Nutrition

Nutrition Science (M.S.), Dietetics Track

Graduate
  • Master's

About this Program

The dietetics track combines graduate coursework with a dietetic internship to prepare you to become a registered dietitian nutritionist (RDN).

Program Overview

Tuition & Fees 
Funding Opportunities
Download Nutrition Brochure

The Master of Science in Nutrition (Dietetics Track) is a rigorous 42 credit program which integrates didactic coursework with 1000 plus hours of supervised experiential learning in a competency-based curriculum designed to prepare you to become a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RDN) with a graduate degree within 2 years. 
 
The curriculum for the dietetics track is based upon the Future Education Model (FEM) Graduate Degree Competencies established by the Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics (ACEND). Graduates of this program are eligible to sit for the Commission on Dietetic Registration (CDR) examination to become a registered dietitian nutritionist (RDN). Upon passing the CDR exam, graduates will also be eligible to apply for licensure as a Registered Dietitian in the state of Maryland. For more information, please visit Maryland Department of Health Board of Dietetics.
 
The Hood College Master of Science in Nutrition Future Education Model Graduate Program (GP) has been granted candidate status by ACEND. A new program that has been determined to be eligible to enroll students as the result of an on-site evaluation visit but has not had a graduating class may be granted candidate status. The granting of candidate status denotes a developmental program, which is expected to mature in accord with stated plans and within a defined time.  Graduates of a class designated as having candidate status have the same rights and privileges as graduates of an accredited program. ACEND can be reached with the below contact information.
 
The Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics
120 South Riverside Plaza, Suite 2190
Chicago, IL 60606-6995, (312) 899-0040 ext. 5400

The programs 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 clinical nutrition, public health principles and programs, health communications, nutrition research, leadership, and sustainability. You will be provided with the skills and knowledge needed to become an entry-level dietitian able to practice in diverse settings. You will learn the principles of developing interventions to address the nutritional wellness needs of individuals and communities.

The Dietetics track totals 42 credits, and provides over a 1,000 hours of supervised experiential learning fulfilling all the requirements for a dietetic internship as well as a master's degree in nutrition. Our unique program integrates supervised experiential learning hours throughout coursework in the first year, and provides students with internship experiences in the second year. 

The dietetics track offers full and part-time options with a structured sequence of courses. Coursework includes program planning, management and evaluation, health communication, motivational counseling, medical nutrition therapy and more.

  • Read Hood article "Is a Master's in Nutrition Science Right for Me?"

Tuition & Fees

 

Degrees Offered

  • MS

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. Admission requirements include the following:

  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 B or better: 
Basic Science Courses:Nutrition and Math Courses:
Chemistry (4 credits)Food Preparation or Food Science with lab (4 credits)
Organic Chemistry (4 credits)Introduction to Nutrition or Basic Nutrition Course
Biochemistry (3 credits)Human Metabolism
Biology or Microbiology (3 credits)Clinical Nutrition, Human Nutrition or Medical Nutrition Therapy
Anatomy and Physiology (8 credits)Statistics or Biostatistics (3 credits)

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, a graduate research project and other course projects.

In the last three terms of the program, students take a dietetics clerkship course 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.
  • Achieve all of the ACEND competencies.
  • Complete at least 1,000 hours of supervised experiential learning.
  • Complete an exit interview with the program director.

Academic Calendar

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.

Cost to Students

*Tuition per semester 
Application Fee (one time only) 
Semester Comprehensive Fee 
Professional Liability Insurance 
Health Insurance 
Physical Examination, Immunizations 
Background Check and Toxicology 
Screen 
Housing/Meals/Transportation 
Auto Insurance 
Estimated Textbooks and Reference 
Materials 
Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics 
Student Membership/Maryland Academy 
of Nutrition and Dietetics Student 
Membership 
Attendance at state meeting 
Attendance at Public Policy Workshop 
RDN exam review course 
Nutrition Care Professionals (NCR-to) 
(one time only) 
eNCPT subscription 
S.ew.S.Ate Manager Certification 
American Hean Association BLS for 
Healthcare Providers Course 
Slip-resistant close-toed shoes 
Lab coats or scrubs worn at some 
experiential leaming sites 
Parking 
*Refer to course catalog for updated 
tuition (42 credits total) 
$50 
$140 [$700 for 5 semesters] 
$30 
Varies (student responsibility) 
Varies (student responsibility) 
$160 one-timel 
Varies by student and accommodation 
$8000-$10000 sample estimation 
(student responsibility) 2 
Varies (student responsibility) 
-$500-$1000 
$60 annually3 
$75 
$100 
$300 
$160 one-time fee for 18-month access4 
$35 annual fee 
$179_00 (One-time fee) 
$105.00 
$65 
$100 
Free on campus, off-site varies

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.

Prior Learning Credit Policy

The Nutrition Program accepts up to 5 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. Students will also need to show they have achieved competence in any course-related competencies and performance indicators assigned to the course they will be getting credit for.  Assessment methods include but are not limited to clinical skills demonstration, exams, preceptor evaluations and projects.  Students must achieve a score of 3 or 80% to be considered competent in the assessed competency 

Program of Study:

Fall 1 (11 credits)

  • COUN 504 Counseling Techniques (3 credits)
  • NUTR 502 Nutrition Assessment (2 credits)
  • NUTR 500 Food Systems, Global Health & Sustainability (3 credits)
  • NUTR 501 Advanced Medical Nutrition Therapy 1 (3 credits)  

Spring 1 (11 credits)

  • NUTR 503 Advanced Medical Nutrition Therapy 2 (3 credits)
  • NUTR 509 Program Planning and Evaluation (3 credits)
  • NUTR 525 Food Service Management (2 credits)
  • NUTR 530 Health Communications (3 credits)

Summer (6 credits)

  • NUTR 556 Nutrition Across the Lifespan (3 credits)
  • NUTR 507a Dietetics Clerkship I (3 credits; 160 supervised experiential learning hours)

Fall 2 (7 credits)

  • NUTR 579a Nutrition Research Methods (3 credits; 20 supervised experiential learning hours)
  • NUTR 507b Dietetics Clerkship II (4 credits; 400 supervised experiential learning hours)

Spring 2 (7 credits)

  • NUTR 579b Capstone Project (1 credits)
  • NUTR 505 Leadership, Management and Advocacy Seminar (2 credits)
  • NUTR 507c Dietetics Clerkship III (4 credits; 400 supervised experiential learning hours) 

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.

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

  • At least 80% of program graduates will complete program/degree requirements within three years (150% of the program length).
  • 80% of program graduates will take the CDR credentialing exam for dietitian nutritionists within 12 months of program completion.
  • 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%.
  • Of graduates who seek employment, 80% are employed in nutrition and dietetics or related fields within 12 months of graduation.
  • 80% of employers will respond “agree” to “strongly agree” that graduates are well prepared for entry level positions in the field of dietetics/nutrition.
  • 80% of employers will respond “agree” to “strongly agree” that graduates are culturally sensitive in their interactions with patients, clients, staff and the public.
  • 80% of program graduates will respond “agree” to “strongly agree” that they were well prepared for entry level positions in the field of dietetics/nutrition.
  • 80% of program graduates will respond “agree” to “strongly agree” that they were well prepared to deliver culturally sensitive nutrition services to diverse communities.

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

  • 80% of employers will respond “agree” to “strongly agree” that graduates use an evidence-based approach to practice.
  • 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.

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.

State Licensure

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   

Career Outlook

The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects 11% growth for nutritionist and dietitian jobs by 2030, faster than the national average.

Top-Level Credentials

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.

Local Connection

Frederick Health, Frederick County Public Schools, Adventist HealthCare and Kaiser Permanente are among numerous regional organizations that actively recruit dietitians and nutritionists.

Program Contact

Eaton Grad School Contact Headshot

Joanna Eaton, MSPH, RDN, CDCES

Program Director, Nutrition Science

Phone
301-696-3299
Nick Masucci

Nick Masucci

Assistant Director of Graduate Admission

Phone
Office: 301-696-3601 Cell/WhatsApp: 240-651-4015
Day, Ashley

Graduate Student Spotlight | Ashley Day

Ashley Day, M.S. Nutrition Science Graduate School Graduate Student

"Our cohort is a little family, and the connections I made with them and with the Hood community are the most meaningful part of the journey thus far."

  • Academics
  • Natural Sciences
Nutritionist

Is a Master’s in Nutrition Science Right for Me?

Dietetics Track, Nutrition Science, M.S. Graduate School

With new requirements to become a registered dietitian nutritionist (RDN), our master’s in nutrition science is the pathway to licensure.

  • Health Sciences