Didactic Program in Dietetics (DPD)

DPD Handbook

The DPD is offered on the Denton campus of Texas Woman’s University (TWU) in the Department of Nutrition and Food Sciences.  The program is offered in the broader framework of a Bachelor of Science (BS) degree in Nutrition: Emphasis in Dietetics; therefore, the prospective student must meet the university’s admission requirements. The general education courses required for the BS degree give the DPD students a broad humanistic background that is essential for success in the healthcare profession by blending the liberal arts and sciences with career specific (health) knowledge.  Graduates who successfully complete curriculum requirements for the DPD will receive a Verification Statement from the program director and may apply for Dietetic Internship in Denton or Houston at Texas Woman’s University or other accredited programs. Upon successful completion of the dietetic internship, the students are eligible take the national examination to become registered dietitians and become active members of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics. 

The DPD is an accredited program and must maintain its accreditation by the Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics.  Gaining valuable input from students, former students, preceptors, and external constituents helps the program thrive and grow.  The DPD program maintains high academic standards and graduates who perform above the national average on the national examination for Registered Dietitians.

The estimated cost of attendance at TWU is based on the number of credit hours in which the student is enrolled and residence. 

The program follows the university calendar and schedule of classes.  

The DPD Handbook contains valuable information and must be reviewed by all students majoring in the program.  The final page must be signed and returned to the DPD Director. 

Curriculum Requirements

BS in Nutrition: Emphasis in Dietetics

Accreditation

Texas Woman’s University Didactic Program in Dietetics is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, 120 South Riverside Plaza, Suite 2000, Chicago, IL 60606-6995, 312-899-0040 extension 5400. www.eatright.org/ACEND

Mission

The mission of the DPD is to prepare students with advanced knowledge and skills that will enable graduates to become registered dietitians; to lay the foundation for lifelong learning, service, and leadership; and to be ethically responsible professionals who will lead personally and professionally fulfilling lives.  The mission of the DPD is developed within the missions of the university and the College of Health Sciences, and the primary objective of the Department of Nutrition and Food Sciences.

Goals and Objectives of the DPD at TWU

Goal 1: To prepare graduates who will fulfill the Didactic Program in Dietetics requirements and apply for Dietetic Internship in order to become registered dietitians.

Objectives:

1. Over a five-year period, the pass rate for DPD graduates taking the registration examination for the first time will be at least 80%.
2. Over a five-year period, at least 80% of baccalaureate and post-baccalaureate students will complete the degree and DPD requirements within 150% of the time planned for completion.
3. Over a five-year period, at least 80% of baccalaureate and post-baccalaureate graduates will receive DPD Verification Statement of Completion.
4. Over a five-year period, at least 60% of students who complete the degree/program requirements and receive DPD Verification Statement of Completion will apply for dietetic internship within 12 months of graduation/completion.
5. Over a five-year period, at least 60% of graduates who applied for dietetic internship will be accepted.
6. Over a five-year period, at least 80% of dietetic internship directors will rate the preparation of the DPD graduate for dietetic internship with an average score = 4.0 on a 5-point scale.

Goal 2: To prepare graduates to participate in lifelong learning, leadership, and service.

Objectives:

1. Over a five-year period, at least 20% of students who complete the degree/program requirements will be accepted into graduate programs within 12 months of completion.
2. Over a five-year period, at least 50% of students who completed degree/program requirements and were not placed in DI or graduate programs will seek and gain employment in dietetics or other healthcare areas within 12 months of graduation/completion.
3. Over a five-year period, at least 80% of students in their final year in the DPD will become student members of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics.
4. Over a five-year period, at least 20% of alumni who respond to the DPD Alumni Survey will indicate they have assumed leadership positions.
5. Over a five-year period, at least 50% of alumni who respond to the DPD Alumni Survey will indicate they are involved in professional and/or community service.

Verification Statement - Didactic Program

A Verification Statement of Completion is a document which verifies that a student has completed the DPD requirements to apply for a position in a dietetic internship program or to apply to take the DTR exam.

DPD Policies and Procedures

The policies and procedures are found in the DPD Handbook.