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Master of Science in Dietetics with Dietetic Internship (MSDI)

NEW for intern class of 2024-25!

-ICU Concentration

-Allowing paid internship sites!
(Must be approved by director and restrictions apply. Payment is to come from sponsoring facility.)

-Assessment of Prior Learning (APL)
APL Application documents:
APL Overview
APL Competency Checklist
APL Supervisor Checklist

The University of Northern Colorado Dietetic Internship (DI) was established in 1995 and is the first to base the learning structure on a Distance Education Model.

This three-year, distance program is designed to prepare you for successful completion of the Registered Dietitian Nutritionist Examination as well as entry-level practice. The curriculum of 55 credits supports the development of skills related to being a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RDN) and provides hands-on learning opportunities in supervised practice settings. You will earn a Master of Science degree in Dietetics after completion of graduate coursework and internship rotations. Through coursework, you will develop critical thinking and leadership skills that will support your future work and development as a RDN.

Beginning January 1, 2024, the Commission on Dietetic Registration (CDR) has changed the degree requirement for dietitian registration eligibility from a Bachelor’s degree to a Master’s degree (in any field) in addition to the current requirement of a verification statement from an ACEND® accredited dietetics program. For more information, see Graduate Degree Registration Eligibility Requirement Frequently Asked Questions and Graduate Degree Registration Eligibility Requirement Student Option Scenarios.

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

This program assumes an undergraduate background in Nutrition and Dietetics and completion of the Didactic Courses in Dietetics resulting in either a Declaration of Intent or a Verification Statement to apply - please discuss the options with your Didactic Program Director. A capstone course is required for this program and must be completed before starting your dietetic internship.


Virtual Open Houses for MS Dietetics with Dietetic Internship Programs

Check back for 2024 open house dates! 


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. 


The Master of Science in Dietetics with Dietetic Internship at the University of Northern Colorado is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition & Dietetics (ACEND®), the accrediting agency for the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics. 

The Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics is the accrediting agency for education programs preparing students for careers as registered dietitian nutritionists or nutrition and dietetics technicians, registered. ACEND® serves and protects students and the public by assuring the quality and continued improvement of nutrition and dietetics education programs. ACEND® is recognized by the U.S. Department of Education as a Title IV gatekeeper. This recognition affirms that ACEND® meets national standards and is a reliable authority on the quality of nutrition and dietetics education programs.

Acend

Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition & Dietetics (ACEND®)
120 South Riverside Plaza, Suite 2190
Chicago, IL 60606-6995
1-312-899-0040, ext 5400
www.eatright.org

Academy Diversity and Inclusion Statement 

The Academy encourages diversity and inclusion by striving to recognize, respect and include differences in ability, age, creed, culture, ethnicity, gender, gender identity, political affiliation, race, religion, sexual orientation, size, and socioeconomic characteristics in the nutrition and dietetics profession.