Human Nutrition and Dietetics

The mission of the Didactic Program in Dietetics (DPD) is to prepare graduates for successful careers in nutrition and dietetics.  These graduates will serve in diverse areas of practice in Arkansas, the United States, and the world with professionalism and leadership.  Through this preparation, graduates will be eligible for supervised practice and graduate school leading to eligibility for the CDR credentialing exam to become registered dietitian nutritionists.

Program Goal 1

Program graduates will possess the foundational technical knowledge and communication skills to be competent for entry into supervised practice, other post-graduate programs and for careers in nutrition and dietetics for individuals and families in the state of Arkansas and beyond. 

Program Goal 2

Program graduates will be prepared to be active professionals exhibiting characteristics of professionalism, leadership, and service to the profession of nutrition and dietetics and their community.

Outcome Objectives

1. At least 80% of program students complete program  requirements within 6 years (150% of the program length). 

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

3. Of program graduates who apply to a supervised practice program, at least 75% are admitted within 12 months of graduation.

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%.

5. 85% of the program graduates who complete a dietetic internship/supervised practice or graduate school will be rated as having met or exceeded performance expectations as indicated by Dietetic Internship (DI) Director Survey results.

6. 85% of the program graduates will rate their overall preparation in human nutrition and dietetics as having met or exceeded expectations.

7. 90% of Dietetic Internship Directors will agree that program graduates met or exceeded expectations for professionalism and leadership as indicated by DI Director Survey results.

8. 50% of program graduates responding to alumni survey will   report participation in professional and/or community service activities. 

9. 50% of program graduates responding to alumni survey will recognize the importance of professionalism and service through their participation in Nutrition and Dietetics professional local, state, and/or national groups and/or through service to the profession through service as a mentor to students/interns.   

Program outcomes data are available on request.