Mission
The University of Maryland Dietetics Program aims to provide a robust academic foundation which emphasizes the sciences, research principles, and outreach services for health, nutrition, and food. This is done through a curriculum that cultivates critical thinking skills and teaching that upholds the value of diversity and inclusion. Graduates are highly skilled and competent for supervised practice and/or graduate study leading to eligibility for the Commission on Dietetic Registration credentialing exam to become Registered Dietitian Nutritionists.
Program Goals and Objectives
Program Goal 1: To prepare graduates for successful acceptance into an accredited supervised practice program (e.g. dietetic internships, individualized supervised practice pathways, Future Education graduate programs), graduate education, and/or entry level professional positions requiring foods and/or nutrition expertise.
Program Objectives for Goal 1:
- At least 80% of program students complete the program/degree requirements within 3 years (150% of program length).
- At least 60% of program graduates will apply for admission to a MS/Supervised Practice Experience (SPE) prior to or within 12 months of graduation.
- Of program graduates who apply to a MS/SPE program, at least 80% will be admitted to the program of their choice.
Program Goal 2:
Graduates will exhibit high-quality knowledge, skills, and professionalism necessary to succeed in diverse and inclusive environment at accredited supervised practice program (e.g. dietetic internships, individualized supervised practice pathways, Future Education graduate programs), graduate education, and/or nutrition and dietetics professions.
Program Objectives for Goal 2:
- 85% of MS/SPE program directors responding to a survey will report ≥ 2.5 or better (on a scale of 1-5, poor to exceptional) on all items when asked how UMD DPD coursework and advising prepared our graduates for a career in nutrition and dietetics.
- Over a 3-year period, 90% of graduates who enter MS/SPE program will indicate that our DPD program prepared them to successfully meet the demands of that program.
