Graduate Program in Nutrition and Dietetics (GPND) - Houston

A 16-Month Integrated Pathway to Registered Dietitian Nutritionist Practice

The TWU–Houston GPND is a selective, 16-month integrated program that combines graduate education with 1,010 hours of supervised experiential learning (SEL) to prepare future Registered Dietitian Nutritionists (RDNs).

The program is intentionally designed to integrate advanced academic preparation with progressive, practice-based learning. Leadership development is embedded throughout coursework and supervised experiences to cultivate the professional competencies outlined in the ACEND 2022 Future Education Model Graduate Program (FEM/GP) Standards, including clinical reasoning, ethical practice, interprofessional collaboration, communication, and evidence-informed decision-making. The curriculum follows a competency-based education model in which didactic coursework, simulation experiences, and supervised experiential learning are integrated to support progressive development and demonstration of required competencies.

Students participate in structured interprofessional education (IPE) and simulation-based learning experiences that strengthen teamwork, accountability, and patient-centered communication within complex healthcare environments.

Located in the Greater Houston area—home to one of the nation’s largest and most diverse healthcare markets—students engage in clinical, community, and food systems experiences that reflect the scope and complexity of contemporary dietetics practice. The program has demonstrated strong student outcomes and consistent preparation for credentialing and transition into professional practice.

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Graduation and Program Completion Requirements 

To complete the TWU-Houston GPND, students must:

• Successfully complete all required didactic coursework within one of the approved degree plans or demonstrate achievement of selected didactic competencies through the program’s Prior Assessed Learning (PAL) process, when applicable
• Complete a minimum of 1,010 supervised experiential learning (SEL) hours
• Demonstrate achievement of all ACEND 2022 Future Education Model Graduate Program (FEM/GP) competencies at the required performance level
  
• Maintain a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0
  
• Adhere to professional conduct and program policies outlined in program and university materials

Applicants who already hold a Program Director-approved nutrition-related master’s degree may, in limited circumstances and with Program Director approval, complete required GPND components as a non-degree-seeking student while pursuing competency verification through the Prior Assessed Learning (PAL) process. These students must still complete required supervised experiential learning, required SEL coursework, and all remaining program requirements necessary for issuance of the Verification Statement.

Upon successful completion of the GPND, graduates receive a Verification Statement, are eligible to sit for the Commission on Dietetic Registration (CDR) credentialing examination, and may pursue state licensure consistent with applicable regulations.

Program Distinctions

• Integrated graduate coursework and supervised experiential learning completed concurrently over four semesters
• Competency-based curriculum aligned with the ACEND 2022 Future Education Model Graduate Program Standards
• Structured leadership development embedded throughout coursework and supervised practice
• Required interprofessional education and simulation-based learning
• Access to major healthcare systems in one of the nation’s largest medical markets
• Competitive cohort size that supports individualized faculty mentorship

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