Program Mission
The mission of the Master of Science in Nutrition and Dietetics Coordinated Program at SIUE is:
- To prepare competent entry-level registered dietitian nutritionists for careers in a variety of health care settings, including sports nutrition, clinical, community, research, business, and food service, who will work towards improving the health of society through optimal nutrition practices.
- To produce graduates with critical thinking and problem-solving skills, who stay abreast of knowledge to provide effective evidence-based nutrition care and theory-based nutrition education
- To embrace the ideals of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics IDEA Action Plan, particularly fostering a culture of respect, inclusion, equity, and access and implementing methods to address bias and discrimination.
Program Goals
Goal 1: The program will prepare graduates for successful completion of the Commission on Dietetic Registration credentialing exam for dietitians.
- Objective 1: At least 80% of students complete program requirements within three years (150% of the program length)
- Objective 2: At least 80% of program graduates CDR credentialing exam for dietitian nutritionists within 12 months of program completion
- Objective 3: 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%
- Objective 4: At least 80% of program graduates will indicate they strongly agree or agree they felt adequately prepared for the CDR credentialing exam for dietitian nutritionists
Goal 2: The program will prepare competent entry-level practitioners to provide evidence-based nutrition services to individuals and groups in a variety of practice settings.
- Objective 1: Students will maintain a grade of B or better in all dietetics courses and a grade of C or better in all support (Exercise Physiology) courses
- Objective 2: Students will maintain a minimum GPA of 3.0
- Objective 3: Of graduates who seek employment, at least 80% are employed in nutrition and dietetics or related fields within 12 months of graduation
- Objective 4: Over a three-year period, 80% of preceptor respondents will rank the quality of students from SIUE as above average
- Objective 5: Over a three-year period, employers will agree or strongly agree that 80% of graduates are “well prepared” for entry-level employment.
- Objective 6: Over a three-year period, alumni respondents working in dietetics or related fields will collectively identify three different practice areas as primary job settings.
- Objective 7: At least 80% of graduates will report that they understand the IDEA Action Plan and recognize the program’s commitment and promotion of IDEA.
Information regarding program outcomes, including graduation rates and achievement on registration exam, is available upon request.
