Requirements

Number of Interns The program is accepting a maximum of 10 students.

Minimum Application Requirements

1. Completed a baccalaureate degree from an accredited institution.
2. Completed an approved Didactic Program in Dietetics (DPD) verification statement and/or declaration of intent within the last 5 years.
3. Earned a minimum cumulative and overall DPD of 3.0 GPA.
4. Three letters of recommendation and personal statement.
5. This program participates in DICAS and D&D Digital computer match.  Follow careful DICAS directions, especially regarding the submission of transcripts from all graduated institutions that you have attended, whether a degree was obtained or not.  This program participates in the D&D Digital computer matching program. Therefore, all applicants must submit their match choices through the D&D Digital computer matching process by the designated deadline set by D&D Digital for the matching period.
6. Accepted interns must successfully complete/pass criminal background checks, immunization clearance, and fingerprinting PRIOR to beginning program.
7. If English is not a primary language of Baccalaureate Degree or DPD Verfication Statement, student must have earned a minimum TOEFL score of either 560 (paper-based test), 241 (computer-based test). In other words, it is required if native language is not English.

Preferred Qualifications

1. Work experience, paid or volunteer in dietetics.

Effective January 1, 2024, the Commission on Dietetic Registration (CDR) will require a minimum of a master’s degree to be eligible to take the credentialing exam to become a registered dietitian nutritionist (RDN). In order to be approved for registration examination eligibility with a bachelor’s degree, an individual must meet all eligibility requirements and be submitted into CDR's Registration Eligibility Processing System (REPS) before 12:00 midnight Central Time, December 31, 2023. For more information about this requirement visit CDR's website: https://www.cdrnet.org/graduatedegree. In addition, CDR requires that individuals complete coursework and supervised practice in program(s) accredited by the Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics (ACEND). Graduates who successfully complete the ACEND-accredited California State University, Fresno  (CSUF) Dietetic Internship program at CSUF are eligible to apply to take the CDR credentialing exam to become an RDN.

In most states, graduates also must obtain licensure or certification to practice. For more information about state licensure requirements click here.

For more information about educational pathways to become a RDN click here.

Click here for the DPD undergraduate webpage