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: The WCU DPD graduates will have knowledge to be competent for entry into supervised practice settings and entry level practice.

Objective 1.1: At least 80% of program students complete program/degree requirements within 3 years (150% of program length).

Objective 1.2: 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%.

Objective 1.3: At least 75% of the DPD students who completed the DPD program will rate the program as “meets expectations” or higher on the senior exit survey. 

GOAL 2: The WCU DPD program will prepare graduates for entry into supervised practice leading to eligibility for the Commission on Dietetic Registration credentialing exam to become a registered dietitian nutritionist. 

Objective 2.1: 65% of program graduates apply for admission to a supervised practice program prior to or within 12 months of graduation.

Objective 2.2: 60% of program graduates are admitted to a supervised practice program within 12 months of graduation.

Objective 2.3: Of the dietetic internship directors surveyed, 75% will score the WCU DPD graduates as “well prepared” for a dietetic internship.

Objective 2.4: 100% of faculty participate in professional development activities for maintaining current and applied nutrition and dietetics currency for teaching, service, or scholarship in the profession.

GOAL 3: Graduates will have knowledge to be competent for entry into supervised practice settings and entry level practice.

Objective 3.1: All students will use current information technologies to locate and apply evidence-based guidelines and protocols utilizing the Nutrition Care Process.

Objective 3.2: All students will demonstrate effective and professional oral and written communication and documentation.

Objective 3.3: All students will develop an educational session or program/educational strategy for diverse populations.

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.