Program Mission:
The mission of the Didactic Program in Dietetics (DPD) is to provide a strong undergraduate program in the areas of food and nutrition, and to prepare students for careers in food and nutrition and to become eligible to apply for entrance into a supervised practice. 

This mission is in agreement with the mission of the University of Alabama, the College of Human Environmental Sciences, and the Department of Human Nutrition and Hospitality Management.

Program Strategy:
Through quality faculty, research, industry collaboration, and service activities, the Department strives to contribute to the generation of new knowledge in the areas of foods and nutrition, and to apply this knowledge to improving the quality of life for individuals, families, and communities.

Program Goals and Objectives:
The DPD Program has several goals and objectives to meet ACEND requirements. The goals and objectives also support the mission of the department, the college, and the university.

The program established 2 goals and corresponding objectives that reflect and support the program’s mission statement and the environment in which the program exists. The program goals and respective objectives are:

Program Goal 1: Program graduates will have the breadth and depth of skills, knowledge, and competencies to enter into a Supervised Practice program (DI, CP, ISPP) or for careers in nutrition and dietetics.  

ACEND Required Objective 1: All Program Tracks – At least 80% of students complete program requirements within 6 years (150% of planned program length) (RE 2.1.c.1.a)   
ACEND Required Objective 2: At least 60% of program graduates apply for admission into a supervised practice program prior to or within 12 months of graduation. (RE 2.1.c.1.b.1)
ACEND Required Objective 3: Of program graduates who apply to supervised practice program, at least 50% are admitted within 12 months of graduation. (RE 2.1.c.1.b.2)
ACEND Required Objective 4: 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%. (RE 2.1.c.1.c)
ACEND Required Objective 5: At least 80% of supervised practice Program Directors will rate DPD program graduates foundation knowledge and preparation for supervised practice at least a satisfactory rating (3 or higher on a scale of 5.0). (RE 2.1.c.1.d)
ACEND Required Objective 6: Of program graduates, at least 75% of program graduates will rate their overall satisfaction with program’s preparation of student to enter into supervised practice or careers in nutrition or dietetics at a satisfactory rating (3 or higher on a scale of 5). (RE 2.1.c.1.d)

Program Goal 2: Program graduates will contribute in improving the quality of lives in diverse communities through leadership or service/volunteerism.  

Program Objective 1: 70% of DPD students will participate in a minimum of 2 DEI activities which exposes the students to different culture prior to completing the program, and will rate their cultural & DEI understanding 3.0 or higher (on a 5.0 scale)
Program Objective 2: 80% of DPD students will participate in one service-learning activity prior to graduation, and will rate their experience 3.0 or higher (on a scale of 5.0)
Program Objective 3: 80% of the DPD students will complete a leadership self-assessment prior to graduation, and will rate their leadership abilities/skills 2.5 or higher (on a 5.0 scale)

Program Outcomes:

The program outcomes data for the DPD are available upon request. Contact the DPD Director for information.