Mission

The Mission of Mount Mary University is stated below and can be found here.

“Mount Mary University, an urban Catholic university for women, sponsored by the School Sisters of Notre Dame, provides an environment for the development of the whole person. The University encourages leadership, integrity, and a deep sense of social justice arising from a sensitivity to moral values and Christian principles. Mount Mary commits itself to excellence in teaching and learning with an emphasis on thinking critically and creatively. The baccalaureate curriculum integrates the liberal arts with career preparation for women of diverse ages and personal circumstances; the programs at the graduate level provide opportunities for both men and women to enhance their professional excellence.”

The Mission of the Integrated Master of Science in Dietetics and Nutrition Program is to equip students with the advanced knowledge, skills, and experiences to successfully pass the CDR Registration Examination and successfully practice dietetics in a variety of settings as an entry-level Registered Dietitian Nutritionist. Through excellence in teaching, with an emphasis in leadership the program provides the foundation for evidence-based professional practice and a rewarding career.

Goals & Objectives

Goal One: Prepare graduates to be competent, entry-level registered dietitian nutritionists (RDNs) who will meet employment needs.

Objectives for Goal One:

• Program Completion: At least 80% of program graduates complete program/degree requirements within 30 months or 2.5 years (150% of the program length).
• Ninety percent of program graduates take the CDR credentialing exam for dietitian nutritionists within 12 months of program completion.
• Of graduates who seek employment, 80 percent are employed in nutrition and dietetics or related fields within 12 months of graduation.
• Employer Satisfaction: During the first year of employment, program graduates will be ranked by at least 80% of employers who respond to our employer survey as “satisfactory” or better in professional knowledge and skills, as compared to the employer’s expected competency of entry-level RDNs.
• 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%.

Goal Two: Prepare graduates who incorporate social justice concepts, leadership skills, or creative initiatives into their professional practice.

Objectives for Goal Two:

• At least 50% of program graduates who respond to the one year post-graduate survey will indicate they have been involved in either a professional or personal activity that promoted social justice, utilized creativity, or a leadership role.
• At least 75% of program graduates who respond to the one year post-graduate survey will volunteer in a professional organization, community program, or agency.
• At least 30% of program graduates who respond to the one year post-graduate survey will assume a leadership role.

Outcomes

Program outcomes data are available upon request. Requests should be made to the Program Director.

Verification statements and credentialing

Upon successful completion of the program, graduates will be issued a verification statement and copies of the verification statements will be kept indefinitely in the students’ permanent file in the Dietetics Department. The graduates’ names will be submitted to the Commission on Dietetic Registration indicating that they are eligible for the registration exam. Successfully passing the registration exam earns the credentials RD or RDN. When graduates achieve the RD or RDN designation they may then apply to the credentialing board for certification or licensure in the state in which they intend to practice.