University Links
ContactIUP
IUP Directory
IUP Site Map
Search IUP
IUP Home

F & N Home

Our People

Programs

  Overview
  Undergraduate
  ADA Internship
  Graduate
  Nutrition Minor

Showcase

Resources

Graduates with undergraduate degrees in nutrition work in a wide variety of settings in health-care, business and industry, sports nutrition and corporate wellness programs, community and public health, and in food and pharmaceutical research. Medical and health-care facilities may require that an individual be credentialed as a Registered Dietitian (RD).

IUP offers a degree program with two tracks: Dietetics and Nutrition. Within the degree program, the student will also select a natural science option dependent upon their academic preparation and career goals.

Dietetics Track

The dietetics track (Didactic Program in Dietetics, DPD) meets the academic requirements of a program that is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation for Dietetics Education (CADE; phone 312-899-0040, ext. 5400) of The American Dietetic Association (ADA), 120 South Riverside Drive, Suite 2000, Chicago, IL 60606-6995.

The Departmental Goals (click here for measurable objectives) for the DPD Program are to:

1. Provide quality instruction in the preparation of competent entry-level dietetic professionals.
2. Provide resources to recruit new majors and provide advising and career planning support to students who are enrolled in the DPD.
3. Provide food and nutrition services to the university, local community, and/or professional organizations.

The completion of this program at IUP prepares students to apply for a CADE-accredited supervised practice program en-route to becoming a Registered Dietitian. This track will prepare an individual to serve as a translator of food and nutrition science information for members of the larger community with respect to healthful food preparation, healthy eating behaviors, medical nutrition therapy, management of nutrition delivery and food service systems, and advocacy for the profession of dietetics. Graduates of this program will exhibit an in-depth knowledge of food, nutrition, behavioral sciences, and management theory. Specific Student Learning Outcomes (SLOs) for students in DPD - Dietetics Track are to be able to:

1. Communicate effectively.
2. Demonstrate problem solving ability and critical thinking skills.
3. Manage, supervise, and learn within the context of dietetic practice.
4. Develop leadership and team building skills.
5. Use appropriate technologies within the discipline.
6. Translate the role of nutrients and food to provide for health and well-being.
7. Provide effective nutrition education to individuals and groups from diverse populations.

Nutrition Track

The nutrition track allows you to plan a degree program based upon career goals other than becoming a Registered Dietitian. This track is desgined to help you develop a basic knowledge in nutrition and then allow you to select a related discipline as a subject minor or core concentration. Some of the career opportunities include: public health, food service administration, culinary arts, journalism, communications, business, and gerontology.

Students who wish to pursue preparation for a master's level education in food and nutrition research, with the selection of the Natural Science Option II plus the nutrition track would acquire a background in the basic sciences that give a solid foundation for theoretical and applied food science and nutrition.

Graduates of both the Dietetics and Nutrition Tracks will:

• Have an in-depth knowledge of food, nutrition, behavioral sciences, and management theory
• Acquire the ability to apply these theories utilizing problem-solving and critical thinking skills to improve the quantity and quality of food and nutrition for people now, and in the future.
• Understand relationships among academic disciplines (i.e., the natural sciences including chemistry, physiology, and biochemistry) and to apply these scientific principles to the practice of nutrition and dietetics.
• Translate the role of nutrients and healthy food preparation for health and well-being
• Provide effective nutrition education to individuals and groups
• Manage and supervise in the context of dietetic practice
• Know the roles, responsibilities, and competencies needed by therapeutic, administrative, and community dietitians
• Exhibit leadership and team-building skills
• Understand science and technology in order to perform effectively in the workplace and as citizens in a world increasingly shaped by technology and faced with social dilemmas stemming from scientific advances.
• Utilize appropriate technologies within the discipline
• Think critically, communicate effectively both orally and when writing, analyze information, make decisions, and solve problems in a rapidly changing nation and world.
• Be able to work with diverse populations in a global economy
• Continue in life-long learning
• Meet the basic requirements for graduate study in nutrition and related areas.

Supporting Students and the Learning Process

The department mission is compatible with both the institution and college mission. As an institution IUP is committed to the teacher-scholar model. The nutrition degree programs focus on a learner-centered environment where the student is equipped to develop leadership skills, develop critical thinking abilities, continue in life-long learning, and prusue professional goals in the dietetic discipline. The mission of the department fits within the College of Health and Human Services in the helping and service-oriented professions. The Food and Nutrition Department faculty guide students by utilizing:

• Hands-on learning
• Service learning
• Interactive instruction
• Application experiences in the laboratory and classroom
• Field-based programs

The undergraduate dietetic curriculum prepares students as professionals for a variety of career opportunities in health care, food service administration, the food industry, public health, community education, and food and nutrition research. Each student must complete 120 credit hours to graduate, including 53 hours in Liberal Studies.

Students who complete the undergraduate dietetic curriculum will receive a Program Verification Statement after degree requirements are verified by the Dean's Office.

The expertise, professional involvement, experience, and high standards of teaching and mentoring exemplified by the Department's faculty are shared with students through course offerings, advisement, and departmental activities and seminars.

In addition, graduates with a Bachelor of Science in Dietetics are eligible to apply for an ADA Dietetics Internship. Earning a bachelor's degree in dietetics is the first step toward becoming a Registered Dietitian, the expert recognized by the American Dietetic Association. The second step is to complete an accredited dietetic internship and then finally passing the national Registration Examination.

Indiana University of Pennsylvania offers a combined dietetic internship and graduate program in food and nutrition. Upon the completion of the Dietetic Internship, the student may take the ADA Registration Exam to be credentialed as a Registered Dietitian.

Important dates and deadlines are listed on the Indiana University of Pennsylvania's Official Academic Calendar.

Tuition and fees for undergraduate students are available frome the Office of the Bursar. Additional costs beyond tuition and associated fees include foods laboratory coat and equipment expenses (approximately $ 200.00); ServSafe Certification fee (approximately $75.00); and dues associated with membership to the Student Dietetic Association (approximately $10.00) and the American Dietetic Association (approximately $43.00).

Application materials are available from the Office of Admissions.

For Applicants with a Bachelor's degree from an accredited United States' institution:

Information about how to complete a DPD program if you have already earned a baccalaureate degree can be obtained from The College of Continuing Education. Both graduate and undergraduate coursework can be applied to meeting DPD requirements. In conjunction with the College of Continuing Education, an applicant's transcript will be evaluated by the Department of Food and Nutrition DPD Director and/or Department Chairperson. Pending evaluation, a student must (1) complete a minimum of 18 applicable undergraduate/graduate credtis in IUP Food and Nutrition courses, and (2) meet the requirements for DPD completion as established by the department to qualify for a DPD verification statement.

For Applicants with a Bachelor's degree or equivalent from an accredited institution outside of the United States:

Information about how to complete a DPD program if you have already earned a baccalaureate degree or its equivalent from an accredited institution outside of the United States can be obtained from The College of Continuing Education. Both graduate and undergraduate coursework can be applied to meeting DPD requirements. In conjunction with the College of Continuing Education, an applicant's transcript will be evaluated by the Department of Fodo and Nutrition DPD Director and/or Department Chairperson. Pending evaluation, a student must (1) complete a minimum of 18 applicable undergraduate/graduate credtis in IUP Food and Nutrition courses and (2) meet the requirements for DPD completion as established by the department to qualify for a DPD verification statement.

If you have ANY questions or would like to visit our department, please feel free to contact us, or correspond directly with the DPD Director.