Curriculum
Integrated, Competency-Based Curriculum
The 探花楼–Houston GPND is a 16-month, full-time program that integrates graduate coursework with a minimum of 1,010 hours of supervised experiential learning across four consecutive semesters. Students progressively develop and demonstrate the knowledge and skills required for entry-level practice as Registered Dietitian Nutritionists.
The curriculum is aligned with ACEND accreditation standards for graduate programs. Students are informed through course syllabi and program materials where required competencies and performance indicators are introduced, reinforced and assessed. Competency achievement is documented throughout the program and verified prior to issuance of the Verification Statement.
Coursework is delivered through a combination of in-person, hybrid and online formats, while supervised experiential learning is completed primarily in person at affiliated practice sites throughout the Greater Houston area.
Program Structure
Students complete either the or the concurrently with the GPND. Detailed degree requirements are available in the 探花楼 Graduate Catalog, and the recommended semester-by-semester course sequence is available in the GPND Course Sequence document.
The 16-month program progresses across four consecutive semesters, with graduate coursework and supervised experiential learning intentionally sequenced to support increasing independence and competency development.
The GPND begins two weeks before the start of the 探花楼 fall academic calendar to allow students to complete required orientation and onboarding activities before regular university classes begin.
swipe to see the full table⇨
| Program Phase | Timing | Primary Activities |
|---|---|---|
| Fall 1: Orientation and Foundations | Begins two weeks before the 探花楼 fall academic calendar | Required orientation, onboarding, foundational coursework and preparation for supervised experiential learning |
| Fall 1: Initial SEL |
Following orientation |
Supervised experiential learning begins; Mondays are generally reserved for coursework and program activities, with rotations scheduled Tuesday through Friday |
| Spring | Second consecutive semester | Continued graduate coursework and supervised experiential learning across assigned practice settings |
| Summer | Third consecutive semester | Advanced coursework and supervised experiential learning with increasing responsibility and competency development |
| Fall 2: Integration and Completion | Final Semester | Completion of remaining coursework, supervised experiential learning, competency assessment and program completion requirements. |
| Scheduled Breaks | Throughout the program | Thanksgiving, winter break and spring break are observed according to the program schedule; other holidays and schedule changes may vary by rotation site |
| Transportation | Throughout all four semesters | Students must maintain reliable transportation to affiliated sites throughout the Greater Houston area |
Technology Requirements
Students must have access to a personal computer, reliable internet service and technology capable of supporting online coursework and virtual meetings. On-campus computer labs and technology support services are also available.
SEL Settings and Affiliated Sites
Students complete a minimum of 1,010 hours of supervised experiential learning across diverse professional practice settings. Experiences are designed to support progressive competency development and increasing independence throughout the program.
Core Practice Areas
- Medical nutrition therapy, including inpatient, outpatient and renal care
- Food systems and foodservice management
- Community and public health nutrition
- Elective experiences in emerging and specialty areas of nutrition and dietetics
The GPND maintains affiliations with healthcare systems, school districts, community organizations, public health agencies and other professional practice partners throughout the Greater Houston area. Specific placements vary based on site availability, student learning needs, competency requirements and program scheduling.
Students are generally assigned to affiliated sites within approximately 60 miles of the 探花楼 Houston campus. Placements outside this area may be considered when requested by the student and approved by the program, or when arranged as part of an approved elective, international or other individualized experience.
Placement at a specific site is not guaranteed.
Optional International Experience
Students may have the opportunity to complete an optional supervised experiential learning experience in Barbados through Internships 4 Kidney Care, a program of Nutrition 4 Kidney Care, LLC. The Barbados experience provides exposure to renal nutrition and dialysis care in an international setting and may also include culturally immersive learning activities. ()
The experience typically includes approximately 96–128 supervised experiential learning hours and may occur during a community or elective rotation period. Students who do not participate complete comparable supervised experiential learning experiences in the United States.
International experiences are supervised by qualified preceptors, and students are assessed using the same competency expectations and evaluation methods applied to domestic rotations.
Participation may involve additional travel, lodging, documentation, program fees and other expenses. Availability depends on site capacity, student readiness, program scheduling and other logistical considerations.
Additional information about Internships 4 Kidney Care and its Barbados dialysis internship is available through the organization’s website. ()
Page last updated 3:24 PM, August 19, 2026