The dietetics track (Didactic Program in Dietetics, DPD) meets the academic requirements of a program that is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation for Dietetics Education (CADE; phone 312-899-0040, ext. 5400) of The American Dietetic Association (ADA), 120 South Riverside Drive, Suite 2000, Chicago, IL 60606-6995.
The departmental goals for the DPD program are to
- Provide high-quality instruction in the preparation of competent entry-level dietetic professionals
- Provide resources to recruit new majors and provide advising and career planning support to students who are enrolled in the DPD
- Provide food and nutrition services to the university, local community, and/or professional organizations
The completion of this program at IUP prepares students to apply for a CADE-accredited supervised practice program en route to becoming a registered dietitian. This track will prepare an individual to serve as a translator of food and nutrition science information for members of the larger community with respect to healthful food preparation, healthy eating behaviors, medical nutrition therapy, management of nutrition delivery and food service systems, and advocacy for the profession of dietetics. Graduates of this program will exhibit an in-depth knowledge of food, nutrition, behavioral sciences, and management theory. Specific Student Learning Outcomes (SLOs) for students in DPD – Dietetics Track are to be able to
- Communicate effectively
- Demonstrate problem-solving ability and critical-thinking skills
- Manage, supervise, and learn within the context of dietetic practice
- Develop leadership and team-building skills
- Use appropriate technologies within the discipline
- Translate the role of nutrients and food to provide for health and well-being
- Provide effective nutrition education to individuals and groups from diverse populations
For more information, see the undergraduate catalog.
