Master of Science in Nutrition with Coordinated Program in Dietetics

A graduate degree that prepares students for a career as a Registered Dietitian, focusing on the areas of public health/community nutrition or clinical nutrition.

Our program’s philosophy is to promote the Sinsinawa Dominicans’ dedication to the values-centered intellectual development. Therefore, our program strives to recruit and serve a diversified community as well as promote an appreciation for service to the community and our profession. All MS graduate classes are provided online, and the supervised practice rotation curriculum is provided at on-site practice settings and at our River Forest campus. Supervised practice experiences are arranged by our program staff and are located within a 50-mile radius of our campus. 

To qualify for the MS in Nutrition with Coordinated Program in Dietetics, students must have a bachelor's degree or post-baccalaureate certificate in nutrition and dietetics. All applicants’ transcripts will be evaluated to determine whether any other courses are required.

If you do not have a nutrition-related bachelor's degree:

  • For applicants who wish to pursue the Local ISPP program and do not have a nutrition-related bachelor’s degree, it is required that they enroll first in the Certificate in Nutrition and Dietetics Program.
  • Applicants who have graduated with a nutrition-related bachelor’s degree, but have not earned a DPD verification statement will have their transcripts evaluated to determine whether any further courses are required. 

This program enables earning a MS degree in nutrition and complete all requirements necessary to become an entry-level Registered Dietitian/Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RD/RDN). Supervised practice rotations provide a minimum of 1,000 hours of field experience in practice settings including community, outpatient, clinical inpatient, food service management, and specialty nutrition. Most interns have supervised practice three to four days (21–28 hours) per week. For more information, please review our Coordinated and Local ISPP Programs Handbook (pdf opens in a new window).

The program fulfills the requirements for a master's degree in nutrition and the supervised practice requirements for eligibility to sit for the Registration Examination for Dietitians administered by the Commission on Dietetic Registration (CDR). The supervised practice curriculum will enable you to complete your supervised practice requirements with robust opportunities and experiences in each rotation. You will also participate in extensive preparation for the Registration Examination for Dietitians, including a two-day RD Exam Review Workshop, use of RD exam software throughout the program, and our RD Boot Camp. Upon completion, program graduates receive the Verification Statement required for application to take the Registration Examination for Dietitians.

Accreditation

Dominican University’s Master of Science in Nutrition with Coordinated Program in Dietetics  is accredited by the Council on Accreditation for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics (ACEND), an agency of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics. Upon successful completion of all program requirements, graduates will be eligible for application to sit for the Registration Examination for Dietitians by the Commission on Dietetic Registration (CDR).

Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics
Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics
120 South Riverside Plaza, Suite 2190
Chicago, IL 60606-6995
1 (800) 877-1600 ext 5400
Website: https://www.eatrightpro.org/acend Contact via email

Requirements and Process to become a Registered Dietitian/Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RD/RDN)

In order to become an RD/RDN the following criteria must be met:

  • Complete a bachelor’s degree at a university or college accredited by ACEND (Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics) and received a verification statement of completed requirements. Beginning January 1, 2024, a graduate degree will be required to take the Registration Examination for Dietitians.
  • Complete an ACEND-accredited dietetic coordinated program, internship, or Individualized Supervised Practice Pathway (ISSP).
  • Pass the Registration Examination for Dietitians from the Commission on Dietetic Registration (CDR).
  • Secure licensure or practice certification in your practicing state(s) as applicable. The state of Illinois requires all Registered Dietitians/Registered Dietitian Nutritionists (RDs/RDNs) to be licensed.
  • Maintain professional continuing education requirements.

For additional information on program test completion, pass rates, and progress on program goal outcomes, please visit Dominican University consumer information.