Vision and Mission

Description of the Appalachian State University Master of Science and Dietetic Internship

Overview:

The combined Master of Science Degree with Dietetic Internship at Appalachian State University prepares graduates to be competent, entry-level registered dietitian nutritionists. The first year is dedicated to graduate coursework and the second year to completing the required supervised practice hours and competencies within a dietetic internship. 

App State graduate students have two program completion options: 

1) MS / DI: Students complete coursework during the first year related to professional development, nutrition through the life cycle, and advanced nutrition assessment. This is the traditional track. 

2) PHN / DI: Students complete coursework during the first year with a concentration in public health nutrition, including nutrition education, epidemiology, community and public health nutrition, and public health nutrition leadership. The public health nutrition concentration is designed for students who have significant, relevant work experience. 

Vision: 

To be a recognized model for preparing entry-level nutrition and dietetics practitioners  who demonstrate competency in delivering nutrition care and services in rural health settings.  

Mission: 

Provide culturally sensitive training by diverse faculty and preceptors to prepare graduates to function as exceptional nutrition and dietetics professionals, utilizing rigorous and transformative academic preparation, research experience, and guided evidence-based practice to instill a passion for leadership, lifelong learning, advocacy, policy change, and professional service. 

 

The Program has defined the following Goals and Objectives:

Program Goals

Goal #1 – Program graduates will be successful entry level Registered Dietitian Nutritionists that have the foundation needed to practice nutrition successfully.

Objectives

  • At least 80% of interns complete program requirements within 31.5 months (150% of planned program length)

  • At least 90 percent 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%

  • Of graduates who seek employment, at least 80 percent are employed in nutrition and dietetics or related fields within 12 months of graduation

  • 80% of employers who respond to the survey will indicate satisfaction with App State DI graduates at a minimum level of 3 on a 5-point scale

Goal #2 – Prepare future dietetics leaders to practice with a strong commitment to quality of work and collaboration. 

Objectives

  • 80% of employers who respond to the survey will indicate that graduates demonstrate a commitment to quality of work at a minimum level of 3 on a 5-point scale

  • 80% of employers who respond to the survey will indicate that graduates demonstrate a commitment to collaboration at a minimum level of 3 on a 5-point scale

Program outcomes data is available upon request.

The Philosophy of the program is to: 

  • Enable student acquisition and application of supporting knowledge to master minimum performance levels of core competencies for entry-level dietitians;

  • Propagate student curiosity and inquiry about the theory and practice of dietetics that will lead to discovery and application of new ideas and knowledge;

  • Encourage the development of professional attitudes, values, and integrity, needed to begin independent professional practice in the field of dietetics;

  • Emphasize the need for service and lifelong learning; and

  • Facilitate decision-making, systems-level thinking, and leadership skills.