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Didactic Program in Dietetics

What is a Didactic Program in Dietetics (DPD)?

The Didactic Program in Dietetics (DPD) provides the classroom component of dietetics education, culminating in a B.S. degree. It must be followed, as a post-baccalaureate program, by an accredited supervised practice (experience) program to qualify you to take the RD and/or L.D. exams. The dietetic curriculum combines courses in chemistry, biological and social sciences, and business with courses in foods and nutrition. Program goals are outlined in the What Students Learn section of this website.

Given the sequential nature of the course work, it is essential to plan your program carefully. Required course work suggested sequences are listed under the tab, What Students Learn. At the completion of the CADE-accredited coursework, a Verification Statement will be provided (these are necessary for acceptance into CADE-accredited internship programs).

All courses in the dietetics curriculum teach knowledge and skills you will actually use in dietetics employment, and cover areas that are evaluated on the RD exam. The dietetics major is based on a very sophisticated collection of research data about what dietitians actually do in their jobs at entry-level and beyond entry-level. Required courses are designed to teach you the knowledge and skills needed for entry-level employment. All accredited DPD program curriculums meet the same competencies in view of the fact all graduates will take the same RD examination.

Applications to accredited practice programs occur during the senior year. You will enroll in FN 400, Senior Seminar - Dietetics the fall semester before (if you are scheduled to graduate in December, you will need to take FN 400 during the previous fall semester) you graduate to work through this process. Supervised practice programs are usually about a year long, but programs combined with master's degrees may last as long as two or 2-1/2 years.


Please note that this career requires a total commitment of five (or six) years of education.



How important are my Grades in this Major?

Although the total picture of you as a potential dietetic professional (grades, work experience, recommendations, etc.) is important, the aspect of good grades cannot be minimized. Internship programs have minimum grade point averages (GPAs) that are acceptable for their applications. For example, most internships give preferentiality to a GPA of 3.0/4.0 or better. Additionally, grades of "C" or lower in F&N and science courses are generally not acceptable to internship programs. In most cases, GPA is the single most important link with success in receiving an appointment to an accredited supervised practice program. Generally, it is very difficult to turn a low GPA from freshman and sophomore years into an acceptable GPA for internship programs by the last semester of the senior year.


University Admission Requirements

The University Admissions staff considers each application individually. Admission to the University is based on academic preparation and ability, and, in the case of transfer students, availability of space in the desired academic program.

"It is the policy of Southern Illinois University at Carbondale to provide equal opportunity and educational opportunities for all qualified persons without discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, handicap, sexual orientation, or marital status."


Costs to Students

A detailed description of costs related to tuition, and fees, student taxes, plus Residence Hall room and board are outlined in the Schedule of Classes each semester. Since costs vary each year, students should refer to the Schedule of Classes for the most up-to-date information related to costs.

Additional Dietetic Program expenses:

  • Transportation expenses may be incurred for the following courses:
    FN 100 Careers in Dietetics
    FN 360 Quantity Food Production
    FN 400 Senior Seminar
    FN 410 Nutrition Education
    FN 470 Medical Nutrition Therapy
    FN 480 Community Nutrition
  • Sanitation Certification fee - $35
  • Individual course materials, i.e., presentation posters, copying costs, computer disks, etc. should be expected.
  • Membership fees recommended for the program may include:
    The American Dietetic Association ($43/year)
    Southern Illinois Dietetic Association ($10/year)
    Student Nutrition Academic Council (SNAC) ($10/year or $7/semester)
  • Some transportation and meal costs and registration fees should be expected to attend professional meetings and practical experiences:
    Dietetic Student Forum (St. Louis, MO): transportation, meal, and registration  ($10)
    Legislative Workshop (Springfield, IL): transportation, meal, and registration ($20)
  • Graduation fee - $25
  • Cap and gown rental - $25
  • Most internships charge an application fee. The fees will vary, but most are between $25 and $50. In addition, it will cost $50 to apply to the matching process used for internship applications.


Financial Aid

To apply for financial aid, one must go to the Financial Aid Office located in Woody Hall. Financial aid is usually based on need (family income), which is determined after review of ones family financial form. Financial aid comes in many forms. Some financial aid must be paid back (loans) while other aid does not have to be repaid (grants). Woody Hall on the SIUC Campus

Department Guidelines:

Declaration of a Dietetics Major: A minimum of a 2.000 GPA is required for entrance into the department. To start the process of entering the Dietetics Program, a student needs to schedule an appointment with the Academic Advisor in College of Agriculture. In this interview the student's scholastic history will be reviewed and, if eligible, the student will submit a Petition for Acceptance into the Department, and be referred to the Dietetics Coordinating Counselor, Dr. Long. Your initial advisement meeting will be with Dr. Long. After she has reviewed your records and transcripts, she will assist you in outlining your semester-by-semester academic plan. You may be assigned to another advisor after this meeting with Dr. Long.

   

Department Retention: Once accepted into the Food and Nutrition Department, a student must maintain a minimum of a 2.000 GPA to remain in good standing. To have a better opportunity in achieving acceptance into an internship program a 3.000 GPA or higher is expected. Students with GPAs lower than 3.000 may be advised to change majors.


Because many FN prefixed courses are offered only fall semesters or only spring semesters, it is recommended to obtain a Graduation Check one full academic year prior to planned graduation. This allows the student to plan courses for registration to make up any deficits.

Notification Requirements for Graduation: Upon reaching the first semester of a student's senior year, the student is expected to schedule a conference with the Academic Adviser of the College of Agriculture so credentials may be reviewed to ensure all records are in order. In addition to this, during the first week of your final semester, a student needs to register with Office of Admissions and Records and file a Graduation Request (fee is $25.00). This allows Admissions and Records time to check your records to verify that you have met all requirements of your declared major. Also at this time you will need to request transcripts to be processed (remember to order enough copies for your internship applications).
If a student is expecting to participate in graduation exercises a cap and gown will need to be ordered. This should be done early and is completed at the Student Center Bookstore. Fee schedule for this varies according to the degree being conferred.


Dietetic Academic Advisers

Dr. Sara Long, Professor, DPD Director, and Coordinating Counselor, Room 213C Quigley 453-5193
Dr. Bill Banz, Professor,
Room 207B Quigley 453-5193
Dr. Allan Higginbotham, Assistant Professor,
Room 103 Quigley 453-5193                                                Ms. Dawn Null, Instructor & Dietetic Internship Coordinator, Room 209A Quigley 453-5193
Dr. Kola Ajuwon, Assistant Professor,
Room 115 Agriculture 453-1768
Dr. Sharon Peterson, Assistant Professor,
Room 207A Quigley 453-5193

Students are responsible for scheduling at least one advisement appointment with their academic adviser each semester. It is a good idea to meet with your adviser prior to enrolling for the next semester. It is important for students to feel comfortable with their adviser since the adviser will be providing assistance in:

  • Planning a schedule of required courses.
  • Providing information about scholarships, professional organizations and job openings.
  • Making plans for future endeavors.
  • Identifying and marketing their strengths.
  • Communicating pre-professional and professional expectations.
  • Nurturing professional growth and development.

Students always have the option to request to be assigned to a specific adviser and/or to change advisers at any time.

 

The Advisement Process

Interview: Through an appointment with your assigned adviser, you will discuss your strengths and weaknesses resulting in development of a course load which will help you in achieving your goals and assist in completing required course work.

Pre-Registration: At the time of advisement, you and your adviser will fill out and sign the Registration Form. Your adviser will schedule time (appointment) so your selection of classes may be entered into the computer as soon as pre-registration begins. Some advisors will encourage their advisees to register for classes using the SalukiNet process.  Completion of the registration form with your advisor does not guarantee enrollment in a class. You are not formally enrolled in a course until the University via computer registration or SalukiNet registration has acknowledged your choice of courses.

Closed Class Procedures: When entering schedules into the computer system, a class may be shown to be "closed". If you still wish to try to enter that class you must fill out a Closed Class form and have the course Instructor sign his/her consent for you to register. Bring the signed form to the Department Secretary to be enrolled in the course.

Drop/Add Procedures: To Add or Drop a class, you must make an appointment with your advisor. Using the Drop/Add (Registration) form, obtain the signature of your adviser or Department Chairperson. Adding or dropping may be accomplished at Quigley or Ag, depending upon the week of the semester.


Student Conduct:
The Student Conduct Code, found in the SIUC Undergraduate Catalog outlines students' rights and responsibilities. In brief, students are entitled to all rights guaranteed by the constitution. Students have the responsibility to remain honest in academic endeavors (not plagiarizing, cheating, or knowingly or willingly falsifying data) and avoid social misconduct. Acts of academic dishonesty may result in a failing grade for the assigned work in connection with which the violation occurred, or a failing grade for the course.
Dietetic students should also become familiar with the Code of Ethics for the Profession of Dietetics. All members of The American Dietetic Association and Registered Dietitians are bound to abide by this code of ethics. Students should expect to follow the Code while students in their Didactic Programs and Internships.


Are There Scholarships Available for Dietetic Majors?

Scholarships specific to dietetics majors are available for sophomores, juniors, and seniors from The American Dietetic Association Foundation .
The College of Agriculture also has several general scholarship opportunities. These are available in the Deans' Office Scholarship information is also available from the Financial Aid Office.

 

Role of the DPD Advisory Committee
The DPD seeks advice on an ongoing basis from the Student Oriented Academic Review Committee that is composed of professional educators, dietetic practitioners, other professional representatives from business and industry, a recent graduate from the program, and a senior dietetic student. The committee meets twice annually to review the DPD program. Objectives of the advisory committee include:

  • Review current DPD curriculum related to student course evaluations.
  • Review recruiting, admission, and selection procedures for students.
  • Review evaluation data from graduates.
  • Plan program modifications as proposed by students and recommended by committee.
  • Review registration examination results and adopts action plan as needed.

 

Complaint Process
The University has a number of grievance procedures that are outlined in the Undergraduate Catalog. Dietetic education programs accredited or approved by the Commission on Accreditation for Dietetics Education (CADE) must provide the following information to students:

The Commission on Accreditation on Dietetics Education will review complaints that relate to a program's compliance with the accreditation/approval standards. The Commission is interested in the sustained quality and continued improvement of dietetics education programs but does not intervene on behalf of individuals or act as a court of appeal for individuals in matters of admission, appointment, promotion or dismissal of faculty, staff, or students.

A copy of the accreditation/approval standards and/or the Commission's policy and procedure for submission of complaints may be obtained by contacting the Education staff at the Commission on Accreditation for Dietetics Education, 120 South Riverside Plaza, Suite 2000, Chicago, IL 60606-6995 or by calling 800/899-0040 ext. 5400.

 

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[Updated 8/17/06]