Nutrition and Dietetics

The undergraduate program in nutrition prepares students for careers in the diverse field of nutrition and dietetics. Students will 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 may eventually hold positions in health care, food service management, food sales and marketing, consumer service, or the food industry.

The mission of the Didactic Program in Dietetics program is as follows: In keeping with the goals of Dominican University and the Sinsinawa Dominican’s dedication to values-centered intellectual development, the 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.

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. 

Program Goals

Goal #1: 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.

Goal #2: 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). Program outcomes are available on our Consumer Information page or by request to the Program Director.

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. 

Students also have the option of applying to Dominican University's ACEND-accredited programs in dietetics: MBA/RDN Coordinated Program or Master of Science in Nutrition with Supervised Practice. These programs allow students to complete both didactic course work and supervised practice.  

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.