The concept of "DPD Program" is a bit tricky to grasp; but give it a try. If you understand it, you will save yourself a lot of frustration. Often, students from outside the United States have completed a bachelor's degree in nutrition from a university in their home country. When they apply to SIU's master's degree program in Food and Nutrition with a concentration in community nutrition, they do not want to take undergraduate courses again. However, very specific prerequisites must be met before applying. They include completion of a CADE-accredited "Didactic Program in Dietetics".

"CADE" refers to Commission on Accreditation for Dietetics Education. This agency establishes and enforces "Eligibility Requirements and Accreditation Standards" for nutrition/dietetics education. It accredits education programs (including bachelor's and graduate level Didactic Programs in Dietetics) that prepare students for careers as "Registered Dietitians" or "Dietetic Technicians, Registered". You can learn more about CADE at http://www.eatright.org/cade. Or you can write to CADE at 120 South Riverside Plaza, Suit 2000, Chicago, IL 60606-6995. Or telephone (312) 899-5400.
A CADE-Accredited Didactic Program in Dietetics must be completed by all applicants to the graduate program, no matter what country they are from. If you would like to view the list of universities that provide such programs, go to http://www.eatright.org/cade/dpd.html.