Didactic Program in Dietetics (DPD)
The Nutrition and Dietetics Program offers a Bachelor of Science degree in Nutrition and Dietetics. Founded in 1930, the program has been accredited by ACEND since 1976. It is recognized by ACEND as a Didactic Program in Dietetics (DPD), where students receive a Verification Statement, making them eligible to apply for ACEND-accredited coordinated supervised practice programs or graduate programs (GP). It is the only DPD within the UPR system and in Puerto Rico.
The program consists of 130 credits, which can be completed in four years.
You may apply for admission as:
- A first-time university student
- A student reclassifying from another major
- A transfer student within the UPR system or from a private university
- A post-graduate student pursuing a second (or additional) degree
Completing this degree fulfills one of the steps required to become a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RDN) and also qualifies you to take the Nutrition Dietetic Technician Registered exam. Effective January 1, 2024, all entry-level dietitians must hold a master’s degree. Therefore, students enrolled in the DPD will need to pursue a master’s degree upon graduation if they plan to become Registered Dietitians. Current local regulations also require licensure, which necessitates:
- An undergraduate degree in Nutrition and Dietetics from an accredited institution
- Completion of an ACEND-accredited dietetic internship or a master’s degree in nutrition.
For more information, please refer to our frequently asked questions:: DPD Preguntas Más Frecuentes
You may also request an orientation appointment using the following link: Formulario Solicitud Cita Asesoría Académica