Bachelor of Science in Nutrition: Dietetics Option

Dietetic education at Auburn University dates back to 1921, shortly after the inception of the American Dietetic Association in 1917 dedicating the profession to helping the government conserve food and improve the public's health and nutrition. The Nutrition/Dietetics option is designed to prepare students interested in completing the requirements to become a Registered Dietitian (RD) and Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RDN). This option prepares students for careers in clinical nutrition, community nutrition, public health, wellness, nutrition education and counseling, foodservice management, and food and nutrition in industry.

The Bachelor of Science degree in Nutrition/Dietetics consists of a 2-year pre-professional component and the 2-year Professional Didactic Program in Dietetics (DPD). Graduates who successfully complete the Didactic Program in Dietetics are qualified to apply for a post-baccalaureate supervised-practice program (e.g., a dietetic internship), which is a requirement for eligibility to take the National Registration Examination for Dietitians and earn the RD/RDN credential.

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Mission

The mission of the Didactic Program in Dietetics (DPD) at Auburn University is to provide a high quality program that will prepare graduates for supervised practice, leading to eligibility for the CDR credentialing exam to become a registered dietitian nutritionist dedicated to enhancing human well-being and quality of life through food and nutrition.

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DPD Program Goals and Outcome Measures

Goal 1:

To prepare DPD graduates by emphasizing foundation knowledge and competency in nutrition and dietetics so that graduates of the DPD will successfully apply their undergraduate education in post-baccalaureate supervised practice (e.g., dietetic internships, coordinated master's programs, or individualized supervised practice pathway (ISPP)), graduate/professional studies, and entry-level practice.

Outcome Objectives

  • Within 3 years of admission to the professional-DPD curriculum, 80% of students will complete the requirements to receive a Verification Statement of DPD program completion.
  • 60% of DPD graduates will apply to dietetic internships/supervised practice prior to or within 12 months of graduation.
  • 60% of DPD graduates applying to dietetic internships/supervised practice are admitted to a supervised practice program within 12 months of graduation.
  • The DPD 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 will be at least 80%.
  • 90% of DPD graduates who complete a dietetic internship/supervised practice experience will be rated by their program directors as having met or exceeded the performance expectations of the program.
  • DPD graduates responding to the senior survey will report a mean satisfaction rating of very good or outstanding with their Auburn University education.
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Goal 2:

To provide experiential learning opportunities outside of the traditional classroom setting to enrich DPD graduates' education and preparation for professional practice.

Outcome Objectives

  • 100% of DPD graduates will have participated in learning activities in each of the three experiential settings: clinical, community, and food service operations and management.
  • 25% of DPD graduates will have participated in undergraduate student research in nutrition, dietetics, food science, or related areas.
  • 25% of DPD graduates will have participated in a study abroad or regional experience to foster cultural competency.
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All information on this website as well as program costs and other pertinent information can be found in the DPD handbook.

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Effective January 1, 2024, the Commission on Dietetic Registration (CDR) will require a minimum of a master’s degree to be eligible to take the credentialing exam to become a registered dietitian nutritionist (RDN). In addition, CDR requires that individuals complete coursework and supervised practice in program(s) accredited by the Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics (ACEND). In most states, graduates also must obtain licensure or certification to practice. Graduates who successfully complete the ACEND-accredited didactic program at Auburn University are eligible to apply to an ACEND-accredited supervised practice program.

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Accreditation Status


The Auburn University's Didactic Program in Dietetics is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, 120 South Riverside Plaza, Suite 2000, Chicago, IL 60606-6995, (312) 899-0040 ext. 5400. /www.eatright.org/ACEND.

Program Director:
Blanche Moreman
bam0057@auburn.edu
334-844-3271

Bachelor of Science in Nutrition: Dietetics Option

Dietetic education at Auburn University dates back to 1921, shortly after the inception of the American Dietetic Association in 1917 dedicating the profession to helping the government conserve food and improve the public's health and nutrition. The Nutrition/Dietetics option is designed to prepare students interested in completing the requirements to become a Registered Dietitian (RD) and Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RDN). This option prepares students for careers in clinical nutrition, community nutrition, public health, wellness, nutrition education and counseling, foodservice management, and food and nutrition in industry.

The Bachelor of Science degree in Nutrition/Dietetics consists of a 2-year pre-professional component and the 2-year Professional Didactic Program in Dietetics (DPD). Graduates who successfully complete the Didactic Program in Dietetics are qualified to apply for a post-baccalaureate supervised-practice program (e.g., a dietetic internship), which is a requirement for eligibility to take the National Registration Examination for Dietitians and earn the RD/RDN credential.

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Accreditation Status


The Auburn University's Didactic Program in Dietetics is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, 120 South Riverside Plaza, Suite 2000, Chicago, IL 60606-6995, (312) 899-0040 ext. 5400. /www.eatright.org/ACEND.

Program Director:
Patricia Z. Marincic, PhD, RD, LD, CLE
pzm0015@auburn.edu
334-844-3271