The Dietitian Education Program is a graduate-level Coordinated Program in Dietetics.

There are two pathways to be eligible to become a registered dietitian nutritionist (RDN) through the Dietitian Education Program: The DEP track and the Dietitian Education Certificate (DEP-C) of the Lifestyle Management & Disease Prevention track (LMDP).

Both pathways lead to an MS in Nutrition Sciences degree. All coursework is offered entirely online, and practicums can be completed in the Birmingham area or anywhere in the United States. Both programs are accredited by the Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics (ACEND). All courses and practicums meet the practicum and course requirements set by ACEND. Successful completion of either program meets the exam requirements set by the Commission on Dietetic Registration (CDR). For more information on becoming a registered dietitian nutritionist, visit the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics website.

NOTE: 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. 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 Coordinated Program in Dietetics at The University of Alabama at Birmingham are eligible to apply to take the CDR credentialing exam to become an RDN.

Professional Licensure and Certifications

The UAB MS in Nutrition Sciences, Dietitian Education Program track is designed to lead to professional certification through the Commission on Dietetics Registration (CDR) of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics (AND). While state interpretations of statutes may vary, it is ACEND's considered opinion that the program meets the educational requirements for dietetics licensure and certification in all states. However, completing an ACEND-accredited academic program alone does not qualify an individual for licensure or certification as a dietitian in any state. Individuals should review their state's licensing statutes and regulations to understand the specific requirements, including supervised practice and examinations, needed to obtain a dietetics license. More information about state licensure and certification can be found at this link: State Licensure. Please visit the Professional Licensure and Certification General Disclosures webpage for more information on state and territories requirements.