Admission Requirements

To be accepted into the Food Science and Nutrition Department Dietetics Option – Certificate in Dietetics option, students will be evaluated using the following criteria:

1.  grade point average of 3.0 or higher in all attempted college coursework
2. personal statement – statement of personal goals (35/40 score)
3. a minimum of 240 hours of documented work or volunteer experience in nutrition and dietetics (see form below)
4. 2 letters of recommendation (academic and professional)

Applications must be requested, completed, and reviewed prior to starting their senior year – fall semester (before enrolling into NUTR 156 – Nutrition Assessment and NUTR 175 Senior Dietetics Seminar) and FSM 133. Students will be notified prior to fall semester whether they have been accepted into the Certificate in Dietetics option.

Introduction to the DPD Application Process Video & Q&A

Welcome to the DPD Application Process Video & Q&A Session!

This resource is designed to guide you through the steps required to apply to the Didactic Program in Dietetics (DPD) at Fresno State. Whether you are just beginning to explore the program or preparing to submit your application, this video will provide clear, step-by-step instructions to help you navigate the process with confidence.

In addition to an overview of the application requirements video, you will hear directly from current DPD students who have successfully gone through the process. Their insights, tips, and responses to frequently asked questions will give you a firsthand perspective on what to expect and how to best prepare. See the Q&A below the video link.

We encourage you to use this video as a go-to resource to ensure you understand key deadlines, required coursework, contact hour expectations, and everything else needed for a successful application. If you have additional questions after watching, please reach out—we’re here to support you!

Let’s get started!

Video Recording (passcode: 0!@sF45S) 

DPD Q&A Application Process

Individuals who have specific questions about the course requirements or admission requirements for the Certificate in Dietetics Option in the Food Science and Nutrition Department should contact Lisa Herzig, PhD, RDN, CDCES – DPD director (lherzig@csufresno.edu) for more information.

Click here to submit the following documents via Google Form:  Cover letter, Personal statement,  Hours, Updated and approved course outline and any additional documents or supportive materials that you would find helpful to support your application.