Mission & Goals | Nutrition & Dietetics

The mission of the Didactic Program in Dietetics (DPD) at the University of Cincinnati in the College of Allied Health Sciences is to educate competent, socially responsible professionals and prepare graduates to successfully enter into an accredited dietetic internship program, employment related to food and nutrition, or graduate school.  Through innovative teaching, didactic and experiential education, and scholarly work, graduates are prepared to make successful contributions in education, research, their communities, and their chosen profession.  The program encourages students to strive for excellence in practice through commitment to those they serve and to lifelong learning.

1. To provide quality didactic instruction and experiential education during the DPD Program to prepare graduates for accredited dietetic internship programs, graduate school, or careers in food, nutrition, or related professions.

2. To prepare graduates during the DPD Program who are accepted into and who complete an accredited dietetic internship to become competent entry-level dietetic practitioners.

1. Over a five-year period, average scores on the Student Exit Survey for all DPD student learning outcomes will indicate adequate to excellent ratings.
2. Over a five-year period, average scores on the DPD Graduate Survey for Student Learning Outcomes will indicate adequate to excellent ratings.
3. 80% of undergraduate students enrolled in the Bachelor of Science in Dietetics DPD program will earn a bachelor’s degree and verification statement within three years of entering junior status (taking Advanced Nutrition I) and 80% of post-graduate students enrolled in the Certificate in DPD will earn a verification statement within three years of starting junior level classes.
4. 70% of program graduates will apply for admission to a supervised practice program within twelve months of graduation. 
5. The percent of program graduates who are admitted to a supervised practice program within twelve months of graduation will be higher than the national average placement rate.
6. Over a five-year period, average scores on the Dietetic Internship Director Survey will indicate average to excellent ratings of program graduates in dietetic competency areas.
7. 80% of program graduates will have obtained employment in dietetics or another health-related field and/or be enrolled in a continuing education program within two years of graduation.
8. 80% of program graduates who complete the DPD Graduate Survey will indicate a good to excellent rating of their perceived quality education.
9. Over a five-year period, eighty percent or more of program graduates pass the CDR credentialing exam for dietitian nutritionists within one year following first attempt.