Nutrition and Dietetics Program Goals

Students are prepared to assume entry-level positions in settings where applied nutrition and/or foodservice management services are provided. This concentration meets the requirements of the Didactic Program in Dietetics (DPD). Students in this concentration who wish to pursue eligibility for the Registration Examination for dietitians must apply for admission to a post-baccalaureate ACEND-accredited supervised practice program. Students should contact the DPD advisor for assistance with the application process.

1. The program will prepare graduates to become nutrition professionals.

a. 50% Nutrition and Dietetics concentration graduates (DPD) will apply to either a Dietetic Internship (DI) program or pathways offering supervised practice within 12 months of graduation. Of those applying, 50% will be accepted into DIs or pathways offering supervised practice.

b. Students will respond 3 or higher on a five-point scale on each course evaluation when asked if the course meets the specific Core Knowledge of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics identified for that course.

c. Graduates will respond 3 or higher on a five-point scale when asked to assess their academic background in subject areas, some of which comprise the Core Knowledge, when surveyed 1-2 years after program completion.

d. Employers will respond 3 or higher on a five-point scale on the Employer or Dietetic Internship Director Questionnaire when asked to rate graduates’ preparation for an entry-level dietetic position.

2. The program will prepare graduates to become dedicated learners throughout life and career.

a. 80% (of respondents) of the Nutrition and Dietetics concentration students who completed a dietetic internship will have completed the continuing professional educational requirements of the Commission on Dietetic Registration and remained Registered Dietitians when surveyed five years after program completion.

b. 50% (of respondents) Nutrition and Dietetics concentration students who do not complete a dietetic internship will be employed in the food and nutrition field and will identify at least one method of continuing professional education when surveyed five years after program completion.

3. The program will foster a variety of careers in food and nutrition.

a. Graduate responses related to job titles on the Food and Nutrition concentrations’ graduate surveys will indicate that graduates are employed in at least three areas of nutrition and dietetics when surveyed 1 – 2 years after program completion.

4. The program will enable students to develop technology proficiency.

a. Students will respond 3 or higher on a five-point scale on course evaluations when asked if specific courses meet the Core Knowledge 2.1 The curriculum must include opportunities to develop a variety of communication skills sufficient for entry into pre-professional practice.

5. The program will prepare Nutrition and Dietetics concentration students who have completed a dietetic internship to pass the Registration Examination administered by the Commission on Dietetic Registration of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics.

a. The Nutrition and Dietetics program graduates over a 5-year period will achieve at least an 85% first-time pass rate on the Registration Examination for Dietitians administered by the Commission on Dietetic Registration.