Nutrition & Food Science - Dietetics

Nutrition and Food Science Brochure With national rates of obesity and related illnesses at an all time high, and with outbreaks of food borne illnesses such as salmonella regularly making headlines, the general public has begun to realize just how important it is to eat well. Nutrition and food science focus on the chemical and biological components of food and the ways in which these ingredients affect our health. View Program Brochure - Nutrition & Food Science‌

Mission:

The mission of the Nutrition and Food Science - Dietetics program is to provide culturally diverse students with a broad general education background and a solid foundation in nutrition and food studies. The program strives to offer a supportive learning environment with enriching experiences and practical training that is responsive to student, professional and community needs. The aim of the program is prepare graduates to work in a variety of dietetic careers and to be influential and active members of the profession. The program is dedicated to excellence in intellectual development, critical thinking and social justice.

Goals and Measurable Outcomes:

I. The program will prepare students to enter dietetic internships, graduate programs, or entry-level dietetics-related careers. Outcome Measures:

1. Students will receive a “C” or greater in all courses required as part of the Didactic Program in Dietetics.
2. Student retention rate will be at least 70% for students entering the dietetics program.
3. Over a five year period, 60% of the DPD graduates will apply to supervised practice programs the academic year they complete the program.
4. At least 25% of senior dietetic students who do not enter a dietetic internship within one year after graduation will seek to enroll in higher education.
5. Students will achieve a first-time pass rate of at least 80% among graduates who take the Registered Examination for Dietitians.
6. The mean rating of knowledge base that dietetic internship directors assess program graduates will meet or exceed “satisfactory” on surveys (3 on scale of 1-5).
7. Graduates will rate the quality of their dietetics educational program as adequately preparing them for graduate studies or entry-level dietetic positions (3 or better on scale of 1-5).

II. The program will prepare students to become active members and leaders of the dietetics community. Outcome Measures:

1. At least 50% of dietetic students will become members of Montclair State Dietetics Organization (MSDO).
2. At least 30% of graduates will become active members of professional food and/or health organizations within one year after graduation.

More Major Information:

BECOMING A REGISTERED DIETITIAN (RD)

Most students majoring in Nutrition and Food Science - Dietetics choose to continue their studies to obtain credentials as a registered dietitian (R.D.). This credential qualifies students for higher positions and a greater variety of career choices. The dietetics major provides the courses necessary to meet foundation knowledge requirements of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics. The following lists the full procedures to become an RD:

• Didactic Program in Dietetics (DPD). You must complete a set of coursework which meets the educational competencies of the Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics. The specific competencies are in the areas of communications, physical and biological sciences, social sciences, research, food science, nutrition, management, and health care systems.

• Didactic Program in Dietetics (DPD) Verification Statement. Students who complete their Bachelor of Science in Nutrition and Food Science-Dietetics are entitled to receive an ACEND Verification Statement. This statement is required when students apply to dietetic internship programs and in some cases for employment. Six copies of this verification statement will be provided free of charge for students completing program requirements in December 2005 and after. During your last semester of education at MSU, request an evaluation for an ACEND verification statement from the dietetics or departmental advisors. This policy will also be announced in all upper level dietetic classes. Additional packets of 6 copies of the verification statement will require a fee of $50. Students applying to an internship program before graduation, need to obtain a Declaration of Intent to complete the DPD. 

• Bachelor's Degree. The Nutrition and Food Science - Dietetics major at MSU requires 120 credits to obtain a Bachelor of Science degree. Individuals with a Bachelor of Arts or Sciences in any field may complete the coursework to achieve a Verification Statement.

• Dietetic Internship. After completion of a bachelor's degree and obtaining an ACEND Verification Statement, individuals are eligible to enter an internship program. The intern application process is competitive. Internships generally access applicants based on DPD grades, experiences in the field of dietetics, letters of recommendation, and interviews. A list of internships is available on the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics website, www.eatright.org. Information about the application process can be found at http://www.depdpg.org and http://www.dieteticinterntips.com.

• For information about the dietetic internship at MSU go to Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics Internship

Course Requirements:

The course requirements listed below apply to those students admitted on or after Fall 2012. Anyone admitted prior to this term should refer to their Analysis of Academic Progress on WESS or see your academic advisor for your official program of study.