Nutrition Science (M.S.), Dietetics Track

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 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, 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

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 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. 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.

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.

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.eatrightpro.org/advocacy/licensure/licensure-map-and-statutes-by-state

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