Announcements
ICPD Q&A Wednesday, July 9th at 12p CST via Zoom. Come with questions, leave with answers.
2025 ICPD Selection Calendar
Date |
Activity |
| Monday, 7/1/25 | Application Opens |
| Monday, 8/25/25 | 1st day of class Fall Semester |
| Sunday, 9/14/25 @ 11:59pm CST | Application Deadline (Round 1) |
| Friday, 9/19/25 | Round 1 Notifications Sent |
| Sunday, 10/5/25 @ 11:59pm CST | Round 2: Video Interview & Letters of Recommendation Due |
| Monday, 11/3/25 | Final Decision Letters Sent |
| 11/3/25 - 11/15/25 | Spring Registration Window |
| 11/15/25 | Deadline to Accept or Decline ICPD Admission Offer |
| Fall 2026 | Admitted ICPD students begin the program |
| Spring 2027 | ICPD students complete Bachelor’s, Master’s, and supervised practice, and become eligible for the Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RDN) exam |
Welcome, Future ICPD Applicants
Thank you for your interest in the Integrated Coordinated Program in Dietetics (ICPD) at UT Austin!
Before applying, please keep in mind two important requirements:
- You must be a currently enrolled student at The University of Texas at Austin to be eligible to apply.
- ICPD is an all-in-one program that includes a Bachelor’s degree, a Master’s degree, and supervised practice. Admission to ICPD means completing all three components as part of your training to become a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RDN).
If you still have questions after exploring our website, please contact:
Monica Milonovich
Director, Integrated Coordinated Program in Dietetics
How to Apply to ICPD
Application Process
The ICPD application includes three rounds.
Round 1: Complete ICPD 2025 Application
Applications are open July 1, 2025 - September 14, 2025
Required Materials
- Resume
- Personal Statement
Your statement should:- Demonstrate readiness to be both a dietitian and a graduate student
- Reflect your understanding of the dietetics profession and the role of a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist
- Show evidence of critical thinking and curiosity about nutritional science
- Address how nutrition research can impact your future practice
- Interactive Degree Audit
- Official Transcript(s)
Submit to:
Monica Milonovich, Director, ICPD Program
Round 2: By Invitation Only
If selected to continue in the process, you will be provided with instructions for:
- Letters of Recommendation (3)
- A least one letter from a professor. The Dietetics Administrative Committee cannot write a letter of recommendation for ICPD: Conn, Hays, Hernandez, Klingbeil, Milonovich, Papillion, and Zuniga
- Ideally one from a registered dietitian
- Letters should demonstrate your readiness for graduate school and a dietetic internship.
- Interview Video
Round 3: Final Review and Admission
The Dietetics Administrative Committee (DAC) will refer selected applicants to the Graduate Studies Committee (GSC) for final approval.
- Students approved by both committees will be notified before spring registration opens.
- Admission decisions must be accepted or declined by November 15.
ICPD Prerequisites
Students who apply to the Integrated Coordinated Program in Dietetics must be able to have completed the following courses by the end of the spring semester before they would start ICPD Supervised Practice/Graduate Courses.
- CH 301, 302, 204, 320M and BCH 369
- BIO 311C, BIO 325, and BIO/INB 365S
- NTR 307/107L Introductory Food Science / Laboratory
- NTR 312 Introduction to Nutritional Sciences
- NTR 315 Nutrition through the Life Cycle
- NTR 317L Inroduction to Nutrition Assessment and Education
- NTR 326 Intermediate Nutrition & Metabolism
- NTR 126L Nutritional Sciences Laboratory
- NTR 334 Foodservice Systems ManagementNTR 234L Foodservice Management Laboratory
- NTR 330L Advanced Nutrition Assessment and Counseling
- NTR 332 Community Nutrition
- NTR 338W Issues in Nutrition and Health
- MAN 320F Foundations of Mgmt & Organizational Behavior
- NTR 370 Medical Nutrition Therapy I (spring-only)
- NTR 371 Medical Nutrition Therapy II (fall-only; NTR 371 can be taken before 370)
All non-ICPD coursework must be completed before the start of the ICPD program.
ICPD Courses
Fall Semester
NTR 245C Clinical Practice in Medical Nutrition Therapy I
Orientation to dietetic practice; techniques of communication, data collection and evaluation. Nine hours of supervised practice per week. Each week students will be assigned to assess, plan and provide care for hospital patients with a variety of different nutritional problems. Students will gain experience with patient interaction and advanced assessment such as enteral or parenteral nutrition.
NTR 390.1 Advances in Nutrition Science (replaces NTR 342) *
Carbohydrates, fats and proteins: functions, sources, and metabolism graduate level course.
or NTR 394.6 Study Design/Research Methods (replaces NTR 338W)*
Graduate level scientific writing course.
and NTR 380K.1 Experimental Design and Statistics (replaces second stats)*
Graduate course explores applications of statistical analysis methods for nutrition-based data and analysis of data sets and interpretation of results.
*Students must achieve a B or better in the two graduate courses to continue to supervised practice. If student does not achieve a B or better in both courses, they will become DPD students.
Spring Semester-Supervised Practice
NTR 345M Clinical Practice in Medical Nutrition Therapy II
Application of principles of medical nutrition therapy to the care of patients in health care facilities. Forty hours of supervised practice a week for 4 weeks.
NTR 372C Practicum in Clinical Dietetics
Supervised practice in health care facilities. Forty hours of supervised practice per week for 4 weeks. During these eight weeks students will work under the direct supervision of clinical dietitians in area hospitals. The experience will culminate with students assuming responsibility for all nutrition care for the patients on an assigned hospital unit.
NTR 372F Practicum in Foodservice Systems Management
NTR 372F Practicum in Foodservice Systems Management Supervised practice in food service facilities. Forty hours of supervised practice per week for 4 weeks. Students will learn all aspects of managing a foodservice operation. By the end of the rotation, students will assume the manager’s role in the operation.
NTR 373S Practicum in Dietetic Administration
NTR 373S Practicum in Dietetic Administration Supervised practice in administration of food and nutrition programs. Forty hours of supervised practice per week for 4 weeks. Students will be assigned to work on a project under the supervision of an administrative dietitian.
Summer Semester-Supervised Practice
NTR 374C Practicum in Community Dietetics
Supervised practice in community based nutrition programs. Forty hours of supervised practice per week for 5 weeks. Students will practice in a variety of public health and community nutrition settings.
NTR 374P Advanced Practicum in Dietetics
Culminating experience in the practice of administrative, clinical or community dietetics. Forty hours of supervised practice a week for 5 weeks. Students will gain additional experience in a variety of nutrition related rotations.
Graduate Courses
Example plan of graduate courses. Students have the option of taking 6 credit hours outside of Department of Nutritional Sciences to satisfy graduate degree requirement. Students must take 3 NTR courses and one elective = 12 credit hours per semester).
Fall Semester (4 graduate course) |
Spring Semester (4 graduate courses) |
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Informational Materials
1. Mission Statement Integrated Coordinated Program in Dietetics
- Prepare students for successful entry into the dietetics profession.
- Provide credentialed dietitians for the state of Texas.
- Prepare professionals capable of advancement in their chosen area of dietetics practice and encourage graduates to become leaders in the dietetics profession.
Students who have recieved a BS or BSA in Nutrition from the University of Texas at Austin are ineligible to apply for the Integrated Coordinated Program in Dietetics.
Estimated Cost of the Integrated Coordinated Program in Dietetics in addition to routine tuition and fees during the program
Estimated Expenses |
Cost |
| Professional Liability Insurance | $17 |
| Drug Screening | $39 |
| Compliance Tracking | $35 |
| Background Check | $39 |
| Student Program Management Fee | $90 |
| Health Insurance, (available through student health service) | ~$1,110 |
| Student membership in the Dietitians of Central Texas (DCT) | $25 |
| TB blood test | $20 |
| Criminal Background Check | $39 |
| Student membership in the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics | $50 |
| Food Handler Certification | ~$10 |
| Transportation to supervised practice sites (gas) | Varies |
| Required attendance at professional meetings | Varies |
| Scrubs/Uniforms/Lab Coat | Varies |
| Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics Pocket Guide to Nutrition Assessment | Eat Right Store |
| Nutrition Focused Physical Exam Pocket Guide | Eat Right Store |
| Texas Children’s Hospital Pediatric Nutrition Reference Guide | Texas Childrens Department of Food and Nutrition |
| eNCPT Membership | eNCPT Subscription |
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Tuition and Costs Students are classified as undergraduate students their first three semesters of the ICPD program and graduate students the third and fourth semesters of the ICPD program. |
UT Cost and Tuition Rates |
*Transportation expenses vary greatly depending on assigned practice locations, cost of gas and fuel efficiency. Some rotations will require up to 250 miles per week in travel. As the program continues to develop strong placement opportunities for students, it may be necessary for students to travel longer distances and perhaps stay out-of-town overnight.
** Multiple drug screenings may be required depending on placement sites.
2. Policies–Application for the Coordinated Program in Dietetics
3. Timeline–Application for the Coordinated Program in Dietetics
Evaluation of Foreign Transcript
Students who hold a degree from universities outside the United States and want to complete requirements to earn a verification statement from The University of Texas at Austin must have their transcript evaluated by an approved foreign degree evaluation agency. A detailed course-by-course evaluation along with a statement of how the degree compares to university degrees in the United States is required. For more information including a listing of the degree evaluation companies approved by the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, click here.
Interested in becoming a registered dietitian nutritionist?
If you are unsure about the requirements and process to become a registered dietitian nutritionist, click here to find out more information.
PROGRAM FAQs
What is the Integrated Coordinated Program Dietetics (ICPD) at the University of Texas at Austin?
The ICPD provides a fast-tracked path to becoming a Registered Dietician Nutritionist (RDN). We combine the academic coursework and supervised practice experiences required to become an RDN into a single 5-year program while ensuring graduates are well-prepared for the credentialing exam.
Students enter into the program at the beginning of their junior year of college and complete two years of undergraduate courses, including supervised practice, and one year of graduate courses. Upon program completion, students are awarded a Bachelor’s of Science in Nutrition and a Master's of Science in Nutrition.
How do I apply to the ICPD at UT Austin?
Applications open in the summer and close in September. Most students apply their Junior year (usually while taking NTR 371) to be on track for completing the prerequisites. Students can apply their Senior year, however, they must work with advising to ensure ICPD eligibility.
What does the selection committee look for when selecting students?
Each applicant is evaluated on the basis of:
- Academic performance: A minimum GPA of 2.7 is required though the average GPA of accepted students is 3.4. Strong improvement in grades during recent semesters is given consideration. Completion of pre-requisite courses is required.
- Work/volunteer experience: While there is no requirement for hours, experience gained through employment and volunteer activities with a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist are strongly encouraged.
- Leadership experience: The ability to work effectively in a group and provide leadership to others can be demonstrated through participation in organizations both on- and off-campus or work responsibilities.
- Knowledge of the profession: It's important to devote time to learning what dietitians do before you make the decision to spend two years pursuing this career. This can be accomplished through working with, volunteering for, or interviewing practicing dietitians in a variety of setting including hospitals, community centers, and/or foodservice, among others.
- Readiness for graduate work: Graduate coursework assumes a greater level of intellectual maturity and dedication to the subject matter compared to undergraduate coursework.
What are my chances of being accepted into the ICPD?
If you meet the evaluation criteria listed above, you have a good chance of being accepted! We accept 35-50% of the students who apply to the program, similar to the national placement rate for Dietetic Interships. We can take a maximum of 20 students but will only accept qualified students.
Can I transfer credits from another institution into the ICPD?
Yes! The UT Admissions office website has resources you can use to determine how your classes from other Texas universities and colleges will transfer. You can visit their page here for more information.
How long does the ICPD program typically take to complete?
The program is designed to last 2 years (5 semesters) inclusive of coursework and supervised practice. It starts in the fall of your senior year.
What is the curriculum structure of the ICPD?
During the initial fall semester you will complete the required undergraduate academic coursework. The following spring and summer semester you will move into supervised practice with experiences in settings like area hospitals, community centers, food service, administration, etc. We do our best to match you with settings you find interesting!
The following fall and spring semesters will consist of the required graduate coursework. There are required courses and options for electives within your field of interest. Students have the option of taking 6 credit hours outside of Department of Nutritional Sciences to satisfy the graduate degree requirement.
Is there an internship component in the ICPD, and how does it work?
Yes, the program requires a supervised practice component, which fulfills the dietetic internship requirement for becoming an RDN. Students gain practical experience in clinical, community, and foodservice settings.
We work closely with our students to find placements based on their interests and future career goals.
Can I take courses part-time or online in the ICPD?
Due to the intensive and accelerated nature of the program, we don’t currently have an option for part-time or online learning. We find that dietetics requires hands-on clinical experience, lab-based learning, and interpersonal skills that are more suited for in-person learning.
Can I work if I'm in the program?
Some students are able to work while they are enrolled in the program, but not all do as it can be difficult to manage. Most students who do work find that they have to be extremely well organized and have a job that offers a lot of flexbility with scheduling. During the supervised practice portion of the program (spring and summer semesters of the first year), students are off campus in practice for forty hours a week with additional time needed to study and complete assignments.
Are there opportunities for research or extracurricular activities related to nutrition and dietetics?
Yes! We currently offer a sports nutrition fellowship in partnership with the University of Texas Athletics Program. Students interested in research can complete the thesis option. ICPD students planning for the thesis option are strongly encouraged to engage with a lab as early as possible. We are in the process of developing fellowships in the fields of community nutrition and public health.
What career opportunities are available to graduates of ICPD?
Graduates of ICPD become RDNs and can pursue careers in many different areas of dietetics! We have program graduates working in a wide range of settings including healthcare settings, government agencies, education, and private practice.
In general, RDNs can work in:
- healthcare settings (hospitals, HMOs, nursing homes, etc.)
- sports nutrition and corporate wellness programs
- food and nutrition-related businesses and industries
- private practice
- community and public health
- universities and medical centers
- research areas
How can I contact the ICPD program for further information or to schedule a visit?
Plan to attend one of the informational meetings scheduled each semester for more information! We will post an announcement with the date and time under the Prospective Students tab. You can also follow our Instagram page @texasicpd to learn more about our program and see what our current students are up to.
If you have specific questions or would like to schedule an appointment with one of our faculty members please email the program director, Monica Milonovich.
If I have completed a DPD program and have a verification statement can I join the ICPD without having to take additional classes?
No. ICPD can only consider students seeking a BS in nutrition.
If I have a degree in a subject other than nutrition, can I apply to the ICPD program?
As of 2018, the ICPD program is only open to students seeking a BS in nutrition. If you have completed a different degree you can apply for the program. More information about how to become a registered dietitian can be found here.