Graduate Degree

The Master of Science Degree in Nutrition and Dietetics is a practice-based program designed for students who are concurrently completing the Dietetic Internship program at Michigan State University. The program includes a supervised practice component of the Dietetic Internship at arranged sites in Michigan and online course work in research methods, advanced clinical nutrition, statistics, and seminars. The program is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics (ACEND). In addition to supervised practice planned to result in competencies enumerated by the accrediting council, the program provides students with opportunities to engage in evidence-based activities and further acquisition of professional skills. Upon completion of the program and conferral of the master’s degree, students may sit for the Registration Examination for Dietitian Nutritionists.

In addition to meeting the requirements of the University as described in the Graduate Education section of this catalog, students must meet the requirements specified below.

Admission

The MSU Dietetic Internship participates in an online Dietetic Internship Centralized Application System (DICAS).  An admissions committee of MSU faculty and preceptors reviews applications and prepares a ranked list of approved applicants which is also reviewed by the FSHN Graduate Affairs Committee to ensure accepted applicants meet graduate school admissions criteria. An independent matching process is used to fill slots in internships nationwide based on the priority rankings of both applicants and internships.

To be considered for admission to the Master of Science degree in Nutrition and Dietetics, an applicant must:

1. have a Verification Statement from an ACEND-accredited Didactic Program in Dietetics (DPD);
2. complete a dietetic internship application through the Dietetic Internship Central Application Service (DICAS), which includes a personal statement, resume, three letters of reference, and transcripts from all colleges and universities attended;
3. have a prior DPD and overall grade point average of 3.0 or higher;
4. complete the MSU application for graduate studies.

Requirements for the Master of Science Degree in Nutrition and Dietetics

The program is available under Plan B (without thesis). The student must complete a total of 30 credits distributed as follows:

1.	All of the following courses (18 credits):
	HNF	823	Research Methods in Human Nutrition						3
	HNF	832	Advanced Clinical Nutrition						3
	HNF	892	Nutrition Seminar						2
	HNF	894	Human Nutrition Practicum						6
	HNF	898	Master's Project						1
	NUR	804	Statistics for the Healthcare Professional						3
2.	A minimum of 12 credits in one or more focus areas selected in consultation with the student’s faculty advisor.
3.	Completion of a final project/case study and evaluation, including a formal presentation by the student on a topic approved by the internship director and faculty advisor through enrollment in HNF 898.