Mission Statement
The mission of the Utah State University Master of Dietetics Administration is to prepare entry-level registered dietitian nutritionists in a distance format to empower them to be future leaders through learning, critical thinking, discovery, and engagement who utilize their experience and individual perspectives to improve the health and well-being of the communities they serve.
Program Philosophy
The Utah State University Master of Dietetics Administration (USU MDA) provides students with experience, practicing dietetics in a variety of settings. The program's unique distance format allows students to gain experience in a location of their choice while incorporating their personal interests. USU MDA faculty foster students’ knowledge, skills, and abilities as they progress through self-directed schedules.
Learning activities are delivered through a variety of methods, leveraging current technology and resources for dietetics education and practice. USU MDA faculty maintain current knowledge of dietetics practice by staying involved in their areas of expertise through professional memberships in state and national organizations, continuing education, and active participation in dietetics education networking groups. Annual evaluation and adjustment of the curriculum ensure the regular inclusion of innovative teaching methods, materials, and delivery methods.
Rapport between students and faculty is established early and sustained throughout the program and beyond. Faculty mentor individuals as they navigate the program and transition into the profession as dietitians. Every effort is made to ensure the USU MDA is aligned with students’ best interests, providing a platform to support their growth and progress, ultimately helping them achieve their goal of passing the national registration exam and pursuing a career in dietetics.
Program Goals & Measurable Outcomes
Program Goal #1: USU MDA graduates will demonstrate competence in the knowledge and skills required of entry-level registered dietitian nutritionists.
- Objective 1.1: At least 80% of program students complete program requirements within 1.5 years (150% of the planned program length).
- Objective 1.2: At least 80% of program graduates take the CDR credentialing exam for dietitian nutritionists within 12 months of program completion.
- Objective 1.3: 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%.
- Objective 1.4: Of graduates who seek employment, at least 80% are employed in nutrition and dietetics or related fields within 12 months of graduation.
- Objective 1.5: At least 80% of the employers who respond to the employer survey will indicate they are satisfied with their employee's (USU MDA graduate's) preparation for entry-level practice.
- Objective 1.6: At least 80% of graduates will rate themselves as competent and prepared for entry-level dietetics practice.
Program Goal #2: USU MDA graduates will participate in nutrition and dietetics-related leadership opportunities within the communities they serve.
- Objective 2.1: At program completion, 80% of graduates will score higher on the leadership attributes self-assessment compared to the pre-program leadership attributes self-assessment.
- Objective 2.2: Within one year of graduation, 50% of graduates who respond to the one-year follow-up survey will report feeling competent in serving in a nutrition and/or dietetics-related leadership position.