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Master of Science in Dietetics

The Dietetics master’s degree is a two-year, online program.  The 35-credit curriculum supports the development of skills related to being a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist. Whether you are already a Registered Dietitian who would like to add a master's degree, or you need to complete your master's degree requirement before or after your internship experience, this program will establish you as an expert Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RDN).

Eligibility

  • This program is for those who have completed (or are in the process of completing) a Didactic Program in Dietetics (DPD) through an ACEND-accredited program. If you have not entered into or completed a DPD program, you may be interested in our online Dietetics B.S. or DPD-Only program.
  • Possess (or be in the process of finishing) a baccalaureate degree from a regionally accredited college or university, or a comparable degree from a foreign institution.
  • Have a cumulative GPA of 3.00 or better (on a 4.00 point scale) for the most recent degree earned or current degree in progress.
  • RD/RDN applicants must possess an active Registered Dietitian Nutritionist card from the Commission on Dietetic Registration.
  • Non-RD/RDN applicants will be eligible via a DPD Verification Statement; or a Declaration of Intent for those who will complete their DPD prior to starting the MS program.

If you are still completing your bachelor's degree at the time you apply, admission will be based on your current cumulative GPA, and you will need to re-submit your official transcript (showing your conferred degree and final GPA) during your first semester. If your final GPA fell below 3.00, you will be given additional requirements as defined by the academic program that must be met within one calendar year to remain enrolled at UNC.

If you have completed a master's degree, or at least 18 credit hours towards a master's degree, the GPA of your master's work will be used.

  • Your application can be considered if you have cumulative GPA below 3.0, but all applicants must have a combined 3.0 GPA or better for all of your DPD courses, with at least a C grade for each course.
  • Note: the Graduate Record Exam (GRE) is NOT required for this program.

This program is brought to students online through UNC Extended Campus.  The University of Northern Colorado has been approved by Colorado to participate in the National Council for State Authorization Reciprocity Agreements. NC-SARA is a voluntary, regional approach to state oversight of postsecondary distance education. Through this membership, we adhere to established standards for distance higher education and are authorized to serve students from all 49 NC-SARA participating states. Please visit our Extended Campus Eligibility by State of Residence web page for details.

Areas emphasized include:  

  • Nutrient Metabolism
  • Nutrition Assessment
  • Nutrition Counseling Methods
  • Nutrition Communication
  • Public Health Nutrition
  • Research Methods

Careers include RDN positions in:

  • Hospitals
  • Clinics
  • Public Health Departments
  • Government Agencies
  • Research Settings
  • Industry and Schools

Graduate Assistant Opportunities

Graduate Assistant opportunities may be available on an annual basis.  As a graduate assistant, you would be engaged in faculty scholarship and undergraduate instruction as well as other duties. Graduate Assistant positions includea stipend, and a tuition and partial fee waiver for up to 10 credits per semester. 

Please note your interest and qualifications for a graduate assistant position in your UNC Graduate School Application Personal Statement.