Master’s degree in Nutrition and Food Science: Dietetics (MS DPD)

The MS DPD is an accelerated master’s track. This track enables current undergraduate students in dietetics (i.e. BS DPD), to complete a bachelor’s & master’s in a minimum of five years. To be in this track students, must be admitted to the combined BS/MS program. Effective January 1, 2024, all students who wish to sit for the exam to become Registered Dietitian Nutritionists (RDN), will be required to have a master’s degree.

Admission Requirements

Undergraduates in the BS DPD track who wish to apply for the combined BS/MS program must submit a formal application in the spring semester of their 3rd year.

To apply, the following materials must be submitted and received by the Department of Nutrition and Food Studies during the application period of May 22-30 (materials sent through the mail must be received by May 30):

1. Application form that will assess evidence of leadership and related experiences
2. Official transcript indicating a minimum GPA of 3.4 in the major
3. Official transcript indicating a minimum overall GPA of 3.4
4. Degree plan indicating completion of a minimum of 34-35 undergraduate credits
5. Two letters of recommendation from faculty in the major
6. Statement of purpose

The Graduate Record Examination (GRE) is not required for students admitted into the combined program.  Admission decision will be emailed to all applicants by July 1.

In addition to the above requirements, interested and potential students will also be required to appear for a personal interview with the department’s Graduate Admissions Committee. Upon acceptance into the combined program, students will be assigned a faculty advisory. The advisor will meet with the admitted students periodically to review their progress towards completing the program’s academic requirements. Students who do not meet the admission requirements will be directed by their advisors to complete the requirements for timely graduation from the BS DPD.

Maintenance of a minimum 3.2 GPA is needed throughout the program. MS DPD students must demonstrate professional and ethical behaviors and academic integrity. Formal learning assessments will be conducted during and throughout the culmination of any given course. Learning assessments will entail examinations, laboratory reports, oral presentations and evidence of formal writing assignments. If a student’s GPA falls below 3.2, meeting with faculty advisor is required to establish plan of action for academic improvement. A grade of “C” or better is needed for all DPD coursework to be eligible to receive an ACEND Verification Statement.  Students with minimal chances of success in the program will be counseled into alternative path in the combined BS/MS program.