One Degree. Endless Possibilities.
When it comes to human health, few topics create more interest or more discussion than food and nutrition. What we eat has a profound impact on health, affecting a number of the most critical issues upsetting health in this country. From the obesity epidemic to rising rates of diabetes, heart disease and cancer, nutrition plays a critical role in improving patient outcomes.
A degree in nutrition and dietetics can lead you down any number of fascinating career paths—all depending on where you feel called to serve. Our graduates provide nutrition services in many areas such as in hospitals, long-term care facilities, wellness programs, schools, community programs, food and nutrition publications, sports teams, fitness clubs and private nutrition consulting.
For over 100 years, Samford University’s Nutrition and Dietetics program has been preparing students to become competent, entry-level dietitians or dietetic technicians. The program includes the Didactic Program in Dietetics (DPD), an ACEND-accredited program that provides the foundational knowledge required for students pursuing the Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RDN) credential.
"While emphasizing both research and professionalism, this program combines the importance of service with the ever-growing field of nutrition. I developed more qualities than I ever would have imagined—qualities such as leadership, time management, patience and grace. I can confidently say that I am able to use those qualities every day as a dietetic intern and will continue to use them as a dietitian in the near future." Emma Grace Benton '21
Why Samford?
Samford offers more than excellent academics. You will be challenged and supported as you grow into a skilled professional. Here’s what sets our program apart:
Small Class Sizes & Personalized Attention
Low student-to-teacher ratio ensures individualized support and mentorship.
Expert Faculty
Highly educated, experienced professors who bring real-world examples into the classroom and are accessible to students.
Hands-On Learning
Robust experiential learning opportunities, including interprofessional education with other College of Health Sciences programs.
Faith Integration in Academics
Samford University’s DPD combines rigorous nutrition science with a Christ-centered mission, preparing future nutrition professionals to lead and serve with excellence and compassion through evidence-based practice.
State-of-the-Art Facilities
Two modern food labs with 16 workstations, a nutrition research lab, a food science lab, and the Experiential Learning and Simulation Center.
Global Opportunities
Options to study abroad and broaden your perspective.
Leadership & Community Engagement
Join the Student Dietetic Association and participate in community outreach through the Samford Wellness Kitchen.
Accelerated Pathways
Opportunity to apply to Samford’s fast-track Master of Science in Nutrition, Dietetics Concentration.
Proven Outcomes
- 100% placement rate into supervised practice programs or graduate school for DPD graduates who apply.
- 90% three-year rolling pass rate on the CDR credentialing exam for graduates of supervised practice programs who completed Samford’s DPD.
Admission Requirements
Prospective students must apply for admission to Samford University. Transfer students must have a 2.5 GPA.
Students seeking to transfer coursework must provide official transcripts for evaluation. Transfer credits are accepted only from regionally accredited institutions with a grade of C- or higher, and courses intended to replace required nutrition courses must come from an ACEND-accredited program. Additional documentation (such as syllabi) may be required. Full details, including recency requirements for science and nutrition courses, are available in the DPD Student Handbook.
The Samford DPD does not award credit for prior work or volunteer experience.
Students and applicants with disabilities who seek accommodations must make a request by contacting the Section 504/Disability Access and Accommodation Coordinator, 205-726-4078 or disability@samford.edu.
Pathway to Becoming a RDN
Upon successful completion of the Bachelor of Science in Nutrition and Dietetics and all DPD program requirements at Samford University, students become eligible to apply for a dietetic internship or other supervised practice program. After completing supervised practice, graduates may sit for the Commission on Dietetic Registration (CDR) credentialing exam to become an RDN. Please note that CDR now requires a minimum of a master’s degree to be eligible for the credentialing exam. Completing an ACEND-accredited DPD is the first step toward this goal, followed by supervised practice and graduate education.
Licensure
Some states require RDNs to obtain licensure or certification to practice. Specific licensure requirements vary from state to state, and among territories. Individual state licensure requirements can be found on CDR’s website. In Alabama, the Alabama Dietetics/Nutrition Practice Act of 1989 provides for licensing qualifications, renewals and revocation, exemptions, reciprocity, and penalties. It is the purpose of this Act to protect the health, safety and welfare of the public by providing for the licensing and regulation of persons engaged in the practice of dietetics and nutrition. More information is available on the Alabama State Board of Examiners for Dietetics/Nutritionists.
Accreditation
The undergraduate Didactic Program in Nutrition and Dietetics (DPD) at Samford University is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics (ACEND), which is recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. Completion of an ACEND-accredited program is required to become a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RDN). ACEND accreditation ensures the program meets rigorous standards and affirms the quality of nutrition and dietetics education.
Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics (ACEND) Contact Information:
120 S. Riverside Plaza, Suite 2190
Chicago, IL 60606-6995
Phone: (800) 877-1600
Website: https://www.eatrightpro.org/acend
Our Commitment
"When I chose to be a part of Samford’s nutrition and dietetics program, I had no idea how much it would benefit me both as a person and as a professional. The community at Samford is unmatched. Each of my professors cared about helping me achieve success by challenging me and guiding me to always do my best. They pushed me to do beyond what I thought I could which boosted my confidence to succeed in this profession."
"My nutrition classmates and I formed a close-knit bond that I will forever be grateful for. As Samford students, we have unique opportunities to complete research, work on case studies, volunteer in wellness kitchens, and practice counseling skills with virtual clients—all of which set us apart and adequately prepare us for life as registered dietitians."
—Carly Collins ‘21
Life in the Program
The DPD program adheres to the Samford University Undergraduate Academic Calendar.
Students in the DPD experience a dynamic and engaging learning environment. Small class sizes foster close relationships with faculty and peers, creating a strong sense of community and collaboration. With six full-time faculty members who bring real-world expertise in areas such as pediatrics, culinary nutrition, management, community health, sports nutrition, nutrient metabolism, and research methodology, students benefit from practical examples that connect classroom learning to professional practice.
Learning goes beyond lectures through interactive activities, case studies, and simulation labs that replicate real-life scenarios. Students gain hands-on experience in updated food labs and through community engagement projects such as working in the Samford Wellness Kitchen. The program includes 80-hours of supervised fieldwork during the junior year, opportunities to conduct and present research and exposure to interprofessional education with other students within Samford’s College of Health Sciences. These experiences prepare graduates for success in supervised practice programs, graduate study and diverse careers in nutrition and dietetics.
Program Goals and Objectives
Program Goal 1
To prepare Didactic Program in Nutrition (DPD) graduates with the core knowledge, critical thinking skills, and technical expertise and skills needed for acceptance into an ACEND-accredited supervised practice program and/or graduate school.
Objectives:
- At least 80% of program students complete program/degree requirements within six years (150% of the program length).
- At least 80% of program graduates apply for admission to a supervised practice program within 12 months of graduation.
- 80% of program graduates who apply are admitted to a supervised practice program within 12 months of graduation.
- Program achieves at least an 80% one-year pass rate on the CDR credentialing exam.
- At least 70% of supervised practice directors rate graduates as “prepared” or better on core knowledge and skills.
- 80% of graduates rate the curriculum as providing the knowledge and skills needed for supervised practice or graduate study.
Program Goal 2
To prepare program graduates who are able to communicate effectively in an inter-professional environment within the health care field and who exhibit characteristics of servant leadership in community and/or global environments.
Objectives:
- 80% of graduates report participating in a professional or community organization
Program outcomes data are available upon request.
Plan of Study
Student Handbook
Estimated Tuition and Fees
In addition to undergraduate tuition, students are responsible for Nutrition & Dietetics Department fees each semester, as well as course-specific fees such as Nutrition Food Lab and Nutrition Research fees. Estimated program fees over four years total approximately $1,340.
Other costs vary by student and may include room & board, textbooks and resources ($0–$200 per course), transportation for off-campus field hours, and optional expenses such as Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics student membership and DICAS application fees for postgraduate program applications.
Technology Requirements and Online Components
Students are required to have a reliable computer and internet access for both in-person and online coursework. While the program is primarily in person, two senior-level courses are delivered online to help prepare students for virtual learning environments commonly encountered in graduate programs. Full technology requirements, including specifications for hardware and software, are outlined in the DPD Student Handbook.
Scholarships
Opportunities for scholarships can be found in the DPD Student Handbook
Program Completion Requirements
To receive a Verification Statement of DPD Program Completion, students must:
- Complete the Bachelor of Science in Nutrition & Dietetics (128 credit hours) and all courses on the DPD course list (or approved substitutes).
- Fulfill all Knowledge Requirements for Registered Dietitian Nutritionists (KRDNs) established by ACEND.
Students with a prior bachelor’s degree may also earn a Verification Statement by completing all DPD courses (or approved graduate-level substitutes) and meeting KRDN requirements.
For details on required courses and KRDNs, see the Curriculum section of the DPD Student Handbook.
