Mission, Program Goals and Objectives

Mission

The mission of the Didactic Program in Dietetics at the University of Northern Colorado is to prepare students to professionally address the changing needs of society and industry in food, nutrition, and dietetic fields. Through the provision of didactic and experiential education, the program is designed for graduates to attain knowledge and skill competencies defined by the Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics. Congruent with the School of Human Science’s mission, instructional quality and service are emphasized throughout the curriculum.

Program Goals and Objectives

The Didactic Program in Dietetics has two broad goals with expected objectives for each goal. These objectives are measured on a regular basis for the purpose of maintaining quality and making improvements as needed.

Goal 1. The program will prepare graduates for supervised practice programs, graduate education, and employment in foods and nutrition related positions as registered dietitian nutritionists and support students’ timely program completion.

• Objective 1a. 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%. 
• Objective 1b. 70% of program graduates apply for admission to a supervised practice program prior to or within 12 months of graduation.
• Objective 1c. 60% of program graduates are admitted to a supervised practice program within 12 months of graduation.
• Objective 1d. At least 80% of survey responses from employers of graduates regarding their satisfaction with the graduate’s preparedness to apply knowledge and skills will be 3 or greater on a scale of 1-5, with 5 being excellent.
• Objective 1e. At least 80% of survey responses from supervised practice program directors regarding satisfaction of the intern’s preparedness for supervised practice will be 3 or greater on a scale of 1-5, with 5 being excellent.
• Objective 1f. At least 80% of program students complete program/degree requirements within 3 years (150% of program length.) (On-campus DPD track).
• Objective 1g. At least 80T of program students complete program/degree requirements within 2.25 years (150% of program length.) (Distance DPD track).

Goal 2. The program will promote service and professionalism through volunteering, leadership and research.   

• Objective 2a. At least 60% of graduates will be active members of professional associations, hold leadership positions and/or conduct research.

Program Outcome Data is available upon request.