Nutrition and Dietetics Major, B.S.

General Information:

Bachelor of Science

Deborah Piland, Didactic Program in Dietetics Director and advisor

The mission of the Dietetics program is to further develop educated persons, preparing them for a broad range of careers in the areas of dietetics or food and nutrition.

The Dietetics program will: 1) attract and retain well-qualified, competent and satisfied candidates; 2) prepare students for entry into supervised practice, graduate programs or nutrition related employment; 3) serve the College and the community by participating in nutrition related work and activities.

Students completing the nutrition and dietetics major will:

• develop an applicable knowledge of foods and nutrition, dietetics, lifespan development, consumer decision-making, and resource utilization which impact families and communities (Academic);
• gain and cultivate skills, including leadership and decision-making, in preparation for a broad range of careers in nutrition and dietetics, child development, textile and clothing, and entrepreneurship (Vocational);
• acquire and practice competencies developed through a Christian worldview to give glory to God, while also improving the quality of life for themselves and their communities (Christian);
• develop characteristics foundational to American life by serving God and country through community service, active citizenship, and servant leadership (Patriotic);
• become well-rounded individuals who value culture and cultural differences, aesthetics, and creativity (Cultural).

The Didactic Program in Dietetics (DPD) is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics (ACEND) of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics. The Dietetics major prepares students to pursue careers in dietetics, beginning with the eligibility for entrance into an Accredited Dietetic Internship and leading to eligibility to take the national registration examination. The registered dietitian (RD) is the recognized credential for professionals in the area of food and nutrition. Graduates from the Dietetics major will complete a minimum of 125 semester hours in the approved curriculum. This major may require more than eight semesters, as several courses must be taken in sequence. The ACEND foundation knowledge requirements and learning outcomes for entry-level dietitian education programs are provided through courses within the major and liberal arts education requirements. In the last semester of the senior year, dietetic students are eligible to apply for entrance into Dietetic Internships. In order to receive a Verification Statement, which is required for application to Dietetic Internships and Dietetic Technician, Registered (DTR) registration exam eligibility, the student must earn at least a 3.0 overall GPA in courses required for the major.

Requirements: