Coordinated Program in Dietetics in the Division of Family and Consumer Sciences at Delta State University
The Coordinated Program is committed to providing students in the state of Mississippi, and particularly the Mississippi Delta, with a well-rounded general education, consistent with a baccalaureate degree. This program serves the needs of individuals interested in attaining the academic and supervised practice components of dietetic education for entry-level dietitians. The Coordinated Program produces credentialed food and nutrition professionals who can integrate basic food and nutrition knowledge into the delivery of services to the people of the Mississippi Delta. These services involve medical nutrition therapy, education of clients in community agencies, and implementing food systems management in institutions, agencies, schools, or businesses. The curriculum of the Coordinated Program in Dietetics stresses current and research-based knowledge appropriate to dietetic careers of the present and the future. Through classroom and clinical experiences, students have opportunities to assume leadership roles in professional organizations enhancing the practice of dietetics. In addition, the Coordinated Program supports other areas of study within the university, such as nursing, education, physical education, and pre-medicine by providing required and elective courses and professional expertise.
Based on this philosophy, the dietetics program at DSU strives to prepare graduates to be successful dietetics practitioners. Every effort is made to prepare students for professional practice in our service-oriented, information-based society. The importance of quality and service is emphasized because client needs and expectations must be the central focus of innovative dietetics practice. RDs must demonstrate lifelong learning, on-going self-evaluation, and adherence to a personal and professional code of ethics.
The dietetics program is based on the belief that dietitians are especially qualified to provide the most up-to-date information and guidance in nutrition, encompassing health promotion and supervised practice in nutrition and foodservice systems management.
Mission Statement
The mission of the Coordinated Program in Dietetics in the Division of Family and Consumer Sciences at Delta State University is to prepare graduates for successful careers in dietetics and to encourage students to assume leadership in their profession and society. Graduates integrate the basic concepts of food and nutrition to improve the quality of life for individuals and families in the Mississippi Delta, society and the world. Graduates accomplish this mission by promoting health, aiding in the prevention of disease, and providing management for food and nutrition services.
The dietetics program seeks to achieve the following goals:
1. The program will prepare graduates to be competent for entry level employment as a Dietitian.
2. The program provides academic and supervised practice experience to prepare graduates to become actively involved in dietetics related organizations.
3. The program provides credentialed food and nutrition professionals to serve the counties of Northwest Mississippi.
The program combines academic instruction and a minimum of 1200 hours of supervised practice experience, and is approximately 2 years in duration.
