Program Overview

Program Description

The Nutrition & Dietetics program is based on the completion of two years of prerequisite coursework at any accredited college or university. The professional program includes theory, laboratory, research, and clinical experiences. Students participate as active members of the nutrition-care team in multiple clinical settings. Administrative affiliation experience involves decision-making assignments in volume-feeding operations. Upon completion of the Masters portion of the program, the graduate is eligible to take the registration examination offered by the Commission on Dietetic Registration and become a registered dietitian.

Program Goals

1. Prepare graduates to be competent entry-level dietitians who are eligible to write the Registration Examination for Dietitians.
2. Prepare graduates who are servant leaders in their chosen profession
3. Provide professionally trained Registered Dietitians with either an emphasis in medical nutrition or public Health nutrition who may be employed by the healthcare and educational systems of the Seventh-day Adventist Church, or local, national, or international entities.

Program Outcomes

• Pass rate of first-time test takers on the registration examination. Over a five-year period, the pass rate for CP graduates taking the registration examination for the first time will be at least 80%.
• Students enrolled in the professional courses in the third year of bachelor-level CP or first year of a graduate level CP that are expected to complete program/degree requirements within 150% of the time planned for completion.
• Over a five-year period, 70% or more of CP graduates who sought employment in dietetics will be employed within three months of program completion.
• Program graduates will become servant leaders in their profession roles.

Application Deadlines

For prospective applicants planning to start the program the next Summer term, please note the following timeline:

• Applications must be submitted via DICAS (Dietetics Inclusive Centralized Application Services).
• Application window is September 1 to January 31 each year.
• Notifications regarding acceptance will be communicated by March 1.
• Applicants decision to confirm or decline the offer must be received by March 15.

Program Length

3 years (2 years undergraduate coursework plus 1 year graduate coursework).

Possible Careers

Registered Dietitian Nutritionists (RDNs) work in a variety of settings such as hospitals/healthcare facilities, private practice, community and public health settings, sports nutrition, corporate wellness programs, food industry, academic institutions, and research and development.

Admissions Requirements

Admission to the program is based upon a selective process. To be eligible for consideration, the applicant must:

• Complete program prerequisites
• Have a 3.0 G.P.A., or above, in both science and non-science prerequisite courses
• Complete an online application
• Provide recommendations
• Complete an interview

Prerequisites

• Arts & Humanities 16 quarter units/11 semester units. Select from at least three (3) subject areas: Art/Music (performing arts limited to 4 qtr/2 sem units), Art/Music Appreciation, Civilization/History, Literature, Philosophy, Religion, Foreign Language/American Sign Language)
• College Algebra, Pre-Calculus, or Calculus
• Human Anatomy with Lab & Human Physiology with Lab (complete sequence)
• General Chemistry with Lab (one full year)
• Microbiology with Lab
• A Psychology course
• A Sociology course
• Social Science Elective (Anthropology, Economics, Geography, Political Science, or an additional Psychology or Sociology)
• English Composition (complete sequence)
• Speech/Public Speaking
• Physical Education Activity (two courses) or military discharge papers (DD214)
• Human Nutrition
• Certificate of Completion or grade for a Medical Terminology course

Discipline Accrediting Agency

Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics (ACEND)

Expected Cost of Attendance

The following estimated cost of attendance is based on full-time attendance for the number of months enrolled per academic year. Estimated amounts may vary based on a number of factors. Students may use these estimates when applying for financial aid.

Required Program Costs

• Tuition & Fees: $39,159 (Year 1), $36,331 (Year 2)
• Books, Materials, Supplies & Equipment Allowance: $2,815 (Year 1), $2,500 (Year 2)

Other Educational Costs

• Living Expense (Food & Housing Allowance): varies by living situation
• Transportation Allowance: $4,200
• Miscellaneous Personal Expenses: $4,380
• Federal Student Loan Fees: $79 (Year 1), $217 (Year 2)
• Cost of Obtaining Professional License: $0
• Dependent Care: available upon request
• Disability-Related Expenses: available upon request

Notes

The cost of attendance varies from year to year. Please note that estimated amounts are for the academic year specified only and are based on full-time attendance for the number of months enrolled per academic year. International students need to calculate 12 months of living expenses based on these amounts. Amounts are expected to increase each year consistent with inflation in the professional education sector. To qualify for financial aid, most students must be enrolled at least half time in an aid eligible program and be taking degree requirements. Half time is 6 units in a quarter for undergraduate programs and 4 units in a quarter for graduate programs.