Nutrition and Dietetics, MS

Program Accreditation

The Missouri State University Master of Science in Nutrition and Dietetics Program has been granted Full Accreditation by the Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics (ACEND). ACEND is the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics’ accrediting agency for education programs preparing students for careers as registered dietitian nutritionists or nutrition and dietetic technicians, registered. ACEND serves and protects students and the public by assuring the quality and continued improvement of nutrition and dietetics education programs. Programs meeting those standards are accredited by ACEND.

Program goals

1. Program graduates will be competent for practice as entry-level registered dietitian nutritionists.
2. Program graduates will demonstrate life-long learning skills which will enhance the nutrition and dietetic profession and demonstrate leadership in the field of nutrition and dietetics.

Program Description

The Master of Science in Nutrition and Dietetics (MSND) program provides knowledge and skills in the dietetics field with an emphasis on population health. This program will prepare dietetic professionals to work at various settings: community and government agencies, medical care facilities, and educational institutions. Graduates specialize in nutrition and dietetics of various population health issues, are able to assess population health needs, and design, implement and evaluate programs, systems or environments to aid in improving the health of diverse groups of population.

Admission Requirements

Requirements for Non-Registered Dietitian Nutritionists

1. Evidence of meeting the minimum academic requirements from an ACEND-approved Didactic Program in Dietetics by a “Verification Statement” or “Declaration of Intent to Complete Degree” and/or ACEND-approved “Minimum Academic Requirements” within five years of application.
2. Completion of the baccalaureate degree from an accredited college or university.
3. Cumulative GPA of 3.00 over the last 60 hours of academic work taken.
4. Completed application form.
5. A personal philosophy statement addressing the applicant’s professional career goals and how the MSND program will help accomplish these goals, in addition to discussing the applicant’s strengths and areas of improvement.
6. For international applicants, submission of proof of English proficiency is required.  Refer to both the Graduate College and International Services websites.
7. Two written recommendations received with the application must be without significant reservations/concern.

• Dietetic academic reference
• Work or volunteer reference

   8.  Resume which includes:

• Work or volunteer experience, preferably related to nutrition and dietetics.
• Involvement in college and/or community activities.

   9.  After the application period closes, the selection committee will review all of the applications and select students for a virtual interview.

 10.  Following admission to the Missouri State MSND, students will be admitted to the Graduate College and the application fee will be waived.

Full admission to the MSND program is competitive; not all that apply will be admitted. Students who are not admitted into the program may apply for the next application deadline.

Upon acceptance to the MSND, additional requirements include:

1. Meet technical standards of the program in order to successfully undertake the course of study including evidence of good health. These standards are available upon request from the program.
2. Evidence of up-to-date immunizations to include MMR, tetanus, TB test, Hepatitis A, and complete Hepatitis B series, and any other vaccinations required by clinical sites.
3. Evidence of health insurance, including hospitalization.
4. Hold and maintain CPR certification.
5. Hold ServSafe certification valid throughout the first year of the program.
6. Student membership in the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics.
7. Follow program provided instructions to complete a drug screening test and criminal record check* and receive response that the applicant has not been convicted of any crime pursuant to Section 324.217 or other disqualifications that would prohibit licensure as a registered dietitian nutritionist.

*Students who fail these checks or procedures will be subject to further review by the Nutrition and Dietetics Programs.  This may result in dismissal from the program.  

Requirements for Registered Dietitian Nutritionists

1. Provide copy of Registered Dietitian and Nutritionist (RDN) identification card issued by the Commission on Dietetic Registration (CDR).
2. Completion of a baccalaureate degree from an ACEND accredited college or university.
3. Cumulative GPA of 3.00 over the last 60 hours of academic work taken.
4. A personal philosophy statement, two pages maximum, addressing the applicant’s professional career goals and how the program will help accomplish these goals, in addition to discussing the applicant’s strengths and areas of improvement.
5. For international applicants, submission of proof of English proficiency is required.  Refer to both the Graduate College and International Services websites.
6. One written recommendations received with the application must be without significant reservations/concern.
7. Work or volunteer reference
8. Current resume.

MSND Transfer of Credit Policy

On a case-by-case basis, Missouri State may accept graduate credit earned at other regionally accredited institutions or well-established international institutions. The Missouri State University Graduate transfer policy allows transfer credit to count for up to 30% of the program of study. Students who are RDNs may transfer hours for DTN 740 , DTN 741 , DTN 742 , and DTN 743 . A student requesting transfer credit is responsible for providing an official transcript and copy of course syllabus from the school from which the student received the academic credit. Acceptance of transfer credits occurs through recommendation of the student’s major advisor and approval of the Graduate College. Grades on transfer courses accepted in the degree program are included in the overall graduate grade point average.

MSND Work Experience Related Policy

Work experience will not be awarded credits required to graduate from the MSND program.

MSND Prior Learning Assessment Policy

For students admitted to the MSND program who are registered dietitian nutritionists (RDNs), and completed their Dietetic Internship practicum courses in a Bachelor of Science and Dietetic Internship coordinated program, prior learning assessment may be used to grant course credit for DTN 740 , DTN 741 , DTN 742 , and DTN 743 .

Prior Learning Assessment (PLA) will be granted once the student submits their Commission on Dietetic Registration (CDR) Professional Development Portfolio (PDP) logs to the Dietetic Internship Program Director. RDNs are required to complete 75-continuing professional education units (CPEUs) every five years to demonstrate currency in the field of nutrition and dietetics. All logs since the time of becoming credentialed must be submitted for review.

Retention Requirements

After admission into the MSND Program, a student must achieve the following for retention in the program:

1. Maintain a GPA of 3.00, with no more than 9 semester hours of graduate work of “C+” or lower, and no hours of graduate work below a “C-“.  Students who do not meet this criterion will need to retake any graduate course that a grade below a “C-” was earned and retake some of the courses where a “C+” or lower was earned if they exceeded the acceptable amount of hours of graduate work below a grade of “C+” in the Program.
2. Receive average (3) or higher rating on all performance evaluations and earn 80% or higher on all coursework that assess the required competencies as set forth by ACEND. Students who do not meet this criterion are to follow the DI performance monitoring and remediation policy found in the student handbook.
3. Demonstrate acceptable levels of maturity and integrity, as well as behaviors and attitudes normally expected of healthcare professionals.
4. Demonstrate acceptable professional progression in application of skills and knowledge. Students who do not meet this criterion are subject to the DI disciplinary and termination policy found in the student handbook.

Students who do not meet the retention requirements are not eligible for readmission into the MSND Program. Students have the right to follow the University’s appeal process on any disciplinary sanction received.