tuition expense:~$29,200 (for 71 credits at WSU)
Application requirements:
- Must meet undergraduate admission requirements. Applicants must have:
- A cumulative GPA of 2.7
- A cumulative GPA of 3.0 in the BS NEP prerequisite courses.
- No grade lower than a C in any individual prerequisite course. (C- is not accepted).
- Completed these prerequisites (coursework no older than seven years): gen chemistry, org chemistry, biochemistry, gen biology, microbiology, human anatomy, human physiology, human nutrition, psychology, statistics
Website: https://medicine.wsu.edu/nutrition-exercise-physiology/bs-nep/