Nutrition and Dietetics Program
Western Kentucky University
Program Goals and Associated Outcome Measures


Goal I:  The program will prepare students to effectively fulfill duties of entry-level dietetics positions and to manage others who provide dietetic-related services.

The seven outcome measures for Goal I are:

1.      Graduates will achieve a pass rate of at least 85% on the national registration examination to become a registered dietitian (R.D.).

2.      The mean total scaled score on the R.D. examination by alumni will be at or above 26.  The mean scaled subscore for each area will be at least 13.

3.      Following completion of the program, at least 75% of graduates will achieve R.D. status, obtain field-related employment, or begin further education, such as a master's program.

4.      The graduation and retention rates for the program will be equal to the goals of WKU (for 2002-2006) of 44.4 % and 71.5%, respectively.

5.      The mean graduate rating on the quality of preparation for a professional career will be at least a 3.5 on a scale from 1.0 to 5.0, with 5.0 being the best level of preparation.

6.      The mean internship director rating on the overall preparation for a dietetic internship will be at least a 3.5 on a scale from 1.0 to 5.0, with 5.0 being the best level of preparation.

7.      The mean internship director rating on survey items directly corresponding to sections of the R.D. exam will be at least a 3.5 on a scale from 1.0 to 5.0, with 5.0 being the best level of preparation.


Goal II:  The program will prepare students to successfully compete for supervised practice experiences that lead to eligibility for The American Dietetic Association Registration Examination.

The outcomes measures for Goal II are:

1.      75% of students in the last year of the program and receiving verification statements will apply for a supervised practice experience.

2.      85% of students or alumni graduating within the past 12 months (and applying to internships) will be accepted into supervised practice programs.

3.      The mean graduate rating on the quality of preparation for an internship will be at least a 3.5 on a scale from 1.0 to 5.0, with 5.0 being the best level of preparation.

4.      At least 60% of students in the 3rd and 4th year of the program will have a job related to the major.

Goal III.  For the purpose of instruction, program faculty will use and/or demonstrate relevant technologies and equipment.

The outcomes measures for Goal III are:

1.      Computerized testing will be used in at least three courses in the required curriculum for the nutrition and dietetics program.

2.      Computer-assisted instruction (CAI) will be used in at least two courses in the required curriculum for the nutrition and dietetics program.

3.      At least four courses in the required curriculum for the nutrition and dietetics program will incorporate web-assisted components or be offered via the internet.

4.      Demonstrations/use of current technologies, such as software and online databases, and of equipment, such as medical and foodservice, will occur in 60% of required courses taught by HMD faculty.


Goal IV.  The program will improve the quality of student support/information related to major, career options, and related resources.

The outcome measure for Goal IV are:

1.      The mean student rating on the overall quality of advising will be at least a 3.0 ("good" rating) on a scale from 1.0 to 4.0, with 4.0 being the best rating.

2.      The mean student ratings on aspects related to advising, such as availability, help developing schedule, help with career planning, and knowledge of degree requirements will be at least 3.0 ("good" rating) on a scale from 1.0 to 4.0, with 4.0 being best rating.

3.      At least 2 group meetings will be held each academic year to provide information about career options or to provide an opportunity for social interaction/ mentoring.

4.      The student-to-faculty ratio for the major of Hospitality Management and Dietetics (in upper-division courses) will be consistent with the norm of WKU.

5.      The student-to-faculty ratio for the nutrition-related options of the HMD major (in upper-division courses) will be consistent with the norm for WKU.