Eligibility Requirements

  • Minimum Bachelor’s Degree (BS or BA)
  • Valid DPD Verification Statement.
    • If you are currently enrolled in a DPD program, then a letter of intent to graduate from the program director of your DPD program must be submitted.
    • You may need to meet additional requirements if your DPD verification statement is over five years old. See Recency of Education below.
  • Overall GPA ≥ 3.0 (4.0 scale)
    • ***Applicants with GPA between 2.75-3.0 may be considered if you can explain in your personal statement any extenuating circumstances that may have contributed to your lower GPA.***
  • DPD GPA ≥ 3.0 (4.0 scale)
  • GRE not required

Application Requirements

All applicants must submit the following:

  • Resume
  • DPD verification statement or DPD Director's letter of intent to graduate from a DPD
  • Statement of Purpose (AKA Personal Statement) is required (750 words or less) and must include the following:
    • Why do you want to become an RDN?
    • Your reasons for applying to the MPPD
    • What personal qualities will allow you to be successful in this online program?
    • Your long and short-term goals
    • Your strengths and weaknesses
    • Please include any additional information that would help us evaluate your professional and leadership potential or any extenuating circumstances the committee should be aware of (such as those that may have contributed to a lower GPA).
  • Three letters of Recommendation (from faculty, work supervisors or those who can attest to the applicant’s ability to succeed in an online program and the field of dietetics are also required.)
    • Note: your recommenders will be sent an email with a link to their form to provide their letter of recommendation for you, only after you have completed and submitted your application.
  • In addition to the four items listed above,

Recency of Education

Applicants who graduated from a DPD program

  1. 5-10 years ago, must retake a minimum 3-credit Medical Nutrition Therapy or Advanced Nutrition course that specifically includes nutrition care process and nutrition-focused physical exam. Coursework must be completed for credit with a minimum grade of C earned in the updated coursework.
  2. More than 10 years ago, contact the program director. In addition to the Medical Nutrition Therapy or Advanced Nutrition course, applicants may be required to retake nutrient metabolism or nutritional biochemistry. Additional coursework requirements may vary based on whether the applicant has work experience in the field of nutrition and dietetics, since graduating from the DPD program.

Updated coursework may be completed either in an on-campus or online class in an accredited dietetics program. Check out the list of dietetics programs accredited by the Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics. Completing the recommended coursework does not guarantee acceptance into the MPPD program.

Prior Learning Assessment and Recognition

The Prior Learning Assessment & Recognition (PLAR) program is designed to grant credit towards supervised experiential learning hours and/or projects based on a qualified applicant’s knowledge and learning, as demonstrated through prior paid work or volunteer experiences. Students accepted to the MPPD program with at least two years of experience working in nutrition and dietetics or 3-5+ years working in a professional setting should consider applying using the PLAR prequalification application form.

After review of the PLAR prequalification application, students meeting the minimum criteria for PLAR will be invited by their assigned Clinical Faculty to submit a portfolio documenting how their prior work/volunteer experience helped them meet the competencies required for an entry-level dietetics practitioner as outlined by ACEND.  A PLAR Competency assessment and documentation of experiences - Example provides you with the suggested level of detail required when completing the portfolio, which must contain the following:

  • Samples of projects, reports, presentations, and professional practice that demonstrate advanced knowledge and skills in the area of dietetics for which PLAR credit is requested.
  • Evidence that shows/demonstrates advanced knowledge and skill, not just work history.

PLAR application and portfolio submission deadlines are available in the welcome and resource course in Canvas.

Applicants from Other Dietetic Internships or Graduate Programs

Current enrollees or those who had to withdraw from a dietetic internship program or a graduate program for non-academic reasons will be considered for admission into the MPPD. Reasons for withdrawal or requesting a transfer from the previous program should be explained in the personal statement, and a letter of recommendation from the previous internship program director should accompany the application to the MPPD.

International Students

International students who will require an I-20 for F-1 status are not eligible to apply to the MPPD.  International applicants residing in the US in other statuses (such as J-2, H-1B, H-4, or green card holders) that allow them to pursue higher education are eligible to apply. For additional information, please contact the International Students and Scholars office.

English Proficiency

Students whose first language is not English must demonstrate their English proficiency. Students who have earned a Bachelor's, Master's, or Doctoral degree in countries where English is the official language are exempt from the English language proficiency requirement.  (Graduate College Handbook, Section 1.3.3)

Application Information

Application closed. The next application cycle is Fall 2025.

For application questions, contact mppapply@iastate.edu