Â鶹ÊÓƵ

Image
Students preparing food in a kitchen.

Nutrition - M.S.

Specialize in nutrition with Â鶹ÊÓƵ's Master of Science in Nutrition. Our program offers you the opportunity to deepen your knowledge of nutrition science and specialize in areas such as clinical nutrition, community nutrition or sports nutrition.

Contact Us

Apply Now
Request Information
Schedule a visit

Master’s Degree in Nutrition

Â鶹ÊÓƵ’s Master of Science in Nutrition provides a comprehensive education in nutrition studies. This program prepares students for various careers, including roles in nutrition and related fields.

Program Information for Nutrition - M.S.

Program Description

Full Description

The Master of Science degree in Nutrition emphasizes a strong nutritional sciences foundation through coursework and opportunities to participate in interdisciplinary research in community settings. Graduates obtain positions as nutrition-exercise specialists; cooperative extension nutrition specialists; higher education instructors; research associates; and as nutritionists in health care and community agencies such as Head Start and Women, Infants and Children (WIC).

The Nutrition major includes the following optional concentration:

  • The Dietetic Internship concentration provide students with the resources and experiences needed to develop the skills necessary to become competent Registered Dietitian Nutritionists (RDN). Emphasis is placed on intellectual, technological and professional development while fostering ethical and humanitarian values.

Professional Licensure Disclosure

This program is designed to prepare students to sit for applicable licensure or certification in Ohio. If you plan to pursue licensure or certification in a state other than Ohio, please review state educational requirements for licensure or certification and contact information for state licensing boards at Â鶹ÊÓƵ's website for professional licensure disclosure.

Admissions for Nutrition - M.S.

For more information about graduate admissions, visit the graduate admission website. For more information on international admissions, visit the international admission website.

Admission Requirements

  • Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university
  • Minimum 3.000 undergraduate GPA on a 4.000-point scale
  • Upper level, undergraduate coursework in biochemistry, physiology and advanced nutrition
  • Official transcript(s)
  • Goal statement
  • Didactic Program in Dietetics (DPD) verification statement (required for Dietetic Internship concentration only)
  • Dietetic internship application through the Dietetic Internship Centralized Application System (DICAS) with D & D Digital Computer Matching (required for Dietetic Internship concentration only)
  • Three letters of recommendation
  • English language proficiency - all international students must provide proof of English language proficiency (unless they meet specific exceptions to waive) by earning one of the following:1
    • Minimum 79 TOEFL iBT score
    • Minimum 6.5 IELTS score
    • Minimum 58 PTE score
    • Minimum 110 DET score
1

International applicants who do not meet the above test scores will not be considered for admission.

Application Deadlines

  • Fall Semester
    • Rolling admissions
  • Spring Semester
    • Rolling admissions
  • Summer Term
    • Rolling admissions
Learning Outcomes

Program Learning Outcomes

Graduates of this program will be able to:

  1. Describe the physiological functions, metabolism, dietary requirements, deficiency symptoms, food sources and the metabolic utilization of macronutrients and micronutrients for physiological processes; and how they relate to nutrition, health promotion and disease prevention/treatment.
  2. Contribute to the quality of life, well-being and wellness of individuals and families by utilizing their nutrition knowledge and participating in activities that promote nutritional well-being.
  3. Demonstrate an understanding of research methods and apply knowledge gained by participation in research and/or outreach.
Coursework

Program Requirements

Major Requirements

Major Requirements
NUTR 61016RESEARCH METHODS IN NUTRITION I 3
NUTR 61017RESEARCH METHODS IN NUTRITION II 3
NUTR 63519ADVANCED STUDY OF MICRONUTRIENTS 3
NUTR 63520MACRONUTRIENT NUTRITION 3
NUTR 63521NUTRITION AND DISEASE: CLINICAL APPLICATIONS 3
Supporting Electives, choose from the following in consultation with advisor:6
NUTR 51095
SPECIAL TOPICS IN NUTRITION
NUTR 51096
INDIVIDUAL INVESTIGATION IN NUTRITION
NUTR 53013
RESEARCH AND STATISTICAL METHODS IN NUTRITION
NUTR 53016
WORLD FOOD CUSTOMS AND NUTRITION
NUTR 53511
MEDICAL NUTRITION THERAPY I
NUTR 53512
MACRONUTRIENT NUTRITIONAL BIOCHEMISTRY
NUTR 53513
MICRONUTRIENT NUTRITIONAL BIOCHEMISTRY
NUTR 53514
MEDICAL NUTRITION THERAPY II
NUTR 53515
COMMUNITY NUTRITION
NUTR 53518
LIFECYCLE NUTRITION
NUTR 53522
INTEGRATIVE AND FUNCTIONAL NUTRITION
NUTR 53532
METHODS AND EXPERIENCES IN NUTRITION OUTREACH
NUTR 63518
ADVANCED SPORTS NUTRITION
NUTR 63524
PERSPECTIVE ON PREVENTION AND PRACTICE IN COMMUNITY NUTRITION
NUTR 63591
NUTRITION SEMINAR 1
Culminating Requirement
Choose from the following:6
NUTR 61099
MASTER'S PROJECT 2
NUTR 63199
THESIS I 3
Additional Requirements or Concentration
Choose from the following:5-16
Minimum Total Credit Hours:32-43
1

Maximum 3 credit hours of NUTR 63591 may be applied towards the degree.

2

The master's project is intended for students who do not plan to continue graduate work beyond the master's degree. The option provides the opportunity to approach research and theory in a more applied manner. The presentation and interpretation of original research is not required. However, approval of the intended project by the student's master's project committee is required, as is the successful completion of an oral final examination conducted by the master's project committee.

3

The thesis is intended for research-oriented students and is designed to provide the opportunity to conduct original research. Approval of a thesis proposal by the student's thesis committee is required as is the successful completion of an oral final examination conducted by the thesis committee.

Additional Requirements for Students Not Declaring a Concentration

Major Requirements
Additional Requirements (may be selected from other graduate courses in clearly related areas)5
Minimum Total Credit Hours:5

Dietetic Internship Concentration Requirements

Concentration Requirements
NUTR 63522COMMUNICATION, MANAGEMENT AND PROFESSIONALISM IN DIETETICS 3
NUTR 63525DIETETIC PRACTICE: COMMUNITY 1
NUTR 63526DIETETIC PRACTICE: MANAGEMENT 1
NUTR 63527DIETETIC PRACTICE: CLINICAL 1
NUTR 63592DIETETIC INTERNSHIP 110
Minimum Total Credit Hours:16
1

All students in dietetic internships are required to obtain criminal background checks, including the Bureau of Criminal Investigation and Identification (BCII) for the State of Ohio and the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) prior to beginning practice experiences, annually, until internship practice experiences are complete and additionally as required by facilities.

Graduation Requirements

Minimum Major GPA Minimum Overall GPA
- 3.000
  • No more than one-half of a graduate student’s coursework may be taken in 50000-level courses.
  • Grades below C are not counted toward completion of requirements for the degree.
Program Delivery
  • Delivery:
    • In person
  • Location:
    • Kent Campus
Accreditation for Nutrition - M.S.

The Dietetic Internship concentration is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics (ACEND).

Dietetic Internship

The Combined Master's of Science/ Dietetic Internship Program, offered by the School of Health Sciences, in the College of Education, Health and Human Services, is completed in 21 months. Interns are expected to complete both the Master of Science in Nutrition and the Dietetic Internship requirements.

Please note:  you can only complete the Dietetic Internship program if you are currently enrolled in the Nutrition M.S. program.

Mission Statement

The Â鶹ÊÓƵ's Master of Science in Nutrition/Dietetic Internship Program is dedicated to providing advanced professional education, broadening intellectual perspectives, and promoting ethical professional practice based on humanitarian values.  At Â鶹ÊÓƵ, a major focus is to foster a learning environment where students and interns are taught to respond to social, cultural, intellectual, and technological challenges.  In addition, emphasis is placed on the development of skills for continuing professional development and enhanced ability, including leadership, to respond to the versatile demands of the dietetics profession.

The program at Â鶹ÊÓƵ is designed to prepare dietetic interns to become entry-level Registered Dietitian Nutritionists (RDN) with the added strength of a Master of Science in Nutrition.  Throughout the 21-month program, interns will be provided with a professional and academic environment in which to develop the skills needed to become competent in the areas of nutrition therapy, community dietetics, management, business, and leadership.

Program Goals and Objectives

The goal of the Â鶹ÊÓƵ Program is to provide dietetic interns with the resources and experiences needed to develop the knowledge, skills, and principles needed to become competent Registered Dietitian Nutritionists (RDN), with the abilities to practice in a variety of settings. After completion of the program, interns will demonstrate a broad knowledge of the following:

  • Nutrition and biological sciences
  • Pathophysiology of disease
  • Management theories and practices
  • Food and nutrition research principles
  • Leadership

Adittionally, graduates will be able to apply this knowledge, skill, and principles to sound nutrition practice.


Internship Program Goals

Program Goal 1: To prepare program graduates to practice as competent entry-level Registered Dietitian Nutritionists (RDN).

Program Goal 1 Objectives:

  • At least 80% of interns complete program requirements within 31.5 months (150% of planned program length).
  • Of graduates who seek employment, at least 80% are employed in nutrition and dietetics or related fields within 12 months of graduation.
  • At least 80% of program graduates take the CDR credentialing exam for dietitian nutritionists within 12 months of program completion.
  • 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%.
  • At least 80% of responding employers will rate graduates as competent (i.e. a score of 3 or > on a scale of 1-5) for entry-level practice when surveyed one-year post graduation.
  • At least 80% of responding graduates will rate that they felt prepared (i.e. a score 3 or > on a 1-5 scale) when surveyed one-year post graduation.

Program Goal 2: To develop program graduates to be entry-level Registered Dietitian Nutritionists (RDN) that utilize their foundation of knowledge and skills in leadership.

Program Goal 2 Objectives:

  • At least 80% of interns will identify an increased knowledge base of leadership (using a YES/NO scale) during the internship when surveyed using the End Internship Program Evaluation.
  • At least 80% of interns will affirm (using a YES/NO scale) that they have utilized their leadership knowledge (that they obtained during the internship) in one or more professional settings during the internship when surveyed using the End Internship Program Evaluation.
  • At least 80% of responding graduates will affirm (using a YES/NO scale) that they have utilized their leadership knowledge (that they obtained during the internship) in one or more professional settings post internship when surveyed one-year post graduation.
  • At least 80% of responding employers will rate 3 or > in response to graduates exhibiting leadership skills in the practice setting when surveyed one-year post graduation.

**Outcomes data for the Â鶹ÊÓƵ Combined Master’s of Science/Dietetic Internship Program are available upon request.**

Internship Program Description

The Â鶹ÊÓƵ Master of Science/ Dietetic Internship Program is designed to provide interns with experience in:

  • Medical nutrition therapy
  • Clinical nutrition management
  • Community dietetics
  • Business
  • Food service management
  • Elective (U.S. or international option)

Throughout the program, interns are provided with the resources and experiences needed to develop the skills necessary to become competent Registered Dietitian Nutritionists (RDN). Emphasis is placed on intellectual, technological, and professional development while fostering ethical and humanitarian values.

A wide variety of experiences are offered at

  • Medical centers
  • Community sites
  • Food service operations
  • Businesses

Clinical rotations are designed to provide hands-on experience in medical nutrition therapy, allowing interns to utilize knowledge of nutrition science, biological science and pathophysiology of disease gained in the classroom. Community experiences provide active participation in nutrition intervention in the outpatient setting, while enhancing the skills needed to practice in culturally and socially diverse environments. Business rotations enable interns to translate knowledge of management theories into practice.  The dietetic interns actively participate in the supervision of food service delivery at a variety of settings in the Food Service Management rotations. Clinical Nutrition Management rotations foster the development and utilization of management practices in clinical settings. For the Elective experience, interns work with the internship director to create an individualized practice experience to fit their interest areas. The KSU Dietetic Internship Program received approval by ACEND, the accrediting body of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, as of July 2015 for an International Elective Option, which would be an additional expense to the intern. Throughout the program, in both classes and professional practice experiences, emphasis is placed on identifying and utilizing nutrition resources and research for professional development.

The program is completed in 21 months and follows the Â鶹ÊÓƵ Academic Calendar. Since dietetic internship rotations are considered practicum experiences, program interns are expected to report to their scheduled rotation during University recognized holidays. Interns are not excused from University holidays, which fall within their schedule at a practice site if their current preceptor is working on the holiday.

Interns are expected to complete both the Master of Science in Nutrition and the Dietetic Internship requirements. Upon completion of the 21-month program and all degree requirements, graduates will receive the verification statement documenting completion of the internship requirements and will be eligible to write the registration exam to become Registered Dietitian Nutritionists (RDN). In addition, program graduates will have completed the requirements for the Master of Science degree and will receive the Master of Science in Nutrition from the University. Attainment of the RDN credential also establishes the eligibility for licensure from the State Medical Board of Ohio. KSU intern graduates moving outside of Ohio will be advised to check with individual state licensure boards for RDN licensure requirements for that state. 

Internship Requirements

Upon completion of the KSU 21-month Dietetic Internship Program, with a leadership concentration and all degree requirements, graduates will receive a verification statement documenting completion of the internship and will be eligible to complete the exam to become Registered Dietitian Nutritionists (RDN). 

In addition, program graduates will have completed the requirements for the Master of Science degree.  The Internship Program is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Education in Nutritional Dietetics (ACEND) of the Academy of Nutrition & Dietetics.

Please Note: 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). In order to be approved for registration examination eligibility with a bachelor’s degree, an individual must meet all eligibility requirements and be submitted into CDR's Registration Eligibility Processing System (REPS) before 12:00 midnight Central Time, December 31, 2023. For more information about this requirement visit CDR's website: . In addition, CDR requires that individuals complete coursework and supervised practice in program(s) accredited by the Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics (ACEND). Graduates who successfully complete the ACEND-accredited Combined Master of Science/Dietetic Internship Program at Â鶹ÊÓƵ are eligible to take the CDR credentialing exam to become an RDN.

In most states, graduates also must obtain licensure or certification to practice. For more information about state licensure requirements .

For more information about educational pathways to become a RDN .

Program Requirements for Combined MS/Dietetic Internship

The Â鶹ÊÓƵ Combined MS/Dietetic Internship Program is completed in 43 credit hours which includes over 1500 supervised internship practice hours.  The program is usually finished in 4 semesters and one summer.  During the semesters, interns go to practice sites 3 days per week and to class two days per week.  During the summer, interns complete a 12 week, full-time clinical experience in a hospital setting.  Interns will be required to have a car and auto insurance coverage for the duration of the internship. The supervised component of the program must be completed within two years of the start of the program. 

Upon completion of the 21-month program and all degree requirements, graduates will receive verification statement documenting completion of the internship requirements and will be eligible to write the registration exam to become Registered Dietitian Nutritionists (RDN).  In addition, program graduates will have completed and receive the Master of Science degree from the University.

The Combined KSU/Dietetic Internship Program does not award credit from previous experience(s) toward the total hours required for the internship. 

For more detailed information on Practice Experience and Master of Science Requirements, please refer to the Program Handbook.

DI Application Process

Applicants will apply for the Â鶹ÊÓƵ Combined MS/DI Program using the Dietetic Inclusive Centralized Application Service (DICAS).

Applicants must have an overall GPA of 3.0 or above to be considered a candidate for the KSU Combined MS/Dietetic Internship Program. As an internship candidate, your overall GPA and science GPA will be most important. Strength of nutrition-related work/volunteer experiences, personal statement and three letters of recommendation (2 Academic and 1 work/volunteer) will be considered in the selection process. GRE tests are not required for application to the KSU Graduate Program or to the KSU Dietetic Internship Program.

Please Note: If you do not meet the GPA requirement, your application cannot be processed as an internship candidate. However, you can apply to the Graduate Program in Nutrition and reapply to the internship if you meet requirements in the future.

KSU Dietetic Internship Application (DICAS) Requirements

  • The KSU Combined MS/Dietetic Internship Program is participating in the Academy of Nutrition & Dietetics online Dietetic Inclusive Centralized Application Service (DICAS), which can be accessed at the , or e-mail dicasinfo@dicas.org.
  • DICAS requirements for Â鶹ÊÓƵ include DICAS Application, University Transcripts, Three Recommendations (2 academic and 1 work/volunteer preferred), and an original Declaration of Intent from current undergraduate program or an original Verification Form if postgraduate status signed by an appropriate faculty. The DICAS website provides directions for each of the application requirements.
  • Your application must be fully complete by February 15. You need to begin the DICAS process as early as possible (in advance of the February deadline) so all of the required are completed and in your DICAS file and your application materials can be sent to us from DICAS.
  • There is no KSU Internship Application fee for the spring match.

KSU Dietetic Internship 2024-2025 Spring Match Timeline

  • The deadline for all dietetic internship applications submitted through DICAS for the Spring Match is 2/15/25. Applications submitted after 2/15/25 will not be considered.
  • Accepted applicants will be notified via email no later than 2/21/25.
  • Accepted applicants must notify the Â鶹ÊÓƵ Dietetic Internship Program Director no later than 3/15/25 to confirm/decline program appointment.
  • After confirmed appointment, accepted applicants must now apply to the graduate program in nutrition at Â鶹ÊÓƵ.

If the Â鶹ÊÓƵ Combined MS/DI Program does not fill all ten intern spots in the first rounds, the Dietetic Internship Program Director will send additional invitation emails to ranked applicants until all ten spots have been filled.

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY

In academic and student programs, it is the policy of this University that there shall be no unlawful discrimination against any student or applicant for admission as a student because of race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, national origin, handicap, or identity as a disabled veteran or veteran of the Vietnam era. Such policy shall apply to, but not necessarily be limited to, the following: recruiting, admission, access to programs, financial aid, and social, recreational and health programs. This policy also shall apply with reference to discrimination on a basis of age insofar as required by law.

Leadership Program Concentration

The Â鶹ÊÓƵ Combined Masters/Dietetic Internship Program will provide the addition of a Leadership Concentration, which has been approved by the The Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics. Dietetic Interns will be guided throughout their practice experiences to develop formal leadership knowledge and skills that they can bring with them as they begin their dietetics career and beyond. This concentration will add to the preparation of Registered Dietitian Nutritionists (RDN) to position themselves as the nutrition expert and leader in any future work environment.

Combined Master of Science/Dietetic Internship Program Handbook

Combined Master of Science/Dietetic Internship Program Handbook

Additional information on the Â鶹ÊÓƵ Dietetic Internship Program including estimated intern costs, availability of financial aid/loan deferment/scholarships/stipends, and virtual rotation experience requirements, etc. are located in the Â鶹ÊÓƵ Combined Master of Science/Dietetic Internship Program Handbook.

Accreditation

The Â鶹ÊÓƵ Didactic Program is currently accredited by:

The Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics (ACEND):

The Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics
120 South Riverside Plaza
Suite 2190
Chicago, IL 60606-6995
312-899-5400

Eat Right

For more information on the pathway and requirements needed to become a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RDN), please visit the .

Professional Licensure Disclosure

This program is designed to prepare students to sit for applicable licensure or certification in Ohio. If you plan to pursue licensure or certification in a state other than Ohio, please review state educational requirements for licensure or certification and contact information for state licensing boards at Â鶹ÊÓƵ's website for professional licensure disclosure.

Please note: The requirement of licensure to practice dietetics is not currently required by every state. The Â鶹ÊÓƵ Master of Science/Dietetic Internship Program prepares graduates for the credentialing exam to become a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist, which is the prerequisite for licensure in those states that require it.

Examples of Possible Careers and Salaries for Nutrition - M.S.

Graduates of Â鶹ÊÓƵ's Master of Science in Nutrition can pursue advanced careers in the nutrition industry, including research, academic, and high-level professional roles.

Dietitians and nutritionists

8.0%

much faster than the average

74,200

number of jobs

$63,090

potential earnings

Notice: Career Information Source
* Source of occupation titles and labor data comes from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics' . Data comprises projected percent change in employment over the next 10 years; nation-wide employment numbers; and the yearly median wage at which half of the workers in the occupation earned more than that amount and half earned less.

Request Information

Loading...