ksu excellence in actionNutrition & Dietetics

Didactic Program in Dietetics (DPD)

The first curriculum leading to a Bachelor of Science Degree in Nutrition was available to students in the early 1930’s. The Didactic Program in Dietetics (DPD) at Kent State University was established in 1940. The program recently completed its site visit/evaluation and received continuing accreditation through 2010.

Students may declare nutrition and dietetics as their major at any time during their academic career. Upon completion of the four-year program, students earn a Bachelor of Science Degree in Nutrition and Food, concentration area Nutrition and Dietetics, as well as the DPD verification statement and are eligible to apply for admission to an ADA accredited dietetic internship.

Upon successful completion of the dietetic internship, students are eligible to sit for the registration examination to become a registered dietitian.

Mission Statement

The Didactic Program in Dietetics mission is to provide students with a broad general education with a strong foundation in nutrition/dietetics and the sciences. The emphasis will be on providing a program that integrates theory, research, and application of knowledge to the profession of dietetics resulting in successful students and graduates.

The program meets all university, college, and school requirements, as well as incorporate the professional knowledge requirements of the Commission on Accreditation for Dietetics Education. Completion of the program will result in the awarding of the Bachelor of Science degree in Nutrition and Food, concentration Nutrition and Dietetics and the DPD Verification Statement.

Program Goals

  1. To prepare individuals to become registered dietitians through the combination of their undergraduate degree program followed by successful completion of a supervised practice experience and the registration examination.
    • From 2001-2005, 83% of students who have applied for supervised practice programs have been accepted into a program.
    • From 2000-2004, 87% of graduates have passed the examination on the first attempt. 97.6% of graduates have passed the examination when first-time repeaters are included in the results.
  2. To prepare graduates not pursuing a career in dietetics for advanced graduate/ professional study or employment matching their individual interests and professional goals.

    Didactic Program in Dietetic Program Goals and Outcomes

Learning Outcomes

The learning outcomes are supportive of the program goals. Graduates of the didactic program in dietetics will:

  1. Demonstrate the ability to use oral and written communication skills effectively.
  2. Acquire knowledge of physical and biological sciences and be able to apply their knowledge to nutrition practice.
  3. Demonstrate the ability to interpret current research and develop critical thinking skills.
  4. Apply knowledge and skills necessary to plan and evaluate menus and diets of individuals/groups to promote nutritional health and well-being.
  5. Acquire knowledge of food safety and food production and demonstrate skills necessary for quantity food production and management of a facility.
  6. Acquire knowledge and skills required for enrollment in a supervised practice program.

Accreditation

The Kent State University undergraduate Didactic Program in Dietetics is currently granted accreditation by the Commission on Accreditation/ Approval for Dietetics Education of The American Dietetic Association, 120 South Riverside Plaza, Suite 2000, Chicago, IL 60606-6995, 312-899-5400.