The Department of Nutrition and Food Studies offers a Didactic Program in Dietetics (DPD) for students who are interested in pursuing the Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RD/RDN) credential. To become an RD/RDN, first, you must complete the academic requirements and hold a Bachelor’s degree. Next, you complete the 1200 hours of supervised practice at an ACEND-accredited Dietetic Internship program. Upon successful completion of your academic requirements and supervised practice, you are eligible to take the RD/RDN examination. The Commission on Dietetics Registration (CDR) confers the RD/RDN credential upon passing the exam. RD/RDNs are required to be licensed/certified in some states. This requirement is not applicable in the state of New Jersey. Learn more about Careers in Dietetics. Effective January 1, 2024, all students who wish to sit for the exam to become Registered Dietitian Nutritionists (RD/RDN), will be required to have a master’s degree.
Accredited by the Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics (ACEND)*, the DPD at Montclair includes required coursework necessary to complete core knowledge requirements and learning outcomes. Students may complete the DPD via three tracks: BS DPD, MS DPD, and the Certificate Program (AND certificate). A Verification Statement is issued to DPD students in all three pathways after successful completion of required coursework has been verified (i.e. Grade C or better in all DPD courses). Please refer to the Academic Calendar, Policies and Procedures, Cost of Attendance and Financial Aid.
- *The following is the contact information of the Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics (ACEND) of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics: 120 South Riverside Plaza, Suite 2190, Chicago, Illinois 60606-6995. Telephone: 312-899-0049
Mission, Goals, Objectives
The mission of the Didactic Program in Dietetics 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 to 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. To accomplish this mission, the DPD at Montclair has established two program goals.
GOAL 1. Graduates will have the knowledge and skills in nutrition and food necessary for supervised practice or entry-level nutrition and dietetics related careers.
OBJECTIVES:
- At least 80% of graduates will rate that they felt prepared or more than prepared for entry into practice
- At least 80% of program students complete program/degree requirements within 150% of the program length (i.e. 6 years for BSDPD and 3 years for MSDPD)
- At least 60% of program graduates apply for admission to a supervised practice program prior to or within 12 months of graduation.
- At least 40% 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 the first attempt) on the CDR credentialing exam for dietitian nutritionists is at least 80%.
GOAL 2. Graduates will become active members and leaders of the dietetics community
OBJECTIVES:
- At least 30% of dietetic students will become members of Montclair State Dietetics Organization (MSDO).
- At least 30% of graduates will become active members of professional food and/or health organizations within one year after graduation.
- The mean rating of preparation for a supervised practice that dietetics internship directors assess program graduates will meet or exceed “satisfactory” on surveys (3 on scale of 1-5)
Program Outcome data are available upon request from the director of the Didactic Program in Dietetics, Dr. Lauren Dinour.