Bachelor of Science in Applied Science in Food and Nutrition Didactic Program in Dietetics

Bachelor of Science in Applied Science in Food and Nutrition Didactic Program in Dietetics

Program Overview

Embrace the intersection of food, nutrition, and wellness with Youngstown State University’s Bachelor of Science in Applied Science in Food and Nutrition – Didactic Program in Dietetics. Our program equips you with the knowledge and practical skills necessary to advocate for healthier living through well-balanced diet choices.

Program Overview

Our Food and Nutrition – Didactic Program in Dietetics offers an engaging learning experience that introduces students to the art and science of dietetics. This program is recognized by Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics (ACEND), promising a comprehensive education aligned with professional standards.

Our wide-ranging curriculum features:

  • Basic and Advanced Human Nutrition
  • Food Science and Food Service Systems Management
  • Medical Nutrition Therapy I and II
  • Community and Life Cycle Nutrition

Graduate Track

A community wellness emphasis has been identified as a need in the regional area that Youngstown State University serves. Graduates of the Master’s in Public Health/Dietetics Future Model Track will be positioned to assume major roles in community health programs. The program is currently accredited through the Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics (ACEND) within the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics (AND).

Career Opportunities & Job Outlook

With this program, graduates can positively impact health outcomes by collaborating with individuals, communities, or health care systems. Career opportunities abound in various sectors, including hospitals, family health service facilities, government agencies, schools, and the private sector.

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the demand for dietitians and nutritionists is projected to grow by 8% from 2019 to 2029, faster than the average for all occupations. The increased emphasis on disease prevention through improved dietary habits is driving the growing demand for trained professionals in the field of dietetics.

YSU-DPD Program Goals & Objectives 2021 – 2024

Goal 1. The program will prepare graduates for supervised practice programs, advanced degrees or employment.
 
  • O1: At least 80% of program students complete program/degree requirements within 3 years (150% of the program length).
  • O2: At least  35 percent of program graduates apply for admission to a supervised practice program prior to or within 12 months of graduation 
  • O3: Of program graduates who apply to a supervised practice program, at least  50 percent are admitted within 12 months of graduation 
  • O4: 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%.
  • O5: At least 70% of program graduates who do not complete supervised practice programs will report employment in a nutrition-related field. (Program Specific Goal)
 
Goal 2. The program will prepare graduates perform adequately in a supervised practice program.
 
  • O1: At least 80% of graduates admitted to supervised practice will rate their preparation by the program to be satisfactory or better.
  • O2: At least 80% of graduates will receive “satisfactory” ratings or better on their preparation and performance from their supervised practice program (DI) director and/or preceptors. 
  • O3: At least 80% of program graduates will rate program quality as satisfactory or better in preparing them for advanced studies or employment. (Program Specific Goal)

Begin Your Journey at Youngstown State University

Youngstown State University’s Bachelor of Science in Applied Science in Food and Nutrition – Didactic Program in Dietetics provides you with the knowledge to become an influential force in promoting healthier lifestyle habits. Begin your journey into the dynamic field of dietetics today!

For more information about our program, contact us today. Shape the future of health and well-being through better nutrition at Youngstown State University!

Speak to a Faculty Member
Dr. Zara Rowlands
Program Director
zcshah@ysu.edu

Accreditation Information

The YSU Didactic Program in Dietetics is currently accredited by ACEND through June 2028.

ACEND (Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics), may be contacted as follows:

Phone: 800/877-1600, ext. 5400

Mail: 120 South Riverside Plaza, Suite 2190, Chicago, IL, 60606-6995

Scholarships Available

Each year, thousands of dollars in scholarships are awarded to students enrolled in the Bitonte College of Health and Human Services (BCHHS). Scholarships come from a variety of sources, vary in amount, and are available to both incoming and current BCHHS students. Below, you will find further information regarding the opportunities that may be available to you through the college.

Alumni Success Stories

Mary Akpadock

Mary Akpadock, RDN, LDN, Renal Dietitian
BSAS, Didactic Program in Dietetics, 2014
BSAS, Coordinated Program in Dietetics, 2017

“My dietetics journey began in 2010 when I majored in the BSAS Didactic Program in Dietetics with my goal of becoming a Registered Dietitian. Approaching graduation in 2014, I applied to the Coordinated Program in Dietetics at YSU and was graciously accepted into the program.

I chose the Coordinated Program because I couldn’t pass up the opportunity for a Supervised Practice/Dietetic Internship that was a step closer to my goal of becoming an RD in only two more years. My dietetics education and internship enabled me to pass the RD exam on the first attempt! The network that I built during my time at YSU greatly influenced my career and was integral in landing me my current role as a renal dietitian. Choosing my dietetics degree with YSU is one the best decisions I ever made!”

Mary Akpadock

Susan Payton
BSAS Didactic Program in Dietetics, 2014
Master’s Health & Human Services, 2000

“As I always like to tell students, you never know where you will end up. Find what drives your passion and go for it! For several years I worked as an adjunct at YSU, never really knowing what I wanted to do, but knew it would be with the Youngstown community. 

Opportunities with Mercy Health’s Nutrition Prescription program got me excited about working in nutrition education and healthy cooking. Seeing clients try new foods and then getting the groceries to make the recipes proved to be quite fulfilling. When the “right” opportunity came along, I was very excited to have gotten the call. I am currently the Market Manager at the Glenwood Fresh Market located on the Southside of Youngstown. We are a Nutrition Prescription Program serving almost 2000 low-income clients in the tri-county area. Our goal is to provide free fresh fruits and vegetables in the hope that client health will improve. I work with clients offering education on nutrition, food safety, and healthy cooking. This is my passion and I am proud to be a part of it!”