Mission, Goals, & Objectives

The mission of the Doctorate in Clinical Nutrition (DCN) degree program is to prepare graduates to become Registered Dietitian Nutritionists who are leaders in the profession. Graduates expand the knowledge of clinical nutrition to improve health outcomes with particular attention to the needs of underserved or vulnerable populations.

Goal #1

Graduates are competent registered dietitian nutritionists, who are prepared for leadership roles in healthcare settings.

• At least 80% of program graduates complete program requirements within 4.5 years for full time and 6 years for part time (150% of program length).
• Of graduates who seek employment, 90% are employed in nutrition and dietetics or related fields within 12 months of graduation.
• 100% of program graduates take the CDR credentialing exam for dietitian nutritionists within 12 months of program completion.
• 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%.
• 80% of returned employer surveys rank graduates working in the field of dietetics as "adequately prepared".
• 50% of graduates are employed in and/or hold a volunteer position in a leadership position one year after graduation.

Goal #2

Graduates improve the health outcomes of the community especially in underserved populations.

• 50% of graduates agree they are serving an underserved, or vulnerable population.
• 50% of graduates are working in a medically underserved area per HRSA designation.
• 80% of graduates agree that their position contributes positively to the health outcomes of the community for which they serve.
• At a five year survey, 50% of graduates report they have at least one scholarly publication, or have made two scholarly presentations at either a regional or national level.

Outcome data available upon request.