Nutrition Science (M.S.), Dietetics Track

Notice to Fall 2026 Applicants: After January 15, 2026, all applications to the Graduate Program in Nutrition and Dietetics (dietetics track) must be completed through the Dietetics Inclusive Application Service (DICAS). Check back later this Fall for the DICAS link.

Admissions requirements:

1. One page statement of purpose describing how the program relates to previous academic and professional experience and to occupational or personal goals.
2. Official transcripts from all previous institutions of higher education.
3. If the cumulative GPA is below a 3.0, two letters of recommendation are also required.
4. Dietetics Track Requirements: A bachelor's degree from an accredited institution with a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or above and a verification statement from an ACEND-accredited Didactic Program in Dietetics; OR a bachelor's degree from an accredited institution with a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or above and completion of the following prerequisite courses with a grade of C or better for basic Science and Math courses, and a B or better for Nutrition courses: 

Supervised Experiential Learning

ACEND requires a minimum of 1,000 hours of supervised experiential learning with a minimum of 700 hours in professional work settings. Supervised experiential learning is provided throughout the curriculum via case studies, simulation, service learning, a graduate research capstone and other course projects.

In the last three terms of the program, students take dietetics practicum courses and are placed at various professional work settings for supervised experiential learning (SEL) in food service management, community nutrition, wellness and clinical sites. The major focus of the SEL rotations is clinical. Sites include acute care, outpatient, long-term care and clinical specialties, such renal, diabetes and eating disorders. Typically, students will be at their SEL site from Tuesday through Friday with Mondays reserved for classes.

Program Completion Requirements  

Students who complete each of the following requirements will earn a Master’s of Science and be granted a verification statement that will allow them to take the CDR registration examination to become an RDN.

• Successfully pass each of the required graduate courses with a grade of C or better and earn a cumulative GPA of 3.0.
• Demonstrate achievement of all of the ACEND graduate level competencies.
• Complete at least 1,000 hours of supervised experiential learning.

Academic Calendar

The didactic courses of the graduate program follow the academic calendar of Hood College. However, due to scheduling and availability of preceptors, it may be necessary for some students to complete supervised experiential learning hours during academic breaks. When students are placed at supervised experiential learning sites for nutrition practicum courses, of the program, they will observe the working hours and calendar of the preceptor with whom they are placed, which may differ from Hood’s academic calendar.

Click here for the current academic calendar. 

Availability of Financial Aid

As fully matriculated graduate students, you may defer payment on undergraduate student loans and apply for financial aid through the Hood College Office of Financial Aid. For more information on funding your graduate education, click here.

The dietetics track offers full and part-time options with a structured sequence of courses. You will complete a total of 42 credits with a minimum of 1,000 supervised experiential learning hours.

Program Schedule:

The dietetics track offers full and part-time options with a structured sequence of courses. Our unique program integrates supervised experiential learning hours throughout coursework in the first year, and provides students with full-time (32 hrs/week) SEL rotations in the second year. Didactic courses are offered Monday through Thursday in the afternoons and evenings during the first year. During the second year, classes are on Mondays, while SEL rotations typically run from Tuesday through Friday. Most courses are offered in a hybrid format, with in-person and online sessions. Please note that students are required to have reliable internet service and webcam access for online sessions. 

See below for a detailed overview of full-time and part-time program options:

• Click here to view our program of study for full time students
• Click here to view our program of study for part time students

Prior Learning Assessment Policy

The Nutrition Program accepts up to 6 credits of prior learning experience towards degree completion for applicable graduate classes taken within the past 5 years with a grade of B or higher. To receive credit, students need to provide all requested supporting documentation to the program director, which may include transcripts, course syllabi and graded assignments.  

Program Mission

To prepare competent entry-level Registered Dietitian Nutritionists (RDNs) to be culturally sensitive practitioners who use an evidence-based approach to practice and promote the health and wellness of individuals and families who make up the diverse global community.

Program Goals

Goal #1: Program graduates will be competent entry-level Registered Dietitian Nutritionists who are culturally sensitive and provide health and nutrition services to diverse communities.

Goal #2: Program graduates will use an evidence-based approach to deliver nutrition services in the community.

Program Objectives for Goal #1

1. At least 80% of full-time students complete program requirements within 3 years (150% of the program length).
2. At least 80% of part-time students complete program requirements within 6 years (150% of the program length).
3. Of graduates who seek employment, at least 80% are employed in nutrition and dietetics or related fields within 12 months of graduation.
4. At least 80% of program graduates take the CDR credentialing exam for dietitian nutritionists within 12 months of program completion.
5. The program’s one-year pass rate (graduates who pass the registration exam within one year of first attempt) on the CDR credentialing exam for dietitian nutritionists is at least 80%.
6. At least 80% of employers will respond “agree” to “strongly agree” that graduates are well prepared for entry-level positions in the field of dietetics and nutrition.
7. At least 80% of employers will respond “agree” to “strongly agree” that graduates are culturally sensitive in their interactions with patients, clients, staff and the public.
8. At least 80% of program graduates will respond “agree” to “strongly agree” that they were well prepared for entry level practice positions in the field of dietetics and nutrition.
9. At least 80% of program graduates will respond “agree” to “strongly agree” that they were well prepared to deliver culturally sensitive nutrition services to diverse communities.

Program Objectives for Goal #2

1. At least 80% of employers will respond “agree” to “strongly agree” that graduates use an evidence-based approach to practice.
2. At least 80% of program graduates will respond “agree” to “strongly agree” that they were well prepared to deliver evidence-based nutrition services.

Program outcomes data are available upon request.

Becoming a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RDN)

To become an RDN, you will need to:  

1. Complete a minimum of a master's degree granted by a college or university accredited by a U.S. Department of Education recognized accrediting agency or foreign equivalent, and coursework through an Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics accredited Didactic, Coordinated, Graduate or International program.
2. Complete required supervised practice/experience through an ACEND-accredited Dietetic Internship, Coordinated Program, Graduate Program, or an Individualized Supervised Practice Pathway offered through an ACEND-accredited program.
3. Pass a national examination administered by the Commission on Dietetic Registration. For more information regarding the examination, refer to CDR's website.
4. Meet requirements to practice in your state. Many states have regulatory laws (i.e. licensure) for food and nutrition practitioners. All states accept the RDN credential for state licensure purposes. However, as each state has different requirements, you must check the laws in the state in which you plan to practice. This link provides a map that indicates the type of state regulation required for nutrition and dietetics practitioners across the United States. The state of Maryland requires nutrition and dietetics practitioners to be licensed by the state. For more information about Maryland licensure click here:  
5. Stay up-to-date in dietetics through continuing education. After successfully passing the national exam and earning the credential, RDNs maintain ongoing professional development in order to stay up to date on the latest research, recommendations and best practices.

More information on how to become a Registered Dietitian can be found here.