Program Mission
The mission of the Master of Science in Nutritional Sciences program is to educate and form entry-level registered dietitian nutritionists or dietetic practitioners to meet the core competencies for becoming servant leaders in health and wellness. With a concentration in community nutrition, graduates will be educated in the most rigorous, individualized, professional and comprehensive manner.
The MSNS program is designed with two options:
Option 1: Graduate Program for Nutrition and Dietetics: for students seeking to become registered dietitians nutritionists (RDN).
Option 2: Thesis: for students who are already RDNs or who are not seeking RDN status.
Program Goals
- Graduates of the program will be compassionate, well-qualified professionals and servant leaders in health and wellness.
- Graduates of the program contribute to research in the community.
Program Level Student Learning Outcomes (PLOs)
Upon completion of the MSNS program, graduates will be able to:
- Apply foundational sciences to food and nutrition knowledge to meet the needs of individuals, groups and organizations.
- Integrate evidence-based guidelines, critical thinking and effective communication in the comprehensive plan of care for various disease conditions, populations and cultures.
- Analyze food systems principles and management skills to ensure safe and efficient delivery of food and nutrition resources and services.
- Demonstrate leadership and service in guiding practices to support initiatives for the community.
- Exhibit professional responsibilities to provide safe, ethical and effective counseling by sharing gifts and talents through health and wellness education.
To apply to the MSNS-RDN program students must submit their application via the Digital Internship Centralized Application System (DICAS) by February 15th.
For information on how to apply click here to be taken to DICAS site
Admissions Requirements for the MSNS Program are as follows:
1. Students must meet at least 1 of the following criteria and provide official transcripts:
- Bachelor of Science in Nutritional Sciences from a US Didactic Program in Dietetics (DPD) program
- Bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited U.S. college or university with the following prerequisites earned grade of “C” or better:
Statistics (3 credit hours)
General chemistry (6 credit hours)
Organic chemistry (3 credit hours)
Biochemistry (3 credit hours)
Anatomy and physiology (6 credit hours)
Microbiology (3 credit hours)
Introduction to Nutrition (3 credit hours)
Nutrition Assessment (3 credit hours)
Human Nutrition and Metabolism (3 credit hours)
Nutrition and Disease (3 credit hours)
Course equivalencies must be approved by MSNS program faculty.
2. Minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale is strongly recommended.
3. Documented evidence of service and leadership through work and/or volunteer experiences.
4. Three letters of recommendation (one from a professor, one from an employer and one from any other professional).
5. Resume (include work and/or volunteer experiences).
6. Personal letter addressing the following:
Why did you choose dietetics?
What sets you apart from other applicants?
What are your short- and long-term goals and strategies for achieving them?
What strengths will you bring to the program and what areas will challenge you?
How have your past experiences prepared you for an internship?
Who has impacted your life the most? How or in what way?
What characteristics of the University have drawn you to this internship?
Note: The GRE IS NOT REQUIRED