EIU Nutrition and Dietetics

DPD Mission and Goals

The mission of the Didactic Program in Dietetics (DPD) is to prepare students for supervised practice leading to eligibility for the CDR credentialing exam to become a registered dietitian nutritionist.  The program is committed to instilling in students the ability to be critical and independent thinkers while working in a collaborative environment, considering all aspects of the person, becoming leaders in a diverse environment, and promoting an appreciation of and dedication to the profession of dietetics.

The following program goals and objectives have been identified for the years 2017-2023:

Goal 1. Prepare graduates to have the foundational knowledge and skills as defined by the Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics (ACEND) for entry-level registered dietitian nutritionists (RDN).

1.1      At least 80% of students are expected to complete the BS in FCS: Dietetics Option (BS in Nutrition and Dietetics after Fall 2019) within 150% of the program length (6 years for native students, 3 years for transfer students).  

1.2      Within 12 months post-graduation, at least 60% of DPD alumni will participate in the computer match process. 

1.3      A minimum of 50% of those DPD students who participate in the computer match program, will be matched.

1.4      Within one year of completing a dietetic internship, at least 80% of graduates will have passed the RDN exam at first-try.

1.5      At least 80% of the DI Directors surveyed will be satisfied with the knowledge and skills the DPD graduates brought forth to the internship program.

1.6      Within 6 months post-graduation, ≥ 80% of DPD alumni will be satisfied with the education they received in DPD program.

Goal 2. Prepare graduates to become leaders in a diverse environment as an entry-level registered dietitian nutritionist.

2.1      At least 80% of DPD senior students will have achieved the competencies such as working with individuals from various socio-economic and demographics backgrounds, as set forth by ACEND.

2.2      At least 80% of graduates seeking employment related to foods and nutrition will obtain full-time employment within one year.

2.3      A minimum of 85% of graduating students, who apply to graduate schools, will be accepted into at least one.

2.4      85% of program alumni responding to alumni surveys will report being adequately prepared for professional practice.

Progress made towards these goals, and their subsequent objectives, are available upon request.  Please contact Mrs. Bethni Gill for more information.