Public Policy Education: Insights From Graduate Dietetics Students

Abstract

Objective: To examine graduate dietetics students’ experiences completing a public policy course outside of their discipline. Methods: Participants were 40 graduate dietetics students at a university in the Western United States. At the conclusion of a public policy course offered through another department, students completed online surveys with fixed-response and open-ended items. Quantitative data were analyzed using paired t tests, and qualitative responses were examined using codebook thematic analysis. Results: Three themes included (1) Recognizing the interconnection between policy and dietetics practice, (2) From policy hesitancy to policy understanding; and (3) Humanizing policy: public policy and holistic client care. Students reported increased comfort with policy topics and identified connections between course content and their future roles. Conclusions and Implications: Students found value in a cross-disciplinary policy course. Cross-department courses may be a feasible and effective strategy for meeting accreditation standards and supporting students’ policy-related knowledge and confidence