Program Details

Mission

The mission of the Bradley University Master of Science in Nutrition and Dietetics Program is to prepare competent, entry-level registered dietitian nutritionists who advocate for equitable and sustainable nutritional health among families and communities.

Program Goals and Outcomes*

1. Graduates are prepared for careers as registered dietitian nutritionists.
   • At least 80% of program graduates complete program/degree requirements within three years for full-time students and 6 years for part-time students (150% of the program length).
   • Of graduates who seek employment, 80% are employed in nutrition and dietetics or related fields within 12 months of graduation.
   • At least 90% 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%.**
   • At least 80% of program graduates report that they have completed at least one continuing education activity post-graduation.
   • At least 80% of employers who respond to a survey will rate program graduates ≥3 on a 5-point scale as satisfied with graduate preparation for entry-level practice

2. Graduates are prepared to advocate for equitable and sustainable nutritional health among families and communities.
   • At least 90% of program graduates report that they tailor nutritional care/education/recommendations to meet the needs of families and communities.
   • At least 90% of program graduates report that they implement long-term/sustainable nutritional solutions for families and communities.
   • At least 80% of employers report that program graduates advocate for equitable food and nutrition care for families and communities.
   • At least 80% of employers report graduates utilize cultural competency skills in making food and nutrition recommendations.

*Data is available upon request.

** Current three-year average pass rate is 96% for the dietetic internship/master of science program. Data will be available for the master of science in nutrition and dietetics program in 2023-2024.

Accreditation status

This program has received Accreditation status from the Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics (ACEND), of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics 120 South Riverside Plaza, Suite 2190, Chicago, IL 60606-6995; 800/877-1600. https://www.eatrightpro.org/ACEND

Graduation and Program completion requirements

Students must successfully complete all coursework and supervised experiential learning requirements including documentation of attainment of competencies through evaluations and assignments.

Students must have at least a 3.0 GPA, per Graduate Education policy.

During the program’s supervised experiential learning courses, a student must meet the competencies as determined for that experience. The student will be given formal evaluations throughout the program. Students may be given additional time to complete supervised experiences, pending approval of the program director and preceptors/faculty. Students must complete all supervised learning experiences no later than (12 months) following the scheduled time for completion of the program.

Students must successfully complete a comprehensive case study assessment.

Students must have no outstanding financial or other program obligations prior to graduation from the program.

Verification statement procedures

Upon successful completion of the program, each student will receive a Verification Statement. This is the form used by the Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics (ACEND) to verify that all academic and supervised practice requirements are met. The Commission on Dietetic Registration (CDR) requires it for eligibility for the Registration Examination for Dietitians. The program director will notify CDR when students have completed all requirements for eligibility for the Registration Examination. Upon notification from CDR, it will be the graduate’s responsibility to make arrangements to take the exam.

Credentialing process for registered dietitians

Students that successfully complete this internship will receive a verification statement from the program director. This is required for all individuals to sit for the national registration exam, which is a required step in the process of becoming a registered dietitian. After fulfilling the requirements for becoming a registered dietitian, some states may require further licensure. For information on state licensure requirements, please visit the Commission on Dietetic Registration at https://www.cdrnet.org/licensure. For information on Illinois state licensure, certification, and registration, please visit https://idfpr.illinois.gov/.