What makes the Texas A&M University Didactic Program in Dietetics (DPD) unique?
Texas A&M dietetics (DPD) program offers hands-on and relevant experiences to our students through activities within and outside of the classroom. These opportunities provide a more in-depth exposure to nutrition and dietetics that enhances learning and better prepares students for their dietetic internship and careers in the dietetic profession. For more information on the dietetics curriculum at Texas A&M, please click here.
Here are some examples of what the curriculum offers:
Scientific Principles of Food (NUTR 211) instructs the student on the science of food, including nutrient composition and the chemical and physical properties of foods as they relate to functionality. This new knowledge taught in class is coordinated with hands-on food preparation activities. In our brand new kitchen laboratory, students will experiment with food preparation, experimental foods, and recipe modification using new, commercial grade food service equipment.
Food Service Systems and Management (NUTR 304) expands on the principles of quantity food systems with onsite visits to large industrial kitchens in College Station/Bryan and surrounding areas. This class provides the opportunity for students to earn their Food Safety Manager Certification, which is beneficial in a dietetic internship. This course with NUTR 211 prepares the dietetics student for the food service management component of the dietetic internship.
Nutrition Assessment and Planning (NUTR 404) and Nutrition and Disease (NUTR 405) include case studies to simulate real-life nutrition assessment and care scenarios that challenge and motivate our students. These courses also give the students the opportunity to observe clinical dietitians working in the hospital environment.
Students interested in gaining research experience have the opportunity to work with some of our distinguished research faculty. The Nutrition and Food Science faculty conduct research on topics related to socioeconomic disparities, cancer, phytochemicals, gut microbiome, and even neurology. Nutrition students at Texas A&M may enroll for undergraduate research (NUTR 485) to work with some of these researchers in their laboratory, helping to prepare the student for a dietetic internship and graduate school.
For more information regarding topics of research related to NUTR 485, please click here.
For a complete description of the Didactic Program in Dietetics (DPD), please refer to the DPD Handbook.
Our faculty includes Registered Dietitians (RDs); many have industry experience in clinical dietetics or food service management and are active in the dietetic profession. As RDs, they offer a perspective on their teaching that facilitates learning and engagement in the dietetic profession. They are also available to help guide and counsel students throughout their academic career on their way to pursing a dietetic internship and a successful career as a RD. Many of the same teachers that enrich the minds of our students also spend much time and effort researching the latest topics in their respected field of nutrition.
For more information on the Nutrition Faculty click here and a summary of their research can be found here.
Texas A&M’s dietetics (DPD) program has been shown to be successful in preparing our students for matching to a dietetic internship, which is required to become a Registered Dietitian. This match rate has surpassed the national average for the past 12 years. In 2012, the national match rate was approximately 50%, while the match rate of Texas A&M’s dietetic students applying to a dietetic internship was approximately 71%.
Nutrition and Dietetic Association (NDA)
A student-run organization focused on expanding the members’ interest in the field of nutrition and dietetics. The group offers leadership positions within the club, as well as many volunteer opportunities around the Brazos Valley Community.
For more information click here.