Frequently Asked Questions

The Doctor of Nutrition and Dietetics and the Doctor of Clinical Nutrition are essentially equivalent professional doctorate degrees. Programs accredited by ACEND follow the same Advanced Practice Doctorate competency‑based standards. The difference in degree title reflects our intent to recognize the diverse roles dietitians hold across many settings. We chose the DND designation to align with the broad range of professional practice areas in nutrition and dietetics, whether clinical, community, research, education, industry, or other environments.

The Advanced Practice Residency is a structured, mentored experiential component of the Doctor of Nutrition and Dietetics (DND) program designed to help students apply advanced knowledge and skills in real‑world professional settings.

The residency consists of 360 total hours, completed across two residency courses (180 hours per course). Students complete their residency under the guidance of a qualified mentor in an area aligned with their professional interests and career goals.

Residency experiences may occur in a wide range of settings, including clinical practice, community nutrition, advocacy and policy, education, research, leadership, or industry. Students work closely with program faculty to identify a residency setting that aligns with their professional goals, interests, and advanced practice focus.

Residencies may be completed at a student’s current place of employment, a community or healthcare organization, an academic or research setting, or another professional environment that supports advanced nutrition and dietetics practice. Each site must be able to provide meaningful learning experiences aligned with program and student-driven competencies.

If a formal agreement is required between the University and the residency site, the program’s dedicated affiliations agreement team is available to assist with establishing and executing any necessary agreements to support the residency experience.

Yes. All courses in the program are fully online and asynchronous, meaning students can complete coursework on their own schedule without required live class meetings. This format allows you to balance your studies with professional, personal, and family responsibilities while progressing through the program.

Yes. The program is structured to allow students to continue working while enrolled. Because all courses are fully online and asynchronous, students can complete coursework on a flexible schedule while maintaining part‑time or full‑time employment. Many students balance the program alongside professional and personal commitments, with faculty support to help plan coursework and residency activities in a manageable way.

Program cost information can be found here.

The Doctor of Nutrition and Dietetics is designed for dietitians who want to grow professionally, expand their impact, and deepen their expertise in areas that align with their career goals. Whether your interests are clinical, community‑based, educational, policy‑focused, or leadership‑oriented, the DND offers a flexible pathway for advanced professional development.

Students pursue the DND to:

• Advance their practice and develop expertise in a specialized area
• Increase leadership skills and take on broader or more influential roles
• Apply evidence to real‑world practice, programs, and systems
• Shape policy, programs, or education that improve population and individual health
• Strengthen credibility and professional positioning within their organization or field

The DND is not a one‑size‑fits‑all degree. Instead, it is a practice‑focused, competency‑based doctorate that allows students to tailor their experience to their current role or future aspirations—supporting career advancement, role expansion, or exploration of new professional pathways.

For dietitians who want to lead, innovate, and make meaningful contributions across diverse nutrition and dietetics settings, the DND provides a structured yet flexible framework to do so.