Family and Consumer Sciences

The post baccalaureate Didactic Program in Dietetics (DPD) Certificate focuses on the biological, chemical and physical components of food and the ways in which these ingredients affect health. It focuses on the application of physical, biological and social sciences to the study of foods and nutrition, educating students in the knowledge of food and nutrition as related to health issues, and it prepares graduates in the field of nutritional science for careers as Dietetic Technician, Registered (DTR) and Registered Dietitians Nutritionists (RD/RDN). Upon successful completion of the post baccalaureate DPD Certificate, students will receive a DPD Verification Statement, be eligible for the DTR exam, ensure eligibility for a graduate degree in nutrition or related field, and apply for an accredited Dietetic Internship.

A. Admission Requirements

Applications for admission to the certificate program will be processed through the University and reviewed by the Department of Family and Consumer Sciences, which will make the final admission decision.

For admission to this program, an applicant must:

1. Hold a baccalaureate (bachelor’s) degree from an officially accredited university or college in any field of study.
2. Completion of the following prerequisite coursework (or equivalents):
   BIOL 101/BIOL 101L General Biology and Lab
   BIOL 215/L Introductory Microbiology and Lab
   BIOL 281 Human Physiology
   CHEM 101/CHEM 101L General Chemistry I and Lab
   or CHEM 103/CHEM 103L Introductory Chemistry I and Lab
   CHEM 102/CHEM 102L General Chemistry II and Lab
   or CHEM 104/CHEM 104L Introductory Chemistry II and Lab
   CHEM 235/L Introductory Organic Chemistry and Lab
   FCS 207 Nutrition for Life
3. Submit a formal application to the program through Cal State Apply.
4. Submit all of the following documents to the Department of Family and Consumer Sciences for admission consideration.
   1. Resume.
   2. Personal Statement (see Certificate website for details).
   3. Copy of Unofficial Transcripts.
      Please highlight the prerequisite courses on each unofficial transcript to show the prerequisites have been completed.
   4. Two Letters of Recommendation.
      Two letters of recommendation are required for admission, and at least one of the letters should be from a former/current instructor of a college course. Letters should be addressed to the DPD Certificate Admissions Committee.
5. Have the complete application and supporting documents reviewed and the applicant approved for admission by the Department of Family and Consumer Sciences.

B. Program Requirements

CHEM 365 Introduction to Biochemistry (3)
CHEM 365L Introduction to Biochemistry Lab (1)
FCS 301 Food Science and Technology (3)
FCS 304 Food Service Production (2)
FCS 307 Advanced Nutrition: Macronutrients (3)
FCS 308 Advanced Nutrition Micronutrients (3)
FCS 321/L Contemporary Issues in Foods and Nutrition and Lab (2/1)
FCS 380 Family and Consumer Sciences Foundations and Research (3)
FCS 402 Medical Nutrition Therapy I (3)
FCS 403 Medical Nutrition Therapy II (3)
FCS 404/L Food Service System Management and Lab (2/1)
FCS 405 Drug Nutrient Interactions (3)
FCS 408 Community Nutrition (3)
FCS 494 Academic Internship (2)
FCS 494I Academic Internship Evaluation (1)

Total Units Required for the Certificate: 39

The program will take approximately four semesters to complete taking 3-4 courses per semester.