Mission, Goals and Objectives

Didactic Program in Dietetics (DPD) Mission Statement

The mission of the Missouri State University DPD program is to prepare graduates committed to fostering ethical leadership, community engagement, cultural competence, and lifelong learning for acceptance into an accredited supervised practice program or professional program leading to a career in nutrition and dietetics.

Program Goal 1

Program graduates will be prepared for an accredited supervised practice program and careers in nutrition and dietetics.

Program objectives for Goal 1:

*1.1: At least 65% of program graduates apply for admission to a supervised practice program prior to or within 12 months of graduation.

*1.2: Of program graduates who apply to a supervised practice program, at least 80% are admitted within 12 months of graduation.

1.3: For those students who were not accepted into a supervised practice program or who did not apply, at least 75% will be accepted into a post-graduate professional program or obtain employment related to nutrition and dietetics within 12 months of graduation.

*Indicates an Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics (ACEND)-required program objective.

Program Goal 2

Program graduates will obtain a scientific foundation for expertise in the translation of food, nutrition, and medical science while promoting health and nutritional well-being.

Program objectives for Goal 2:

*2.1: The program’s one-year pass rate (graduates who pass the registration exam within one year of first attempt) on the CDR credentialing exam for dietitian nutritionists is at least 80%.

*2.2: At least 80% of program students complete program requirements within three years (150% of the program length).  Program completion rate is calculated by tracking students from the beginning of program admission.

*2.3: Following successful completion of a supervised practice program, 80% of dietetic internship directors will rate graduates’ performance in the internship as satisfactory or more than satisfactory on an online survey.

2.4: At least 80% of responding program graduates will report their preparation for the internship as satisfactory or more than satisfactory on an online survey.

*Indicates an ACEND-required program objective.

Program Goal 3

Program graduates will demonstrate commitment to community engagement, lifelong learning, and ethical practice.

Program objectives for Goal 3:

3.1: At least 75% of program graduates will report they have voluntarily participated in their community on an online survey.

3.2: At least 75% of responding program graduates will report that they have participated in life-long learning on an online survey.

3.3: Following successful completion of a supervised practice program, 75% of dietetic internship directors will rate graduates’ performance in ethical practice as satisfactory or more than satisfactory on an online survey.

Want to know more?

Program outcome data is available upon request.