Mission

The mission of the Didactic Program in Dietetics (DPD) at Auburn University is to provide a high quality program what will prepare graduates for successful careers as entry-level dietitians dedicated to enhancing human well-being and quality of life through food and nutrition.

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

• Over a 5-year period, 80% of DPD graduates taking the Registration Examination for the first time will pass the exam.
• Over a 1-year period, 90% of DPD graduates taking the Registration Examination will pass the exam.
• Over a 5-year period, the mean exam scores of program graduates of the Auburn University DPD will exceed the national mean on the Registration Examination in each of the following areas: total score, food and nutrition, and foodservice systems management.
• Within 3 years of admission to the professional-DPD curriculum, 85% of students will complete the requirements to receive a Verification Statement of DPD program completion.
• Over a 5-year period, 60% of DPD graduates will apply to dietetic internships/supervised practice within 12 months of graduation.
• Over a 5-year period, 50% of DPD graduates applying to dietetic internships/supervised practice in the academic year of program completion will be accepted.
• Within 3 years of DPD program completion 85% of graduates will report employment in dietetics and nutrition-related positions or enrollment in graduate or professional school.
• 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.

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.

Goal 3:

To develop graduates' professional and leadership skills and a commitment to lifelong learning.

Outcome Objectives

• Among senior DPD students, 25% will have participated in professional organizations, served in leadership roles, and/or been recognized with student awards/nominations.
• Within 5 years of completing the DPD, 25% of graduates will report that they have held or are currently holding a leadership role in a professional, community, or civic organization.
• Within 5 years of completing the DPD, 75% of graduates will report that they have participated in one or more community or professional service activities.
• Within 5 years of graduation, 25% of graduates will have sought advanced degrees.

Information to the Public

Program outcome data is available to the public, and current and prospective students upon request. Please send a written request to Dr. Patricia Z. Marincic, Program Director Didactic Program in Dietetics at pzm0015@auburn.edu.