Nutrition and Dietetics (M.S.)

Location(s): Brookings Main Campus

Two students looking at food models

Program Coordinator/Contact

Megan Northrup, Director for Accelerated Graduate Program in Nutrition and Dietetics
School of Health and Human Sciences
Wagner Hall 449, Box 2275A
605-688-6619

Program Information

The Nutrition and Dietetics master’s (NDMS) prepares graduates to take the Registered Dietitian Nutritionists (RDN) examination to become a credentialed practitioner. The accelerated B.S. + M.S. competency-based dietitian nutritionist program integrates coursework and 1,000+ hours of supervised experiential learning. Graduates who successfully complete the ACEND-accredited NDMS at SDSU are eligible to take the CDR credentialing exam to become a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RDN).

Students typically apply during the second semester of their sophomore year. They are accepted by the School of Health and Human Sciences into the accelerated pathway fall of their junior year. The Nutrition and Dietetics program seeks to develop research skills, stimulate independent thought, and provide up-to-date knowledge in nutrition and dietetics. Registered Dietitian Nutritionists (RDN) work in a variety of settings, including healthcare organizations, private practice, foodservice operations including schools, wellness programs, Cooperative Extension, and national and international food production corporations.

Accreditation, Certification, and Licensure

Accreditation

The South Dakota State University master’s in Nutrition and Dietetics program is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics (ACEND), https://www.eatrightpro.org/acend. ACEND is the accrediting agency for the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics. ACEND can be contacted by phone or mail. Phone: 800/877-1600, ext. 5400 Mail: 120 South Riverside Plaza, Suite 2190, Chicago, IL 60606-6995

Certification

Upon completion of the program, students are eligible to take the national registration examination from the Commission on Dietetics Registration to receive the registered dietitian nutritionist credential (RDN).

Licensure

In most states, graduates also must obtain licensure or certification to practice. For more information about state licensure requirements, visit CDR’s State Licensure webpage: https://www.cdrnet.org/state-licensure. South Dakota (SD) is among 46 states that have enacted legislation regulating the practice of dietetics. State licensure and state certification are separate from the registration exam by CDR. Information on state licensure, which may be required before an RD/RDN can practice in several states, is provided on the CDR website: https://www.cdrnet.org/state-licensure. The SD codified law, and administrative rules regarding dietetics and nutrition and the state licensure process are found on the SD Legislature Legislative Research Council website: https://sdlegislature.gov/Statutes/Codified_Laws/2059940. The SD Licensed Nutritionist process and application information is available on the SD Board of Medical & Osteopathic Examiners site: http://www.sdbmoe.gov/.

Course Delivery Format

The program consists of lecture, laboratory, and experiential learning opportunities.

Student Learning Outcomes

Foundational Knowledge: Applies foundational sciences to food and nutrition knowledge to meet the needs of individuals, groups, and organizations.
Client/Patient Services: Applies and integrates client/patient-centered principles and competent nutrition and dietetics practice to ensure positive outcomes.
Food Systems Management: Applies food systems principles and management skills to ensure safe and efficient delivery of food and water.
Community and Population Health Nutrition: Applies community and population nutrition health theories when providing support to community or population nutrition programs.
Leadership, Business, Management and Organization: Demonstrates leadership, business, and management principles to guide practice and achieve operational goals.
Critical Thinking, Research and Evidence-Informed Practice: Integrates evidence-informed practice, research principles and critical thinking into practice.
Core Professional Behaviors: Demonstrates professional behaviors and effective communication in all nutrition and dietetics interactions.

Available Options for Graduate Degrees

Master of Science

Non-Thesis

39 Credit Hours

Core Requirements

NUTR 523 - Medical Nutrition Therapy I Credits: 3
NUTR 525 - Medical Nutrition Therapy II Credits: 3
NUTR 560 - Nutrigenomics and Molecular Nutrition Credits: 3
NUTR 695 - Practicum (COM) Credits: 1-3 (6 credits required) (repeated 2 times for 3 credits each)
NUTR 708 - Applied Research and Evidence Based Analysis Credits: 3
NUTR 712 - Advanced Medical Nutrition Therapy Credits: 3
NUTR 715 - Public Health Nutrition Credits: 3
NUTR 725 - Nutrition and Human Performance Credits: 3
NUTR 794 - Internship (COM) Credits: 1-4 (12 credits required) (repeated 3 times for 4 credits each)

Total Required Credits: 39 (Non-Thesis)

Additional Admission Requirements

GRE: Not required
TOEFL: 79-80 Internet-based
TOEFL Essentials: 8.5
IELTS: 6.5
Duolingo: 110

SDSU students or transfer students will apply for admission to the M.S. in Nutrition and Dietetics graduate program at the end of their sophomore year or spring semester prior to completion of the prerequisite courses. Student’s must have completed general education requirements and the following courses prior to the start of the fall semester in the year accepted into the program: CHEM 106 Survey of Chemistry, BIOL 221 Anatomy, BIOL 325 Physiology, HDFS 210 Lifespan Development, MICR 231 General Microbiology, NUTR 315 Human Nutrition, and NURS 201 Medical Terminology.

Students must have overall GPA of 3.0 or greater and a science GPA of 2.5 or greater. Students must be accepted into the program at the beginning of their junior year to continue to the graduate program.

Accelerated Master’s Program

The accelerated master’s program will be available to eligible SDSU students. Up to 9 credits applied to the undergraduate degree may be used to satisfy graduate credit. Students must follow SDSU Policy 2:22 Use of Graduate Credit for Undergraduate Degree Requirements.

General Requirements

Graduate students should consult with their advisor before registering for graduate coursework. For additional information, refer to the Master’s Degree Requirements .