Mission:

The Oakwood University (OU) DDIP trains dietetic practitioners, to serve in the fields of dietetics and nutrition. It provides didactic and experiential opportunities which enable interns to develop skills, demonstrate professionalism, apply knowledge, and work effectively to improve the quality of nutrition for the people they serve. The program integrates faith and learning, preparing individuals to serve God and man. 

Goal #1 – To assist graduates in completing the internship program in a timely manner by providing needed support, guidance, and resources.

1. At least 80% of full-time interns complete program requirements within 15 months (150% of the planned program length).
2. At least 80% of part-time interns will complete program requirements within 30 months. (150% of planned program length). 
3. Of graduates who seek employment, at least 80% percent are employed in nutrition and dietetics or related fields within 12 months of graduation.
4. At least 80% of program graduates take the CDR credentialing exam for dietitian nutritionists within 12 months of program completion.
5. The program’s one-year pass rate (graduates who pass the registration exam within one year of the first attempt) on the CDR credentialing exam for dietitian nutritionists is at least 80%. 

Goal #2 –To prepare graduates with entry-professional level dietitian skills and knowledge to improve the nutritional status and health of the diverse communities they serve.

1. At least 50% of interns will be ethnically diverse or male.
2. At least 80% of the program graduates will rate the adequacy of program preparation  “3” or greater on a 5-point Likert scale.
3. At least 80% percent of employers will rate graduates “3” or greater on a 5-point Likert scale as being entry-level prepared.

The Oakwood University DPD (Didactic Program) provides the required dietetics coursework leading to a bachelor’s in Dietetics. Graduates of ACEND-accredited programs who are verified by the program director may apply for Dietetic Internships to establish eligibility to write the CDR registration examination for dietitians.

Bachelor of Science in Dietetics

This program is designed for students who process a strong interest in the clinical, psychological, physiological, and economic aspects of food and nutrition, with emphasis on health promotion/disease prevention.  College Level Examination Program (CLEP) results do not meet the requirements for this degree.

Student Learning Outcomes: Students who complete the B.S. in Dietetics will be proficient in the following student learning outcomes:

1. Demonstrate a Christ-centered SDA worldview in food and nutrition-related activities

2. Apply physical, biological, & social science concepts in nutrition settings

3. Apply nutrition concepts in health promotion and disease prevention

4. Demonstrate the ability to communicate effectively in presenting food and nutrition information

5. Conduct basic research in food and nutrition

6. Demonstrate the ability to prepare and serve quality food items for different settings

7. Implement management skills in budget preparation, cost analysis, and marketing

Outcomes data are available upon request.

This program is accredited by ACEND (Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics), of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics Association.

ACEND 120 South Riverside Plaza, Suite 2190, Chicago, IL 60606-6995, (telephone) (800)-877-1600, ext. 5400.

To become a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist, a path of higher education is a must as well as a dietetic internship from an ACEND-accredited program, and passing the national registration examination. The pathway listed below is a common route many traditional students take, but it is not the only path to become an RDN.

The 5 Steps

1. Complete a bachelor’s degree and receive a verification statement from an ACEND-accredited program (Didactic Program in Dietetics).
2. Get matched to an ACEND-accredited supervised practice dietetic internship program(some dietetic internships are combined with a master’s degree, which is optional*). For students who do not match to an internship, applying to an Individual Supervised Practice Pathway is an option.
3. Pass the Commission on Dietetic Registration’s dietetic registration exam.
4. Gain licensure in your state of practice, if applicable.
5. Maintain continuing education.

Other Pathways to Become an RDN

Coordinated Programs in Dietetics
Combine your degree with supervised practice. Why? Because baccalaureate students can apply to this type of program and begin supervised practice without going through dietetic internship computer matching. Coordinated Programs in Dietetics may result in a bachelor’s, master’s or doctoral degree, depending on the program. Graduates of these programs are eligible to sit for the dietetic registration exam.

Career Changers
It’s never too late to make the switch to a career in dietetics. Individuals with a prior bachelor’s degree need to complete a Didactic Program in Dietetics and receive a verification statement. Those without a four-year degree need to complete a bachelor’s degree and receive a verification statement indicating completion of the didactic program in dietetics components prior to applying to the dietetic internship match.

International Students
RDNs have been trained in all corners of the globe. There a few different ways for international learners to become RDNs — visit ACEND to learn more.

*Beginning in 2024, a minimum of a master’s degree will be an eligibility requirement in order to take the CDR dietetic registration exam.

Application and Admission Requirements for the Didactic Program in Dietetics:

1. Minimum GPA 3.0 on a 4.0 scale

2. A minimum grade of C in EN 111-112 Freshman Composition

3. Evidence of 12th grade reading level from diagnostic testing (any college testing center)

4. Submit personal statement and attend an interview by the DPD Director

DPD Verification Statements Requested by Foreign Students: Foreign students applying to the DPD program will have their transcripts evaluated by a third-party degree verification, CDR approved agency and will pass programs Exit Exam. Passing other credible standardized RD practice exams may be approved by the discretion of the department.

Major Requirements:

ND 102 Introduction to Dietetics …………………………………………………………………… 1 hour

ND 111 Food Preparation and Laboratory ……………………………………………………… .3 hours

ND 233 Food Science and Laboratory……………………………………………………………….3 hours

ND 321 Advanced Nutrition……………………………………………………………………………3 hours

ND 322 Life Span Nutrition …………………………………………………………………………….3 hours

ND 323 Community Nutrition …………………………………………………………………………3 hours

ND 351 Nutrition Assessment and Counseling and Laboratory……………………………4 hours

ND 421 Quantity Food Management and Laboratory ………………………………………..3 hours

ND 431 Food Systems Management and Laboratory …………………………………………3 hours

ND 439 Medical Nutrition Therapy I and Laboratory………………………………………….3 hours

ND 440 Medical Nutrition Therapy II and Laboratory…………………………………………3 hours

ND 442 Nutrition and Wellness……………………………………………………………………… 3 hours

ND 453 Senior Seminar…………………………………………………………………………………. 1 hour

AH 350 Medical Terminology and Laboratory …………………………………………………..3 hours

BA 310 Principles of Management …………………………………………………………………..3 hours

BI 111-BI 112 Human Anatomy and Physiology………………………………………………….8 hours

BI 221 General Microbiology…………………………………………………………………………..4 hours

CH 102 Introduction to Organic Chemistry and Biochemistry with Lab ………………..3 hours

EN 341 Technical Writing or BA 302 Business Communication……………………………3 hours

PY 307 Statistical Methods ……………………………………………………………………………3 hours

PY 411 Research I …………………………………………………………………………………………3 hours

SO 101 Principles of Sociology………………………………………………………………………..3 hours

Total Hours for Major……………………………………………………………………………..69 hours

General Education ……………………………………………………………………………………..51 hours

Total Hours Required for Degree ……………………………………………………………120 hours

Program requirements for earning a Verification Statement include:

• • Completion of a bachelor’s degree.
• • Completion of the DPD course requirements.
• • A minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 at the time of graduation or program completion.
• • Earning grades of C or better in all DPD required courses or transfer equivalents.
• • Score of 80% or better on departmental Exit Exam within 2 takes.
• • Spend one summer acquiring pre-approved work or volunteer experience in the field of dietetics.
• • Complete program within 150% of the standard timeframe required to earn the dietetics degree.

Individuals Who Have Earned a Bachelor’s Degree: For students who have previously completed a baccalaureate degree, a Verification Statement will be issued upon completion of the DPD Program requirements. The DPD Director will evaluate each request on an individual basis. Generally, courses in clinical nutrition, food service management, and community nutrition are the minimum courses that would be required to update. A minimum of three core dietetic courses at the 300 level or above taken through Oakwood’s DPD Program (are highly recommended), in addition to meeting or exceeding the minimum criteria listed above are required to be issued a Verification Statement. Completion of the Exit Exam is required prior to receiving your Verification Statements.

For other Nutrition Degree/Program options see bulletin pages 213, 215, and 262

1. Complete a bachelor’s degree and receive a verification statement from an ACEND-accredited program, Didactic Program in Dietetics.
2. Get matched to an ACEND-accredited supervised practice dietetic internship program such as the Oakwood University DDIP.
3. Pass the Commission on Dietetic Registration Exam.
4. Gain licensure in your state of practice, if applicable.

Please see the DDIP website. Under the tab, Steps to become an RDN. 

TUITION AND FEES 2021 – 2022 Academic Year

· Resident Student: $15,020.00

· Nonresident students $9,995 (no meal plan, no room and board)

· Tuition and Fees in Detail: Click Here

Oakwood University Financial Aid: 

Oakwood University Scholarships: 

Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics Scholarships & Awards:

The Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, its Foundation, and Member Groups provide dietetic scholarships and research grants to students and Academy members, respectively. Funding research is a priority for the Foundation, which provides the opportunity for individuals to continue making evidence-based contributions to the field of dietetics, food and nutrition. Students are the future of the field, and the Foundation recognizes the importance of giving students a solid foundation to develop their dietetic careers and provide access to education.

1. Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics Foundation Grants and Scholarships: https://www.eatrightpro.org/leadership/honors-and-awards/grants-and-scholarships

2. Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics Foundation Creates Advancing Diversity in Dietetics Scholarship: https://www.eatrightpro.org/media/press-releases/academy-foundation-news/academy-of-nutrition-and-dietetics-foundation-creates-advancing-diversity-in-dietetics-scholarship

3. National Organization of Blacks in Dietetics and Nutrition (NOBIDAN) Scholarship: https://www.nobidan.org/nobidan/students/student-scholarships/student-scholarship-application

4. Alabama Dietetic Association Scholarships: https://www.eatrightalabama.org/student-scholarships

5. Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics Outstanding Dietetics Student Award: https://www.eatrightpro.org/leadership/honors-and-awards/affiliate-awards

The purpose of the Outstanding Dietetics Student Award program is to recognize the emerging leadership and achievement of students in ACEND-accredited and approved dietetics education programs and encourage their participation in the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics. A student from each type of education program within a state will be selected by each state association (a maximum of 4 per state). In addition to publishing the list of outstanding students in the Journal of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics and NDEP-line, each awardee will receive a certificate and congratulatory

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