Prepare for Your Future Here

The undergraduate program in nutrition prepares students for careers in the diverse field of nutrition and dietetics. You’ll acquire a strong foundation in the physical, biological, and social sciences, and come to understand the social and psychological dimensions of human nutrition. Students who obtain a BS in Nutrition and Dietetics can go on to exciting employment in dietetics-related fields, or enrich their knowledge through advanced degree programs. 

 

International Students

For international students (F-1), this program is a STEM-designated program, which can qualify you to extend your post-graduation stay in the United States. 

I loved the culture of the nutrition program. I also really enjoyed the professors and supervisors that took the time to build mentoring relationships and offered to be available for office hours for career development."

Stephanie Schnaufer, RD
Dominican University Graduate

Mission

In keeping with the goals of Dominican University and the Sinsinawa Dominican’s dedication to values-centered intellectual development, the Didactic Program will provide foundational knowledge in dietetics, science and liberal arts. We strive to provide a stimulating learning environment that will enrich diversity and prepare students for post-graduate experiences, advanced degree programs, and entry-level employment in dietetics related fields.

 

Program Goals

Program graduates will develop the breadth and depth of knowledge, skills, values and competencies in clinical dietetics, community dietetics and food service management that are necessary for dietetic internships (DI) or graduate work, and eventual professional practice at the entry level.

Objectives

  • Objective 1.1a: Program Completion: At least 80% of DPD UG students complete program requirements within 6 years (150% of planned program length)
  • Objective 1.2: Graduate Application and Acceptance into Supervised Practice: At least 80% of program graduates apply for admission to a supervised practice program prior to or within 12 months of graduation.
  • Objective 1.3:  Graduate Application and Acceptance into Supervised Practice: Of program graduates who apply to a supervised practice program, at least 70% are admitted within 12 months of graduation.
  • Objective 1.4: Graduate Performance on Registration Exam: 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 1.5: Satisfaction with Graduate Performance: At least 80% of dietetic internship program directors will rate the overall preparation of Dominican University DPD graduates as prepared for the dietetic internship.
  • Objective 1.6: Program Graduate’ Satisfaction: At least 80% of program graduates will agree that the program prepared them to enter supervised practice or graduate school.

Program graduates will develop cultural competence and be prepared to work in diverse communities.

  • Objective 2.1: At least 80% of program graduates will agree that they gained an appreciation for cultural diversity through their Dominican experience.

Specific program objectives that align to each of these program goals are detailed in the Student Handbook (pdf opens in a new window). Program outcomes are available on our Consumer Information page or by request to the Program Director.

Go Further

Nutrition students have the option of applying to Dominican University’s two graduate programs in dietetics, both ACEND-accredited.

Career Opportunities for Nutrition and Dietetics Majors
 

Career Options

  • Clinical Dietetics
  • Consulting
  • Consumer Affairs
  • Employee/Corporate Wellness
  • Food Product Development
  • Grant Writing
  • Health Education
  • Management
  • Sports Nutrition
  • Program Development
  • Public Relations
  • Research
  • Sales/Marketing
  • Teaching

Selected Employers

  • Business/Industry
  • Clinics
  • Colleges/Universities
  • Fitness Companies
  • Hospitals/Acute Care Facilities
  • Long-Term Care Facilities/Rehabilitation
  • Nonprofit Organizations
  • Pharmaceutical Companies
  • Private Practice
  • Public Health Settings
  • Publishers
  • Research Laboratories
  • Social Agencies

Influenced by Nutrition

A successful social media influencer, Samar Kullab, MS ’20 uses the knowledge she gained at Dominican to share evidence-based nutritional tips

Accreditation

Students interested in becoming a RDN can choose to complete the Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics (ACEND) Didactic Program in Dietetics (DPD) coursework. Upon completion of this coursework and their baccalaureate degree, students are eligible to receive a DPD verification statement and may apply to ACEND-accredited dietetic internship programs. The internship program consists of 1000 hours of supervised practice and is required by the Commission on Dietetic Registration in order to take the registered dietitian examination and attain the RDN credential. 

The nutrition and dietetics curriculum at Dominican is currently granted accreditation by the Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics (ACEND).

Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics 
120 S. Riverside Plaza 
Suite 2190
Chicago, IL 60606-6995 
Telephone: (800) 877-1600
Website: https://www.eatrightpro.org/acend

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 order to be approved for registration examination eligibility with a bachelor’s degree, an individual must meet all eligibility requirements and be submitted into CDR's Registration Eligibility Processing System (REPS) before 12:00 midnight Central Time, December 31, 2023. For more information about this requirement visit CDR's website: https://www.cdrnet.org/graduatedegree. 

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). Graduates who successfully complete the ACEND-accredited Didactic Program in Dietetics program at Dominican University are eligible to apply to an ACEND-accredited supervised practice program. In most states, graduates also must obtain licensure or certification to practice. For more information about state licensure requirements click here.

For more information about educational pathways to become a RDN click here.

Going out into the community showed me how important nutrition and becoming a registered dietitian are. I saw how receptive the participants in the Cooking Matters program are to you and what you are teaching them. They want to learn. And I think that is what is so satisfying.”

Molly Downey
Dominican University Graduate

For more information,
please contact:

Michel D. Harris, MS, RDN, LDN, CDE
Director, Didactic Programs in Dietetics
mharris@dom.edu(link sends email)

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