Department of Nutrition

The mission of the Department of Nutrition is to prepare diverse students for successful careers in food, nutrition, and dietetics by providing quality education that is culturally sensitive and instills a desire for lifelong learning.

DEI Statement

Bachelor of Science in Nutrition and Dietetics (with Didactic Program in Dietetics (DPD) option

Students who attain a Bachelor of Science degree with a major in Nutrition and Dietetics will be prepared for traditional, non-traditional, and entrepreneurial positions in health care that utilize knowledge of food, nutrition and dietetics.  Professionals trained in nutrition have numerous career options due to the growing emphasis on nutrition, health and wellness.

One of the career options for a student majoring in Nutrition and Dietetics is to become a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RDN). The Nutrition and Dietetics major includes a didactic program in dietetics (DPD) which is a required initial step in the education and training of dietetics professionals. In order to become a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RDN), a DPD Verification Statement is required.

Bachelor of Science in Nutrition Science

The Nutrition Science major provides students interested in graduate level nutrition study, food science study or professional health programs (e.g. physician assistant, medical doctor, physical therapy) a suitable pathway that prepares them for these ventures. The Nutrition Science major provides a heavier emphasis on the sciences than the Nutrition and Dietetics major. The Nutrition Science major does not prepare students to become Registered Dietitian Nutritionists and instead focuses on better preparing students interested in advanced study post-graduation.

Bachelor of Science in Nutrition Studies

The Bachelor of Science degree with a major in Nutrition Studies is intended for students who are interested in the scientific foundation of nutrition principles. This is a major for those who are not pursuing dietetic registration.

Minor in Nutrition

The Nutrition Minor complements a variety of majors including Biology, Health Care Management, Hospitality, Tourism & Events, Human Performance and Sport, and Integrative Health Care. Additionally, this minor provides valuable information that can be applied to a student’s lifelong health and well-being.

The Nutrition Minor will not meet educational requirements for qualification as a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RDN). A major in nutrition from an accredited institution, an approved internship, and passing a national exam are all requirements to obtain the RDN credential.

Nutrition and Dietetics 3+2 Program

The Department of Nutrition offers a Nutrition and Dietetics 3+2 Program. Both undergraduate and graduate level coursework in nutrition includes the opportunity to conduct and analyze research, enhance critical thinking and effective communication skills, and participate in experiential learning opportunities. In this program, students earn two degrees, a Bachelor of Science in Nutrition and Dietetics and a Master of Science in Nutrition and Dietetics in a total of five years. The Nutrition and Dietetic 3+2 Program will meet the Didactic Program in Dietetics (DPD) requirements for students wanting to become a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RDN)* after the Commission on Dietetic Registration (CDR) requirements change in 2024.

Students interested in completing the 3+2 Program will apply to the program once enrolled as an MSU Denver undergraduate student with a major in Nutrition and Dietetics.

*Students who complete the Nutrition and Dietetics 3+2 Program, earn first their bachelor’s and then master’s degree throughout the five year program and are eligible to apply for Dietetic Internships in the last semester of the five year program.

Prerequisites for a Nutrition Graduate Program (PNUT)

The Prerequisites for a Nutrition Graduate Program (PNUT) is an undergraduate program that allows you to complete prerequisites for the Master of Science in Nutrition and Dietetics or the Graduate Certificate in Nutrition Science.

Master of Science in Nutrition and Dietetics (with Didactic Program in Dietetics (DPD) option

Blending experiential learning with high quality education in a flexible hybrid format, this student-focused program will strengthen your research skills, expand your knowledge of advanced nutrition topics, bolster your communication skills, and set you up to be a leader in the field of nutrition and dietetics.

Effective January 1, 2024, the CDR will require a minimum of a master’s degree to be eligible to take the credentialing exam to become a RDN. In addition, students must obtain a Didactic Program in Dietetics (DPD) verification statement. The MSND program does offer a DPD option.

Dietetic Internship

The MSU Denver Dietetic Internship is committed to preparing you for a successful career in the field of nutrition. The program provides a thorough foundation in several domains of nutrition practice working with culturally-diverse populations in a variety of urban settings:

1. medical nutrition therapy (MNT) and the nutrition care process (NCP) in a clinical setting
2. community health nutrition and food-security
3. nutrition education and counseling
4. food systems management

The program builds knowledge and skills needed to become a competent nutrition professional, including presentation, communication, and writing skills. The program values diversity and provides opportunities to meet individual needs and interests.

The MSU Denver Dietetic Internship is a 8.5 month program which starts in mid-August and runs through early May. The program provides more than the required minimum of 1000 hours of supervised practice experiences (rotations) at different organizations throughout the Denver-metropolitan area. Students enrolled in the Dietetic Internship program have the option of completing the Master of Science in Nutrition and Dietetics (MSND) at MSU Denver, but are not required to enroll in the MSND program.

Lactation Consultant Training Certificate Program

The Lactation Consultant Training Certificate Program is housed in the Department of Nutrition and allows students to meet the eligibility requirements to complete the International Board-Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC) Exam and, once students pass the exam, work as a credentialed IBCLC.

Graduate Certificate in Nutrition Science

Curriculum in the Graduate Certificate in Nutrition Science focuses on providing advanced nutrition education tailored to current RDN’s, healthcare professionals, and individuals looking to grow personally or professionally through graduate level study.