DPD/MS/DI Program Prerequisites
For students with an undergraduate degree outside of dietetics, the DPD/MS/DI program combines BU’s ACEND-accredited DPD and MS/DI programs into one seamless pathway. Before entering the program, students must complete foundational coursework in science, math, and writing.
General Guidelines
- Courses must be from an accredited institution and carry at least 3 credit hours.
- Coursework must be completed within 10 years of the program start date.
- A minimum grade of C is required.
- Online courses are acceptable but subject to approval.
Important Notes
- General chemistry, biology, and statistics coursework should be completed before you apply.
- If accepted, the program director will evaluate your prerequisite preparation and assist with selection of remaining requirements.
- It may be possible to complete biochemistry and/or microbiology during the graduate program.
- A summer, zero-credit asynchronous course is available to enrolled students to meet the anatomy prerequisite.
- AP/IB credit may be acceptable if the course credit appears on your college transcript.
Required Courses and BU Equivalents
BU equivalents are provided to assist you in evaluating prerequisite coursework. Courses do not need to be completed at BU.
Prerequisite | Course Content | BU Equivalent(s) |
Biology 1 & 2 (with labs) | Two-course sequence; genetics coverage required | CAS BI 105 or CAS BI 107 & CAS BI 108 |
Human Anatomy | Gross structure of major body systems | CAS BI 210 |
Human Physiology (with lab) | Physiology of major body systems. Systems physiology course may be acceptable. | CAS BI 211 or CAS BI 315 |
Genetics | Separate course not required if biology series includes genetic content. | CAS BI 206 |
Microbiology (with lab) | Infectious diseases, lab techniques | CAS BI 114 or CAS BI 311 |
General Chemistry (with lab) | Matter, atoms, bonding, formulas, reactions, solutions, acids/bases, gases, kinetics, equilibrium, radioactivity | CAS CH 101 or CAS CH 171 |
Organic Chemistry (with lab) | Carbon compounds: structure, stereochemistry, functional groups, reactions—biochemical focus | CAS CH 174 or CAS CH 203 |
Biochemistry | Protein/enzyme structure and function, nucleic acids, metabolism, bioenergetics | CAS CH 373 |
Statistics I | Summaries of uni-and bivariate data, probability, distributions, one-sample inference. | CAS MA 115 |
Statistics II | Inference for unknown means, proportions and variances, categorical data, experiment design, ANOVA, regression, non-parametric methods | CAS MA 116 |
Writing | Critical reading and writing across genres | CAS WR 120 |
Prerequisite Course Approval
To confirm if your planned or completed coursework meet(s) prerequisite requirements, complete the Equivalency Evaluation Request Form below. Please allow 10 business days for a response.
Transcript Submission
This information is designed to help you determine your readiness to apply to the DPD/MS/DI program.
- All transcripts, including prerequisites, are submitted through DICAS – the centralized application service for dietetics.
- All courses completed outside of the U.S. must be evaluated by World Education Services (WES).
- Questions? Contact support@dicas.myliaison.com or call 617-612-2855.