Didactic Program in Nutrition and Food Systems Program Description

The Didactic Program in Dietetics provides the required dietetics coursework leading to a bachelor's degree with a verification statement.  For those students that already have earned a bachelors degree the curriculum is design to allow students to earn a verification statement without completing a second degree.   These students may opt to take some of these courses on the graduate level for graduate credit.  If interested in this route please contact the program director for details. Graduates of CADE-accredited / approved programs who are verified by the program director may apply for dietetic supervised practice programs/internships to establish eligibility to take the national registration examination for dietitians.

Undergraduate degree plan
Undergraduate degree plan for transfer students
Minor requirements
Course descriptions
International
Non-degree seeking students

Cost to Student

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Program requirements

Mission Statement

The mission of the Didactic Program in Dietetics is to prepare students for careers as dietetics professionals who will enhance the quality of life for individuals, groups, families, organizations, and communities in the state, region, and nation. The Didactic Program provides the knowledge, skills, and values required for successful entry into a supervised practice program, graduate school, or the job market.

PROGRAM GOAL 1

To develop and maintain a high quality Didactic Program in Dietetics that prepares students for careers in dietetics and provides the knowledge, skills, and values for post-graduate education.

Institutional Mission Reference

The DPD provides the knowledge, skills, and values required for successful entry into a supervised practice program, graduate school, or the job market.

Outcome Measures

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PROGRAM GOAL 2

To prepare students to contribute to the profession and be leaders at local, state, and national levels.

Institutional Mission Reference

To prepare students for careers as dietetic professionals who will enhance the quality of life for individuals, groups, families, organizations, and communities in the state, region, and nation.

Outcome Measures

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PROGRAM GOAL 3

To develop a community of professionals that supports the needs of Mississippi and the southeast region of the United States.

Institutional Mission Reference

To prepare students for careers as dietetics professionals who will enhance the quality of life in the state, region, and nation.

Outcome Measures

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Student Learning Objectives

1. Students will demonstrate the ability to effectively communicate dietetic practice-related information, orally and in writing
2. Students will demonstrate the ability to conduct research, present and apply research findings relevant to dietetics practice.
3. Students will demonstrate the ability to use critical thinking skills to evaluate problems related to dietetic practice, synthesize relevant data, and identify solutions to problems.
4. Students will understand the role of nutrition in human health, disease prevention, and health promotion in a variety of settings.
5. Students will demonstrate knowledge of food systems, including management principles, financial management, menu planning and production, and food science.
6. Students will demonstrate professional ethics; collaboration, and participate actively in group efforts, demonstrating respect for other people's opinions, feelings, and values.

The Didactic Program in Dietetics at The University of Southern Mississippi (Southern Miss) is currently granted Initial Accreditation by the Commission on Accreditation for Dietetics Education of the American Dietetic Association, 120 South Riverside Plaza, Suite 2000, Chicago, IL 60606-6995, 312.899.5400. Graduates of the program are eligible to apply for an accredited Dietetic Internship. After completion of an internship, graduates are eligible to write the examination for Registered Dietician (R. D.) status.

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