Bachelor of Science
Dietetics and Applied Nutrition

Occupational Outlook*

Some professions may require additional study, background checks, certifications, licenses, exams and/or experience as required qualifications for employment. Students are responsible for verifying that they can meet the employment requirements of potential employers.

_{*Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook. Job outlook: 2021-2031. Median salary: May 2021.}

Program Director Cucinotta Earns Top RIAND Honor

Associate Professor Kara Cucinotta has been honored by the Rhode Island Academiy of Nutrition & Dietetics (RIAND) as their 2023 Outstanding Dietitian of the Year. This well-deserved recognition highlights Cucinotta's exceptional leadership, dedication, and service to the nutrition and dietetics profession.

RIAND describes the annual honor as follows: “The Outstanding Dietitian of the Year (ODY) Award recognizes the commitment to excellence made by an individual who has demonstrated outstanding leadership and service to the profession. The ODY award is for those who display active participation and service in RIAND, provide a positive image, serve as a pacesetter and innovator, & further profession through mass media.”

Congratulations to Associate Professor Kara Cucinotta on winning the @RIAcadNutrition Outstanding Dietitian of the Year Award. This well-deserved recognition highlights Cucinotta's exceptional leadership, dedication, and service to the nutrition and dietetics profession. 🏆 pic.twitter.com/NagNSvYoid

— Johnson & Wales University (@JohnsonAndWales) August 4, 2023

Centering Wellness through Food: Jen Welper '06 of Mayo Clinic

Speaking recently at JWU’s annual FIT Symposium, Jen Welper '06 ended the day by focusing on ways to add more balance to our lives.

As the wellness executive chef at the Mayo Clinic, Welper brings good humor and tireless enthusiasm to the practical job of changing the perception of “healthy” food: “It’s really hard to market healthy,” she explained. “There’s this automatic connotation that’s negative.” But she is determined to change that: “We’re not taking away flavor, we’re adding nutrition.”

“We’re not taking away flavor; we’re adding nutrition.”

At the clinic, Welper boosts the functional nutrition of dishes with clever swaps (cauliflower in a breakfast frittata for a whole serving of veggies) and smart deployment of fats (like cheese). Since “people don’t do well with drastic [diet] changes,” she opts for subtle tweaks that boost flavor without sacrificing nutritional value. She illustrated her methods by cooking a delicious quinoa bowl with diced sweet potato and zesty chopped poblanos.

At the Mayo Clinic, Welper wears many hats, but much of her time is spent teaching cooking classes to give clients the tools to cook healthy food for themselves at home. “I’m very practical — I always try to make these dishes relatable and replicable in a home kitchen.”

At the clinic, Welper prioritizes the idea of mindful eating: “Be aware of what you’re eating, and really take the time to enjoy it.”

About the DPD Handbook

• Accreditation status
• Program mission, goals and objectives
• Program admission requirements
• Cost to the student
• Graduation completion requirements
• Requirements to become a registered dietitian and dietetics technician, registered
• Computer matching information

Didactic Program in Dietetics (DPD) Handbooks:

• 2016-17 Culinary Nutrition (PDF)
• 2022-23 Dietetics and Applied Nutrition (PDF)

In addition to classes, free elective credit can be applied to a number of options such as Directed Experiential Education (DEE), internship, minor or study abroad. You are encouraged to contact an advisor before scheduling free elective credits.

2024 Graduate Degree Requirement

Effective January 1, 2024, the Commission on Dietetic Registration (CDR) will require a minimum of a master’s degree to be eligible to take the credentialing exam to become a registered dietitian nutritionist (RDN).

To explore more graduate degree programs at JWU, visit JWU.edu/Master’s Programs of Study.

Program Accreditation

The Dietetics and Applied Nutrition program is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics (ACEND).

Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics
120 South Riverside Plaza, Suite 2190
Chicago, IL 60606-6995
ACEND@eatright.org
800-877-1600 Ext. 5400
Eatrightpro.org/acend

Accreditation Status: Accredited
Date of Initial Accreditation: 6/1/2000
Accreditation Term Ends: 6/30/2030

Faculty Contact

Kara Cucinotta, DCN, MS, RDN, CNSC, LDN
Department Chair, Nutrition and Dietetics
Dietetics and Applied Nutrition Program Director
401-598-2727 | Instagram: Dietetics & Applied Nutrition
Email the Department