Master of Science in Nutrition and Dietetics

• Convenient hybrid classes, allowing you to balance your graduate studies and life.
• 8-week course blocks, providing timely degree progression and completion.
• Experiential and service-learning projects, enhancing knowledge and skills relevant to the field.
• Culturally responsive curriculum, leading to a more well-rounded expertise.
• Small class sizes, providing more interaction and connection with peers and faculty.
• A diverse faculty and student population, encouraging depth of thought in and out of the classroom
• Research practicum experience, focused on addressing issues critical to diverse populations.

Students enrolled in the full-time option will:

• complete all required courses within a 2 year timeframe
• enroll in approximately 7-12 credit hours per semester, or 3-6 credit hours per 8-week term
• focus on up to 2 courses maximum during each 8-week term

Students enrolled in the part-time option will:

• complete all required courses within a 3 year timeframe
• enroll in approximately 3-7 credit hours per semester, or 1-4 credit hours per 8-week term
• focus on 1 course at a time or up to 2 courses maximum during each 8-week term

Students can be accepted into the MSND program for either a Fall or Spring start term.

The Spring Application for the Spring 2024 Start is now open! 

For Spring 2024, the deadlines are as follows:

Early application: August 1st

Priority deadline: September 15th.  Acceptance after the priority deadline is only granted if space in the program is available. Final application deadline: November 1st.

The Fall Application Cycle opens on November 1st.

For Fall, the deadlines are as follows:

Early application deadline: January 1st.

Priority deadline: February 15th. Acceptance after the priority deadline is only granted if space in the program is available. Final application deadline for Fall is May 1st.

The proposed tuition for academic year 23-24 for the MSND is $550/credit hour for residents and $650/credit hour for non-residents. Please note, there will be an increase in tuition for academic year 24-25. 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.

The mission of the MSND program 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.

Due to the hybrid format, students are required to have access to the internet, computers/laptops and other technology items related to attending a hybrid or online class such as cameras, speakers or headphones. ProctorU assessments will be paid for by the University.

Students enrolled in the MSND program can complete the degree as either a full-time or part-time student.

Fall 23 – Spring 24 MSND Full Time Advising Snapshot

Fall 23 – Spring 24 MSND Part Time Advising Snapshot

Fall 23 – Spring 24 MSND Full Time Advising Snapshot with NUT 3170 & NUT 4800

Fall 23 – Spring 24 MSND Full Time Advising Snapshot with NUT 4800

Fall 23 – Spring 24 MSND Part Time Advising Snapshot with NUT 3170 & NUT 4800

Fall 23 – Spring 24 MSND Part Time Advising Snapshot with NUT 4800

Fall 22 – Spring 23 MSND Full Time Advising Snapshot
Fall 22 – Spring 23 MSND Part Time Advising Snapshot

Fall 22 – Spring 23 MSND Full Time Advising Snapshot with NUT 3170 & NUT 4800
Fall 22 – Spring 23 MSND Full Time Advising Snapshot with NUT 4800
Fall 22 – Spring 23 MSND Part Time Advising Snapshot with NUT 3170 & NUT 4800
Fall 22 – Spring 23 MSND Part Time Advising Snapshot with NUT 4800

Fall 21 – Spring 22 MSND Full Time Advising Snapshot
Fall 21 – Spring 22 MSND Part Time Advising Snapshot

MS in HND – Fall 2020 START – Part Time Advising Snapshot
MS in HND – Fall 2020 START – Full Time Advising Snapshot

MS in HND – Spring 2021 START – Full Time Advising Snapshot
MS in HND – Spring 2021 START – Part Time Advising Snapshot

Program acceptance requires prerequisite coursework with a grade of C- or higher in:

• Introductory Chemistry
• Organic chemistry
• Biological chemistry
• Anatomy and physiology (the equivalent of 6 credit hours)
• Upper division human nutrition course with macronutrient and micronutrient metabolism as the focus of the course (minimum of 3 credit hours)
• Medical nutrition therapy (minimum of 3 credits of a combined medical nutrition therapy I and II or equivalent)

Students must have all science prerequisites (chemistry, organic chemistry 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.

You cannot apply to the MSND program until you have finished with or are enrolled in all your science prerequisites. 

If you are planning to complete the DPD pathway during the MSND, you can also enroll in any number of the DPD courses while completing your prerequisites.

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 advanced 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 advanced nutrition prerequisite courses, please view the advising snapshots.

The MSND program accepts applicants with a bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited college or university* in any discipline with a minimum 3.0 GPA**.

Application fees for prospective, domestic students to apply to Master’s Programs and Graduate Certificates at MSU Denver will be waived starting 10/1/2023 through 10/1/2024.

Here are the steps to complete an application:

1. Complete the online Graduate Admission Application
2. Submit Official Transcripts directly from all colleges and universities attended to Graduate Admissions at [email protected]
   *MSU Denver official transcripts do not need to be requested
3. Submit a personal statement essay. The personal statement must be limited to 1,000 words (any applications above the word limit will not be considered) and answer only the following questions:
   • Why are you interested in pursuing a graduate degree in nutrition and dietetics?
   • Describe how your short and long-term goals align with mission and goals (MSND Mission and Goals found above) of the MSND program.
   • Why are you interested in pursuing the Master of Science in Nutrition and Dietetics at MSU Denver?
   • This is a very rigorous program, please provide examples of your academic and/or professional experience that have prepared you to handle a rigorous graduate program (Program Expectations found below).
4. Submit a resume
   • Please see Resume Suggestions section below for more information
5. Submit contact information for three (3) professional and/or academic references
   • Please see Reference Suggestions section below for more information

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. 

*Applicants may be completing their bachelor’s degree when they apply: their degree must be conferred prior to their MSND program start term.

**Applicants can be accepted into the MSND program with a GPA under 3.0. However, they will be accepted with requirements including maintaining a 3.0 during their first semester in the program.

Students should highlight skills, tasks, projects, and responsibilities throughout their resume that demonstrate the ability to succeed as a graduate student. Resumes must stay within 1-2 pages in length.

• Students are not required to have nutrition experience(s), either paid or un-paid, to be admitted to the MSND program.
• 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.

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.

Applicants will submit their references’ contact information in their application, and their references will receive a recommendation form to fill out. Applications can be submitted for consideration after the references have been added but before they have been submitted by recommenders. 

The MSU Denver Department of Nutrition admissions coordinator will review all submitted applications for completeness (including following up about missing transcripts and references). The MSND Admissions Committee, comprised of 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.

Students may submit their application for the MSND program prior to all transcripts being received by the Office of Graduate Studies. Transcripts that are in the process of being sent will not result in an incomplete application. The same is true of incomplete references.

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.

Students accepted into the MSND program with regular admissions have completed their bachelor’s degree, have at least a 3.0 undergraduate GPA, and have completed all prerequisite coursework, including the advanced nutrition courses.

Students may be accepted with requirements to the MSND program for a variety of reasons: their bachelor’s degree has not been yet conferred, they have an undergraduate GPA less than a 3.0, or they are lacking up the two advanced nutrition prerequisite courses.

Students accepted into the program while still completing their bachelor’s degree must submit their final transcripts once their degree has been conferred.

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 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 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:

• Live (synchronous online or in person) Learning: 2 hours and 30 minutes per week of active learning + 20 minutes allotted for breaks = a 2 hour and 50 minutes in person class session
• Online Learning: 2 hours and 30 minutes per week of online learning and engaging with online course content
• Outside of Class Study (beyond the in class and online learning): approximately 4 hours study time per credit x 3 credits = 12 hours per week of study outside of live and online learning
• Total Hours of Work per week per 3-credit course: 17 hours

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.

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:

1. 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%.
2. Seventy percent of graduates will report being employed in food, nutrition and dietetics; in graduate school; or in a supervised practice within 1 year of graduation.
3. Eighty percent of graduates in supervised practice rate themselves as prepared.
4. Supervised practice program directors rate at least 80% of graduates as prepared for supervised practice.

Goal 2: Students from a diverse background will graduate and be successfully placed in jobs, internships or graduate school.

Objectives:

1. At least 80% of full-time students who enter the program complete the program/degree requirements within three years (150% program length). At least 80% of part-time students complete the program/degree requirements within four and a half years (150% of the program length).
2. 35% of students will be males, persons of color, Hispanic, non-traditional age (> 25 years at admission), Military Veterans, LGBT+ or have documented disability.
3. Fifty percent of program graduates apply for admission to a supervised practice program prior to or within 12 months of graduation.
4. Thirty percent of graduates are admitted into a supervised practice program within 12 months of graduation.

Goal 3: Students will embrace life-long learning to improve professional practice by participating in continuing education after graduation.

Objective:

1. Seventy percent of graduates responding to the graduate survey indicate they have attended or participated in a continuing education activity such as a seminar, conference, webinar or self-study

Programs outcome data are available upon request by emailing: [email protected].

Fall 2019 – Spring 2022: Didactic Program in Dietetics Option

Fall 2022 – current: Didactic Program in Dietetics Option

MS DPD Course List Form 2019-2020

MS DPD Course List Form 2020-2021

MS DPD Course List Form 2021-2022

MS DPD Course List Form 2022-2023

MS DPD Course List Form 2023-2024

Department of Nutrition BS and MS DPD Handbook

The steps to become an RDN are:

1. Receive a verification statement from an ACEND-accredited program (DPD programs are one way to receive a verification statement)
2. Apply for and complete an ACEND-accredited supervised practice Dietetic Internship (DI) or Individualized Supervised Practice Pathway program
3. Pass a national examination administered by the Commission on Dietetic Registration (CDR) Please visit the Academy website for more information.

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 in the MSND program can apply to Dietetic Internships (DI) during the last semesters 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:

• Individual advising sessions with faculty and staff to review internship application materials (application, resume, personal statement, etc.)
• Workshops to discuss the application process
• An optional 1-credit Dietetic Internship Application Preparation course

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.

No, we do not require the GRE for the MSND program.

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 program 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:

• complete all required courses within a 2 year timeframe
• enroll in approximately 7-12 credit hours per semester, or 3-6 credit hours per 8-week term
• focus on up to 2 courses maximum during each 8-week term

Students enrolled in the part-time option will:

• complete all required courses within a 3 year timeframe
• enroll in approximately 3-7 credit hours per semester, or 1-4 credit hours per 8-week term
• focus on 1 course at a time or up to 2 courses maximum during each 8-week term

Yes, we accept students for fall and spring start dates for the MSND program.

The Spring Application for the Spring 2024 Start is now open! 

For Spring 2024, 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 1st.

The Fall Application Cycle opens on December 1st.

For Fall, the priority deadline is March 1st. Acceptance after the priority deadline is only granted if space in the program is available. The final application deadline for Fall is June 1st.

No, students cannot complete the MSND and DI at the same time. Students may apply to the DI once they are nearing the end of their MSND program, and start the DI once they have graduated.

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 DPD verification statement. The MSND program does offer a DPD option.

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.