Nutrition and Dietetics Program

The Nutrition and Dietetics, B.S. program is a 120-hour undergraduate degree program. Listed below are links to the catalog course requirements and suggested eight semester plan. 

• Eight Semester Plan with Milestones for B.S. in Nutrition and Dietetics
• Degree Requirements, Curriculum Guide, and Course Descriptions

Program Goals and Objectives

Western Carolina University offers a Bachelor of Science (B.S.) degree in Nutrition and Dietetics (DPD Program) and a Master of Health Science (M.H.S.) degree with a concentration specialization in nutrition.

The goals and objectives (measurable outcomes as required and approved by ACEND) for the DPD Nutrition and Dietetics program at Western Carolina University are as follows:

GOAL 1: Graduates will have knowledge to be competent for entry into supervised practice settings and entry level practice.

Objective 1.1:  90% of program graduates who enter a supervised practice program will indicate that they were ‘prepared’ or ‘very well prepared’ for supervised practice.

Objective 1.2:  65% of program graduates apply for admission to a supervised practice program prior to or within 12 months of graduation.

Objective 1.3:  60% of program graduates are admitted to a supervised practice program within 12 months of graduation.

Objective 1.4:  80% of graduates in a dietetic internship will receive an overall satisfactory or better rating of graduate preparation from supervised practice program directors.

Objective 1.5: 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 nutritionist is at least 80%.

GOAL 2:  The WCU DPD Program will prepare graduates who are committed to professional involvement and community engagement.

Objective 2.1:   At least 80% of program students complete program/degree requirements within 3 years (150% of program length).

Objective 2.2:  90% of program graduates intend to continue their community engagement in applied nutrition and dietetic activities post-graduation.

NOTE: Student learning outcomes will be assessed through the KRDN Student Learning Outcomes Assessment Plan required by ACEND.

Outcomes data and reports related to accreditation are available upon request from the ND Program Director, DPD Director, or School of Health Sciences Director.

Program Cost

Estimated minimum expenses for a full-time undergraduate for the academic year are published each year on the WCU Admissions website.

Housing and meals are included in usual residential student fees. Books at WCU are rented and the fee is included in the registration fees.

Program Additional Fees

Additional costs for the ND program may include:

• Selected supplemental texts or workbooks required for specific courses.  It is also recommended to purchase many of the nutrition textbooks for future reference.
• Student membership in the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics is required once accepted into the ND program cohort.  Membership in the Academy affords the student access to the Evidence Analysis Library, a required resource for assignments in many of the required courses.
• Dietetics program academic fees
• ServSafe Certification: Students will become ServSafe Certified during the program. Purchase of coursebook and test is available at the WCU Bookstore.