Graduate Nutrition Programs

BU’s graduate nutrition programs offer advanced study in human nutrition science to meet students’ academic backgrounds and professional aspirations. Our mission is to prepare students to contribute to advancements across the profession.

Explore our three programs to determine which is the best fit for you! We also encourage you to attend an online or in-person event to learn more about us.

About the Programs

All applicants are considered for merit-based scholarships and graduate assistantships.

MS in Nutrition and Dietetic Internship

Students interested in earning the Registered Dietitian Nutritionists (RDN) credential who hold either a Didactic Program in Dietetics (DPD) or a Foreign Dietitian Education (FDE) Verification Statement are eligible to apply to the MS/DI program. Boston University offers two options: The BU MS/DI and the BU MS + Partnership DI.

  • BU MS/DI
    • The BU MS/DI program is a STEM-eligible graduate program that combines both the master’s degree and supervised practice requirements to become an RDN into one integrated pathway.
  • BU MS + Partnership DI
    • Sargent College partners with accredited, free-standing DI programs to offer a STEM-eligible academic and supervised practice experience, preparing students to become an RDN. Students admitted to a Partnership DI program will complete the MS in Nutrition at BU and the DI at the Partnership DI site.
  • Application Information
    • For September 2027 Enrollment
      • Priority Application Deadline: October 8, 2026
      • Secondary Deadline: January 15, 2027 (space permitting)
    • Apply through DiCAS

 

Didactic Program in Dietetics/MS in Nutrition/Dietetic Internship (DPD/MS/DI)

The DPD/MS/DI program is a STEM-eligible graduate program designed for individuals with an undergraduate degree outside of dietetics, who aspire to become a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RDN) but still need a DPD or FDE Verification Statement. The program includes coursework necessary for a DPD verification statement, an MS in Nutrition, and a dietetic internship.

  • Application Information
    • For September 2027 Enrollment
      • Priority Application Deadline: October 8, 2026
      • Secondary Deadline: January 15, 2027 (space permitting)
    • Apply through DiCAS

 

MS in Nutrition (Two Semesters)

The MS Nutrition degree is a STEM-eligible graduate program designed for a wide range of students. Whether you are a student looking for a great gap year experience before applying to medical school or a career in nutrition research, public health, community, or industry; a DPD graduate looking for a master’s degree before applying to a dietetic internship; or an RDN hoping to elevate your career, this program has something to offer you. 

  • Application Information:
    • Application for study beginning in September 2027:
      • Opens August 5, 2026

We encourage you to chat with a current student!

Mission Statement

The mission of the Boston University Programs in Nutrition is to cultivate an environment that fosters the knowledge, skills, and abilities to serve diverse populations. Our programs emphasize critical thinking about the relationship between food, nutrition, and health, effective communication methods, and readiness to contribute to future advancements in the field across clinical, community, research, industry, and communications settings.

Boston University Learning Outcomes

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