Career Outlook
The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects 11% growth for nutritionist and dietitian jobs by 2030, faster than the national average.
The dietetics track combines coursework with a clinical practicum to prepare you for licensure as a registered dietitian nutritionist (RDN).
The dietetics track under the nutrition science M.S. program is designed to provide you with the advanced education and supervised experiential learning experience for eligibility to take the Commission on Dietetic Registration (CDR) examination to become a registered dietitian nutritionist (RDN). The curriculum is based upon the competencies established by the Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics (ACEND), the largest organization of nutrition and dietetics professionals in the world.
The program’s cohort model, which begins every fall semester, fully immerses you in your studies. Along the way, you will form key educational and professional relationships with peers. Courses are offered in a hybrid format (combination of in-person and online courses).
Our program provides a foundation in nutritional biochemistry, pathophysiology and pharmacology, nutritional genomics, global health and nutrition, and sustainable food systems. You will learn the principles of developing interventions to address the nutritional wellness needs of individuals and communities.
The program totals 42 credits. As a cohort model, classes must be taken on a full-time basis in order to accurately fulfill curricular and experiential learning requirements. Coursework includes program planning, management and evaluation, health communication, motivational counseling, medical nutrition therapy and more.
The second year of the program includes an internship, which is a requirement for future licensure. This supervised dietetics practicum pairs you with working nutritionists in professional work settings—hospitals, foodservice operations and community agencies—culminating in the completion of a non-thesis project.
Discover how The Graduate School at Hood College can help you "go further", both personally and professionally. Join program director, Anne Davis PhD, RDN, FAND, virtually for the opportunity to:
Register here, or email gofurther@hood.edu for more information
The dietetics track under the nutrition science M.S. program is a cohort based model that accepts applicants every Fall semester. Admission requirements include the following:
A baccalaureate 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 baccalaureate 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: chemistry, organic chemistry, biochemistry, anatomy and physiology, introduction to nutrition or principles of nutrition, food science or experimental foods, and one of the following—macronutrient metabolism; clinical nutrition; human nutrition; medial nutrition therapy I; vitamin and mineral metabolism; micronutrient metabolism; advanced nutrition; medical nutrition II.
Applicants who have an undergraduate GPA below 3.0 must also submit two letters of recommendation (letters can be emailed to gofurther@hood.edu).
Click here to learn more about the application process.
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, a graduate research project and other course projects.
In the last three semesters of the program, students take a dietetics clerkship course and are placed at various professional work settings for supervised experiential learning (SEL) in clinical, foodservice systems management and community/public health nutrition. Typically, students will be at their SEL site from Tuesday through Friday with Mondays reserved for classes.
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.
The graduate coursework component of the program will follow the academic calendar of Hood College. When students are placed at supervised experiential learning sites during the last three semesters of the program, they will observe the working hours and calendar of the preceptor with whom they are placed.
Click here for the current academic calendar.
Tuition for the program will be assessed according to Hood College guidelines here.
Additional costs that students may incur include:
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 follows a cohort model with a structured sequence of courses. You will complete a total of 42 credits with a minimum of 1,000 supervised experiential learning hours.
Fall 1 (10 credits)
Spring 1 (12 credits)
Summer (6 credits)
Fall 2 (8 credits)
Spring 2 (6 credits)
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.
Goal 1: Graduates will be competent entry-level Registered Dietitian Nutritionists who are culturally sensitive and provide health and nutrition services to diverse communities.
Goal 2: Graduates will use an evidence-based approach to deliver nutrition services in the community.
Program outcomes data are available upon request.
To become an RDN, you have a variety of choices.
Until 2024, you must hold a baccalaureate degree from a regionally-accredited college or university and must complete an ACEND-accredited undergraduate or graduate Coordinated Program (CP), or a Didactic Program in Dietetics (DPD), followed by an accredited supervised practice program.
After 2024, a master's degree will be required to take the CDR registration examination. Individuals may complete a "future graduate program" such as the Hood College program or an ACEND-accredited graduate "coordinated program." Alternatively, you may complete an ACEND-accredited DPD program, followed by an ACEND-accredited supervised practice program and a master’s degree program. The master’s degree can be in any subject.
After completion of the academic and supervised experiential learning hours, students who earn a verification statement are eligible to take the registration examination for RDNs. Once you successfully pass the exam, the RDN credential is conferred. To maintain the credential, RDNs must complete 75 hours of continuing professional education every five years. A visual depiction of the routes to registration after 2024 can be found here.
Many states require that individuals who practice nutrition and dietetics hold a license or a certificate granted by the state in which they practice. Typically, ACEND-accredited programs fulfill the requirements for licensure and individuals with the RDN credential are able to apply for a license, pay associated fees and submit documentation of their education and training to be granted a license. 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: https://www.cdrnet.org/state-licensure
The state of Maryland requires nutrition and dietetics practitioners to be licensed by the state. For more information about Maryland licensure: https://health.maryland.gov/dietetic/Pages/Index.aspx
The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects 11% growth for nutritionist and dietitian jobs by 2030, faster than the national average.
Our Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics (ACEND) accredited program equips you with expert training as prioritized by the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics and the American Society of Nutrition.
Frederick Health, Frederick County Public Schools, Adventist HealthCare and Kaiser Permanente are among numerous regional organizations that actively recruit dietitians and nutritionists.
Dean of the Graduate School
Assistant Director of Graduate Admission
New graduate program in nutrition science is poised to train registered dietitian nutritionists (RDNs) and more.
“I chose Hood College because of the mission and values I hold dear. Hood’s nutrition program and tracks are perfectly positioned to support President Biden’s pillars from the September 28, 2022, White House Conference on Hunger, Nutrition, and Health.”