Philosophy

The OSU DPD integrates a strong background in science, culinary competence, medical nutrition therapy, food systems management, communication skills and professionalism to position graduates to be effective practitioners of prevention. Food knowledge remains at the core of training since behavior changes associated with health promotion through nutrition, require clear, specific recommendations involving food.

Mission

Our Mission is to uphold academic excellence in the promotion of foods, nutrition and health within the context of human behavior and disease prevention. We prepare students for supervised practice leading to eligibility for the Commission on Dietetic Registration examination to become a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist, graduate school or the workforce in nutrition or a related field. The program aims to develop graduates who are committed to professional contributions, leadership and service.

Goals

1. The DPD will prepare graduates for entry into supervised practice, other post-graduate programs, or the food and nutrition-related workforce.
2. The program will prepare graduates who are committed to professional involvement, leadership and service.

Objectives

• At least 80% of program students will complete the DPD program requirements within 150% (3 years) of the expected program completion time.
• Over a 5- year period, at least 60% of students graduating from the DPD program will apply for supervised practice within 12 months of graduating.
• At least 20% of students that do not apply for supervised practice within 12 months of graduating from the DPD program will apply to graduate programs as the minimum entry-level education requirement increase approaches.
• Over a 5-year period, at least 80% of those that apply to supervised practice within 12 months of DPD completion will be accepted into supervised practice.
• Each June, 90% of graduating seniors will describe each relevant skill evaluated as >3.0 on a 1-4 point scale (> proficient).
• Evaluations by supervised practice program directors will reflect a mean score of >70% (>5.0 on a 1-7 scale) for the DPD adequacy of preparation for entering supervised practice.
• DPD program alumni evaluations will reflect a mean score of >70% (>5.0 on a 1-7 scale) for the DPD adequacy in preparing for supervised practice or combined masters/DI programs.
• At least 80% of DPD graduates over a 5-year period will pass the CDR credentialing exam for RDNs within one year following the first attempt.
• Over a 5-year period, at least 60% of alumni responding to surveys will indicate involvement in professional activities, leadership or volunteer service.

Program outcomes data are available upon request.