The
dual-degree program accomplishes several desirable goals for students
interested in careers in public health and clinical nutrition.
A.
Students will develop knowledge and skills in clinical and public health
nutrition.
Objectives
for Goal A:
a. Demonstrate the use of evidence-based research in practice to study the
relationships between diet, nutrition, and health outcomes across the life span.
b. Apply
research methodology, interpretation of research literature, and integration of
research principles into evidence-based public health nutrition practice or
policy.
B.
Graduates will be able to solve problems common to both fields and communicate
effectively with the respective professional workforces.
Objective
for Goal B:
a.
Develop an evaluation framework for a population-based nutrition intervention
or program.
C.
Graduates will be able to assess and manage the nutritional and dietary needs
of communities and design and evaluate programs and policies aimed at
addressing those needs.
Objectives
for Goal C:
a.
Analyze local and global food systems.
b.
Assess the nutritional status of communities.
c.
Utilize culturally appropriate assessment methodologies to identify and
prioritize diet and nutritional problems for diverse population groups.
D.
Graduates will be prepared to be competent, entry-level registered dietitian
nutritionists (RDNs) who will meet the employment needs of New Jersey, the
nation, and international communities for public health nutrition.
Objectives for Goal D:
a. At
least 80 percent of program graduates complete program/degree requirements within
2.25 years (150 percent of the program length).
b. Ninety percent
of program graduates take the CDR credentialing exam for dietitian
nutritionists within 12 months of program completion.
c. Of
graduates who seek employment, 70 percent are employed in nutrition and dietetics or
related fields within 12 months of graduation.
d. 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 percent.
e. During
their first year of employment, program graduates will be ranked by at least
80 percent of employers who respond to our employer survey as "satisfactory" or better
in professional knowledge and skills as compared to the expected competency of
entry-level RDNs.
E.
Graduates will be prepared to be able to utilize and apply evidence-based and
evidence-informed research in professional practice.
Objectives for Goal E:
a. Eighty-five percent
of program graduates who respond to the alumni survey indicate that they
routinely use current evidence-based and informed research findings in professional
practice.
b. Seventy-five percent
of program graduates who respond to the alumni survey indicate that they have
applied the evidenced-based and informed research process to make decisions in
professional practice.
F.
Graduates will be prepared to demonstrate a commitment to serving the community
and the profession.
Objectives for Goal F:
a. Seventy-five percent of recent (within one year of graduation) graduates who respond to the alumni
survey will indicate that they participated in at least one community service
activity since graduation.
b. Seventy-five percent
of recent (within one year of graduation) graduates who respond to the alumni
survey will indicate they have contributed to professional practice by being
either an active member of a local, state, or national dietetic association,
committee, or task force.
