MS in Nutrition and Dietetics

Western Michigan University

The M.S. in nutrition and dietetics is designed for current graduate dietetic interns preparing to become registered dietitian nutritionists (RDNs) as well as individuals who are already an RDN and desiring a master’s degree that complements existing professional skills. RDNs work in a variety of healthcare, community, food service management, industry and research positions where an understanding of nutritional science and the ability to explain it to the public and specific populations are required.Effective January 1, 2024, the Commission on Dietetic Registration (CDR) will require a minimum of a master’s degree in addition to supervised practice to be eligible to take the credentialing exam to become an RDN. The WMU program enables students to combine supervised practice (also known as a dietetic internship) with 30 graduate credits to earn the Master’s degree within 20 months or less. The dietetic internship portion of the M.S. is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics (ACEND) and provides hands-on practicum experiences in clinical, food service management and community nutrition. In order to receive a Verification of completion statement attesting that the candidate may take the CDR exam, students must successfully complete both the dietetic internship portion of the program and the 30-credit M.S. degree. It is expected that those finishing this program who have not yet taken the RD credentialing exam will take the exam within 12 months of completion of the M.S degree.

College of Education and Human Development