Master of Science Programs in Nutrition and Dietetic Internship

Program Focus: Advanced study in human nutrition

Possible Career Paths: Hospitals, outpatient clinics, private practice, athletic clubs/wellness centers, public health programs, nutrition and health communication and consulting to professional sports teams, corporations and restaurants.

Degree Programs

The graduate program prepares students to critically evaluate and implement the results of current research, solve problems, and communicate effectively. Students study with faculty involved in research, education, administration, professional practice, communication, and consulting. As part of their program, students develop a research proposal in an area of their choice and complete an individually designed practicum.

The graduate program offers advanced study in human nutrition. As described below, MS programs are available for students who do or do not have undergraduate preparation in nutrition. Students can also choose a program that combines the MS degree with a Dietetic Internship (DI). The DI is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation for Dietetics Education (CADE) of the American Dietetic Association (ADA), 120 South Riverside Plaza, Suite 2000, Chicago, IL 60606-6995, (312) 899-0040 ext. 5400.

The DI participates in the ADA Computer Match through D&D Digital, 304 Main Street, Ames, Iowa, 50010, 515.292.0400, dnd@sigler.com. The DI is a six-credit course requiring payment of tuition. In addition, a $1000 fee is required for the DI. A car may be necessary to get to the DI site. In every program that includes a DI, it is guaranteed as long as the student maintains satisfactory academic progress.

Programs for Students with Undergraduate Preparation in Nutrition: Students can pursue a two-semester MS degree or an MS/DI. Students interested in the Registered Dietitian credential and a career in clinical nutrition/counseling should pursue the MS/DI. The 6 credit, 29-week full-time DI begins in either June or January following completion of the MS program.

Programs for Students without Undergraduate Preparation in Nutrition: Students can pursue a four-semester MS degree or enroll in the DPD/MS/DI Program. Students interested in the Registered Dietitian credential and a career in clinical nutrition/counseling should apply to the DPD/MS/DI Program. The 6 credit, 29-week, full-time, DI begins in January or June following completion of the five-semester DPD/MS portion of the program.

All programs prepare graduates to critically evaluate and implement the results of current research, solve problems and communicate effectively. Students study with faculty involved in research, education, administration, professional practice and consulting. As part of their program, they develop a research proposal in an area of their choice and complete an individually designed practicum. Practicum sites have included an eating disorders clinic, a nutrition support team at a large urban hospital, a private practice focused on nutrition for athletes, a clinical research center at a large teaching hospital, an outpatient cardiovascular clinic at a suburban teaching hospital and the offices of a nationally distributed nutrition newsletter.

The DI has clinical sites at major teaching and community hospitals in the greater Boston area. Students may need a car to get to a clinical site. The clinical sites provide excellent opportunities for students to observe and participate in a wide variety of specialties such as nutrition support, pediatrics, oncology, nephrology, cardiology, diabetes, surgical care, out-patient counseling, food service and management.

Depending on their program, graduates can expect to pursue careers in a wide variety of settings. Clinical environments could include medical and surgical services of hospitals, outpatient clinics, cardiac rehabilitation centers and private practices. Graduates could also work in the fitness/wellness industry, the pharmaceutical industry, public health or as consultants to professional sports teams, corporations and restaurants.