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Blending experiential learning with high quality education in a flexible hybrid format, this student-focused Master of Science in Nutrition and Dietetics (MSND) 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. The Master of Science in Nutrition and Dietetics program does offer a DPD option, where students can prepare themselves for a career path as a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RDN) with the new CDR requirement.*
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. For more information about educational pathways to become an RDN please visit the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics.
The mission of the Master of Science in Nutrition and Dietetics is to prepare diverse students to become nutrition leaders who practice effectively and contribute solutions for human health and healthcare challenges.
Utilize experiential opportunities to prepare students to use evidence-based nutrition practice in their chosen profession
Prepare students to secure advanced nutrition-related employment in healthcare, government, industry, education or not-for-profit programs
Experiential learning is a focus in our curriculum. Throughout this program you will see growth in your content knowledge, leadership skills, and networking opportunities.
Courses are offered in 8-week blocks and delivered in hybrid format partnering the best of online education and face-to-face learning. Engaging in the classroom with peers and faculty members deepens the learning experience, broadens perspective, and will strengthen your professional network. The online content of the hybrid format enhances the convenience of the program, allowing us to meet your needs as a busy individual.
Students enrolled in the MS in Nutrition and Dietetics can complete the degree as either a full-time or part-time student.
Students enrolled in the full-time option will:
Students enrolled in the part-time option will:
Fall 22 MSND Full Time Advising Snapshot
Fall 22 MSND Part Time Advising Snapshot
Fall 22 MSND Full Time Advising Snapshot with NUT 3170 & NUT 4800
Fall 22 MSND Full Time Advising Snapshot with NUT 4800
Fall 22 MSND Part Time Advising Snapshot with NUT 3170 & NUT 4800
Fall 22 MSND Part Time Advising Snapshot with NUT 4800
Spring 23 MSND Full Time Advising Snapshot
Spring 23 MSND Part Time Advising Snapshot
Spring 23 MSND Full Time Advising Snapshot with NUT 3170 & NUT 4800
Spring 23 MSND Full Time Advising Snapshot with NUT 4800
Spring 23 MSND Part Time Advising Snapshot with NUT 3170 & NUT 4800
Spring 23 MSND Part Time Advising Snapshot with NUT 4800
Full program acceptance requires prerequisite coursework with a grade of C- or higher in:
Students must have all science prerequisites (chemistry, organic and biological chemistry, anatomy and physiology) completed prior to their entry term in the MSND program. The upper division human nutrition course and medical nutrition therapy course are the only two prerequisites that can be completed after starting the MSND program. The upper division human nutrition course and medical nutrition therapy course prerequisites must be completed with a grade of C- or higher within the first year of the term of acceptance into the program.
If you have multiple prerequisites to complete, please contact the Nutrition Department to speak with an advisor about the timeline for completing the necessary prerequisites and the best admission semester based on your specific course needs. You can contact the Department of Nutrition at 303-615-0990 or email [email protected] to request an appointment.
For sample degree completion plans that incorporate the nutrition prerequisite courses, please view the advising snapshots.
If you are interested in completing your prerequisites at MSU Denver, 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.
For sample degree completion plans that incorporate the nutrition prerequisite courses, please view the advising snapshots.
Students can be accepted into the Master of Science in Nutrition and Dietetics program for either a Fall or Spring start term.
The Spring Application Cycle Opens on June 1st
For Spring 2023, the priority deadline is October 1st. Acceptance after the priority deadline is only granted if space in the program is available. The final application deadline for Spring is December 1.
The Fall Application Cycle opens on November 1st
For Fall, the priority deadline is March 1. Acceptance after the priority deadline is only granted if space in the program is available. The final application deadline for Fall is June 1.
Applicants must have a bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited college or university in any discipline with a minimum 3.0 GPA.
Here are the steps to complete an application:
Throughout the application materials, students are encouraged to highlight diversity and/or life experiences that will benefit the profession and their success in a graduate program.
Examples of diversity and/or life experiences include but are not limited to first-generation status, racial-ethnic diversity, working with diverse populations, bilingual skills and/or other unique life experiences that highlight overcoming adversity.
Students are not required to have nutrition experience(s), either paid or un-paid, to be admitted to the MSND program. Students should highlight skills, tasks, projects, and responsibilities throughout their resume that demonstrate the ability to succeed as a graduate student. In addition, students with non-nutrition experience(s) should emphasize transferrable skills (such as teamwork, communication, project management, leadership, and others) within their resume content. Students may also highlight notable courses, course projects, other academic achievements (e.g. honors, awards, scholarships), volunteer experience, research experience, or certifications. Resumes are encouraged to stay within 1-2 pages in length.
A list of three references is required for application to the MSND Program. References should be professional or academic and should not be friends or family members. Professional or academic references include professors or instructors, employment or volunteer supervisors, or professional colleagues.
It is strongly recommended that at least one reference be a professor or instructor when possible (the committee understands that applicants who have been out of school for many years may not have professors or instructors able to provide recommendations) and it is recommended that one reference be a supervisor (employment- or volunteer-based). Professional colleagues may serve as an adequate reference if need be, however, the Admissions Committee highly values professor or instructor and supervisor references.
References should be able to speak to your academic and/or professional abilities as well as comment on your potential to succeed in graduate school and/or the field of nutrition and dietetics.
The MSU Denver Department of Nutrition faculty and/or staff will review all submitted applications for completeness. The MSND Admissions Committee, which is comprised of MSU Denver Department of Nutrition faculty and staff members, will review complete applications only. Applicants who submit incomplete applications will not be reviewed by the admissions committee and will be denied entry into the program. Transcripts that are in the process of being sent will not result in an incomplete application. Students may submit their application for the MSND program prior to all transcripts being received by the Office of Graduate Studies. The MSND Admissions Committee will receive and review all complete applications and upon the finalization of the review process*, applicants will be notified in writing of their admission status. Applicants may be: regularly admitted, regularly admitted with requirements, waitlisted or denied acceptance. Applicants regularly admitted with requirements typically have obligations to fulfill either before starting the MSND program and/or within the first semester of enrollment. Please see below for more information.
*Admissions interviews may be required during the application review process.
Acceptance into the program may be granted if a student is lacking up to 2 prerequisite courses. Students lacking prerequisite coursework must successfully complete the required course(s) with a grade of C- or higher within one year of acceptance to the program. Students with a GPA lower than a 3.0 can be accepted into the program. Students accepted into the program with a GPA lower than a 3.0 must maintain at least a 3.0 GPA during the first semester of the program.
Students may transfer in up to six (6) credits of graduate level coursework from a regionally accredited university. Each transfer course must have a minimum grade of “C” and have been completed within 5 years of admission to the program.
Our program is no longer in compliance to meet the in-person international enrollment requirement for students seeking F-1 student visas. As we are no longer in compliance, we cannot allow international students to apply to our program.
If you are an international student and would like to be informed if our program is able to accept international students for future semesters, email [email protected]
In general, no credit is given for prior learning experience derived from employment or other life experience.
The MSND program is a hybrid accelerated program model. This is a rigorous program due to the nature of the accelerated course offerings and the graduate level advanced study expectations. Courses in the MSND program are condensed into 8-week block hybrid courses consisting of approximately 50% of class time spent learning “live” (either in person or synchronously online) and 50% of class time spent learning “online” (asynchronously online). Students are expected to actively participate in all “live” and “online” course sessions by engaging with their peers, the instructor, and the content. Students should note that some courses require in person attendance for presentations, events, or other components.
The following calculation provides an example of the estimated time a student should spend, PER WEEK, on a 3-credit hour 8-week hybrid course in the MSND program:
Attendance and participation in all “live” classes during the MSND program are expected 100% of the time. Students are also expected to arrive for class in a timely manner. Failure to attend class results in reduced student learning opportunities, diminished quality of community in the MSND program, demonstrates lack of professionalism by the student, and may result in loss of points and/or a reduction in final letter grade.
Teamwork is an integral part of the learning experience in the MSND program and is an important part of professional success in the field of nutrition and dietetics. Students are expected to demonstrate successful teamwork skills and professional interactions with their peers throughout the MSND program. In addition, students are expected to work with external or campus community partners for the experiential and/or service-learning components of this program.
Students are to uphold all other policies and procedures as outlined in the MSND Handbook including late assignment policies, academic integrity policies, among others.
Current students should be familiar with the MSND Student Handbook 2022-2023.
One of the career options for students pursuing the Master of Science in Nutrition and Dietetics (MSND) is to become a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RDN). The MSND program provides the option to receive a DPD verification statement. The Didactic Program in Dietetics (DPD) Option 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. Please review the MSND Didactic Program in Dietetics (DPD) Option Handout below for more details about the MSND + DPD track.
The mission of the MSU Denver DPD is to prepare diverse students from the Denver Metropolitan area for successful careers in food, nutrition and dietetics by providing quality education in the core knowledge requirements for the registered dietitian that is culturally sensitive and instills a desire for life-long learning.
Goal 1: Prepare students for a career using their knowledge of food, nutrition and dietetics.
Objectives:
Goal 2: Students from a diverse background will graduate and be successfully placed in jobs, internships or graduate school.
Objectives:
Goal 3: Students will embrace life-long learning to improve professional practice by participating in continuing education after graduation.
Objective:
Programs outcome data are available upon request by emailing: [email protected]
The steps to become an RDN are:
Students enrolled in the MSND program are not required to pursue becoming an RDN. Career opportunities for non-RDN nutrition professionals do exist. However, students are encouraged to meet with an advisor to discuss the option of becoming an RDN and how the RDN vs non-RDN pathway could impact their future career. To schedule an advising session, please email [email protected] or call 303-615-0990.
Students with a prior Didactic Program in Dietetics (DPD) verification statement can apply for Dietetic Internships prior to starting or finishing the MSND program. Students without a prior DPD verification statement who are pursuing the MSND program with the DPD option, can apply to dietetic internships during the last semester of their studies.
For further questions, please email us at [email protected].
Most Dietetic Internship programs cost money to complete. Students are paying for an experiential learning opportunity while enrolled in a Dietetic Internship program. Costs for Dietetic Internships approximately range from $5,000-$50,000, depending on location, completion of a master’s degree along with the internship, etc. Dietetic Internships tied to graduate credit are eligible for financial aid to cover expenses.
Further, it should be noted that most Dietetic Internships are full-time programs which require the student to complete rotations in the field on a full-time, 40 hour a week, basis. Students are not paid for this time.
Dietetic Internships are therefore, unpaid experiences that have a cost. The Department of Nutrition can help you determine strategies for overcoming cost barriers associated with the Dietetic Internship. To schedule an appointment with an advisor to speak more about this, call 303-615-0990 or email [email protected].
Full-time Dietetic Internships typically range from 6-12 months. Part-time Dietetic Internships typically range from 1-2 years in length.
The Department of Nutrition offers many resources for students as they prepare for applying to Dietetic Internships including:
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. For more information about educational pathways to become an RDN please visit the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics.
The proposed tuition for the MS in Nutrition and Dietetics is $550/credit hour for residents and $650/credit hour for non-residents. Proposed tuition and fee schedules are outlined below.
The Office of Financial Aid and Scholarships helps students and their families finance an MSU Denver education. From applying for aid to managing unmet cost, the financial aid office provides guidance, resources and advice at every step along the way. All financial aid funds can be used for educational expenses, including living expenses, while a student is attending college. In order to receive financial aid, graduate students will need to provide information to the federal government via the FAFSA.
Students must complete a current FAFSA application to be considered for scholarships from MSU Denver and the Department of Nutrition as well as Graduate Assistantship positions. Completing a FAFSA application does not require a student to accept any or all loans offered.
No, we do not require the GRE for the MS in Nutrition and Dietetics.
There is not an “all online” option. The MSND is offered as a hybrid program which includes both online content and face-to-face meeting sessions for each course.
The face-to-face portion of courses in the MSND meet once a week and are typically offered in the evenings during the weekdays.
If you don’t have a 3.0 GPA from your undergraduate degree, you can still apply to our program. You may be able to be “admitted with requirements.” Requirements to stay in the program include maintaining a 3.0 GPA your first semester of courses.
We accept students for both full-time and part-time tracks.
Students enrolled in the full-time option will:
Students enrolled in the part-time option will:
Yes, we accept students for fall and spring start dates for the MSND. Applications deadlines can be found on the website for the current application cycle.
Spring match 2022 is the last opportunity to complete the DI and MSND programs at the same time. In 2024, the Commission on Dietetic Registration (CDR) will change the entry-level education requirements for dietitian registration eligibility from a Bachelor’s degree to a Master’s degree. In addition, students must obtain a Didactic Program in Dietetics (DPD) verification statement. The MSND program does offer a DPD option.
Students in the MSND program with a prior DPD verification statement or in MSND + DPD program can apply to dietetic internships during the last semester of their studies.
For further questions, please email us at [email protected].
Students who are accepted into the MSND program are not automatically enrolled in or accepted into the Dietetic Internship program. The Dietetic Internship requires a separate application process.
For more information about the application process and your eligibility for the Dietetic Internship, schedule an appointment with an advisor by calling 303-615-0990 or emailing [email protected].
Yes, you can. Your application for admission and all application material received by the University will be valid for up to two semesters beyond the term of application. This means, for example, that if you are accepted for a fall semester start date but choose to not attend in fall semester, you can defer your start date to spring or summer semester. After this time, files will no longer be maintained for applicants who are accepted but did not enroll for more than two semesters. Applicants wishing to attend and be accepted into the program after that period must submit a new application/application materials along with an application fee.
You can expect to hear from us within 4-6 weeks of the application deadline. After your application is submitted, if you have any questions, feel free to reach out to the Department of Nutrition at 303-615-0990.
MSU Denver’s Master of Science in Nutrition and Dietetics
Didactic Program in Dietetics is accredited by the
Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics
of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics
120 South Riverside Plaza, Suite 2190
Chicago, IL 60606-6995, 800-877-1600 ext. 5400
http://www.eatrightPRO.org/ACEND.
Want more information?
For more information on the Master of Science in Nutrition and Dietetics, please contact the Department of Nutrition. Click below to send us an email!
Email UsDepartment of Nutrition
Phone:
303-615-0990
Office Location:
West Classroom 240
Office Hours:
8:00am – 5:00pm
Mailing Address:
Metropolitan State University of Denver
Department of Nutrition
Campus Box 33N
P.O. Box 173362
Denver, CO 80217-3362