Didactic Program in Dietetics (DPD) Area of Study

Mission

The mission of the Didactic Program in Dietetics (DPD) is to prepare students for supervised practice leading to eligibility for the Commission on Dietetic Registration (CDR) credentialing exam to become a registered dietitian nutritionist. Through educational excellence, we prepare students to serve clients and promote health and well-being in diverse settings.

Our mission is detailed in our goals and objectives.

Goal One

To enhance graduates' knowledge and skills through educational excellence leading to successful completion of a supervised practice experience.

Objectives

• At least 80% of program students complete program/degree requirements within three years (150% of the program length).
• Sixty percent of program graduates apply for admission to a supervised practice program prior to or within 12 months of graduation.
• Sixty-six percent of program graduates are admitted to a supervised practice program within 12 months of graduation.
• The program's one-year pass rate (graduates who pass the registration exam within one year of first attempt) on the CDR credentialing exam for dietitian nutritionists is at least 80%.
• Of the graduates who respond to the alumni survey and are in a supervised practice program, 60% rate their preparation for supervised practice as a 3 or higher out of 5, where 1 is "very unprepared" and 5 is "very prepared".

Goal Two

To prepare graduates to serve clients and promote health and well-being in diverse settings.

Objectives

• Of the graduates who respond to the alumni survey, 60% rate their preparation to promote health and well-being in diverse settings as a 3 or higher out of 5, where 1 is "very unprepared" and 5 is "very prepared".
• Eighty percent of dietetic internship directors who respond to a survey rate their satisfaction with program graduates' preparation and performance as a 3 or higher out of 5, where 1 is "very dissatisfied" ;and 5 is "very satisfied" .

Program outcomes data are available on request.

In addition to courses required within the School of Health Studies and outside the school, students pursuing the DPD area of study and seeking verification of DPD completion must:

• Maintain a grade point average (GPA) of at least 2.75  in DPD program courses (see advisor )and a cumulative GPA of at least 2.75.
• The major GPA for the students pursuing DPD verification will be calculated using course requirements in and outside of the school.

For a complete list of courses required to satisfy the DPD area of study, refer to the undergraduate catalog.

Tuition and University Fees

Tuition and mandatory university fees are established by Northern Illinois University and are subject to change each academic year. Current tuition rates, mandatory fees, payment deadlines, and billing information are available through the Office of the Bursar. Students are responsible for paying all tuition and university fees by published deadlines and for monitoring their student account throughout each semester.

Additional Program Expenses

In addition to university tuition and fees, students should anticipate expenses associated with participation in the Didactic Program in Dietetics. Costs vary depending on individual course requirements and professional interests and may change over time. Estimated additional expenses may include:

• Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics student membership: $58
• Textbooks and instructional materials: $500
• Laboratory coat or other required attire: $20
• Transportation for community-based learning or professional activities: Varies

Students transferring coursework to Northern Illinois University or seeking application of previously completed coursework toward Didactic Program in Dietetics (DPD) requirements should consult with their academic advisor and the Program Director. Evaluation of transfer coursework is a collaborative process involving academic advising and the Program Director to determine how previously completed coursework applies toward university degree requirements and the DPD curriculum. Official transcripts from regionally accredited institutions are reviewed to determine course equivalencies. When necessary, the Program Director conducts a detailed review of course descriptions, syllabi, learning outcomes, and other supporting documentation to determine whether previously completed coursework is equivalent to required DPD coursework and satisfies applicable ACEND competencies. Approved course substitutions are documented in accordance with university procedures. The DPD does not award credit based solely on prior work experience, employment, military service, or other forms of experiential learning. Students must complete all remaining DPD requirements and demonstrate achievement of all required ACEND Core Knowledge and Competencies for the Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (KRDNs) before a DPD Verification Statement will be issued.

The Didactic Program in Dietetics at Northern Illinois University is currently granted accreditation by the Accreditation Council for Education of Nutrition and Dietetics of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics.

120 South Riverside Plaza
Suite 2190
Chicago, IL 60606-6995
800-877-1600

Learn more about the application, other program requirements, costs and financial aid in the catalog.