BU MS + Partnership DI
Program Overview
Sargent College partners with ACEND-accredited, free-standing DI programs to offer a combined academic and supervised practice experience. Students admitted to a BU MS + Partnership DI program will complete the MS in Nutrition at BU and the DI at a Partnership DI site.
BU MS + Partnership DI programs are only available on a full-time basis.
To be considered, applicants must select a DI partnership program within the DiCAS application, and may then be provided with additional site-specific essay prompts.
Because the application review process is collaborative, applicants interested in one of these partnership DI programs are strongly encouraged to connect with both Boston University and their preferred DI programs before applying.
Upon applying, candidates are simultaneously considered for admission by the BU MS program and the selected DI partner.
Our DI partners include:
- Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center (BIDMC) Dietetic Internship
- Brigham and Women’s Hospital (BWH) Dietetic Internship
- Delicious Living Nutrition (DLN) Dietetic Internship
- Hebrew Rehabilitation Center (HRC) Dietetic Intership
- Mass General Hospital (MGH Dietetic Internship
Curriculum
First Year
Fall
SAR HS705: Foundations IPP
This course prepares students with the knowledge, skills and attitudes necessary for inter-professional collaborative practice. Over a series of modules, students work with students from other health disciplines to explore professional roles and team communication strategies which enable person-centered, collaborative care. The course also discusses the influence of interpersonal dynamics and the team management of ethical issues, as well as concepts relevant to advancing inter-professional practice. In this course, students also apply their knowledge and skills through case-based activities. (Credits: 0)
SAR HS776: Nutritional Epidemiology
Prerequisite: SAR HS551; Limited to students in the graduate nutrition program. - This course examines epidemiologic methods for investigating the role of diet in long-term health. Students learn to critically review the epidemiologic evidence relating diet, anthropometry, biomarkers, and physical activity to heart disease, cancer, and other chronic health conditions including obesity and diabetes. The methodological issues covered include epidemiologic study design; dietary and nutritional status assessment; issues of bias, confounding, effect modification and measurement error; and interpretation of research findings including an understanding of statistical modeling. Students critically review and present on published research. Students will be able to apply this knowledge to interpret scientific literature and participate in nutrition-related research. (Credits: 4)
SAR HS783: Metabolic Regulation in Clinical Nutrition
Prerequisites: CAS CH373 and SAR HS551.This course provides an in-depth exploration of the biochemical processes that govern human nutrition. Building on foundational knowledge of nutrition and biochemistry, students will examine the metabolism of macronutrients (carbohydrate, proteins, and lipids) and select micronutrients, focusing on their chemical properties, digestion, absorption, distribution, and cellular metabolism. Emphasis will be placed on the regulation and integration of metabolic pathways in various physiological states, as well as the interplay between nutrition, metabolism, health, and disease. (Credits: 4)
SAR HS788: Theory and Practice of Clinical Counseling
Prerequisite: SAR HS588 or equivalent: This course is limited to students enrolled in the graduate nutrition program. -This course provides hands-on experience in developing and delivering nutrition education and counseling sessions tailored to diverse populations. Using a structured, competency-based approach, students will design and implement interactive nutrition education sessions, create appropriate educational materials, and refine professional communication skills. Through role playing and standardized patient (SP) practice sessions, students will develop negotiation skills, integrate culturally sensitive strategies, and apply effective counseling methods to facilitate behavior change. Emphasis is placed on evidence-based communication skills, feedback, and reflective practice. (Credits: 3)
SPH BS704: Introduction to Biostatistics
This course provides an overview of biostatistical methods, and gives students the skills to perform, present, and interpret basic statistical analyses. Topics include the collection, classification, and presentation of descriptive data; the rationale of estimation and hypothesis testing; analysis of variance; analysis of contingency tables; correlation and regression analysis; multiple regression, logistic regression, and the statistical control of confounding; sample size and power considerations; survival analysis. Special attention is directed to the ability to recognize and interpret statistical procedures in articles from the current literature. Students will use the R statistical package to analyze public health related data. * Can't be taken together for credit with SPH PH 717 (Credits: 3)
Elective course (0-4 units)*
Spring
SAR HS705: Foundations IPP
This course prepares students with the knowledge, skills and attitudes necessary for inter-professional collaborative practice. Over a series of modules, students work with students from other health disciplines to explore professional roles and team communication strategies which enable person-centered, collaborative care. The course also discusses the influence of interpersonal dynamics and the team management of ethical issues, as well as concepts relevant to advancing inter-professional practice. In this course, students also apply their knowledge and skills through case-based activities. (Credits: 0)
SAR HS742: Nutrition and Disease Prevention: A life course approach
Prerequisite: SAR HS561 or equivalent. Limited to students in the graduate nutrition program. This course focuses on the etiology, treatment, and prevention over the life course for select nutrition-related health conditions facing at-risk individuals and communities. The role of dietary exposures, risk factors, and intervention during critical periods such as gestation, childhood, adolescence, young adulthood and later adult life and the effects on long-term health and disease risk will be evaluated. Students are expected to integrate knowledge of physiology, biochemistry, metabolism, and nutrient requirements as we evaluate the role of nutrients, dietary patterns, and key intervention periods in decreasing disease risk throughout the life course. Students will gain experience in critically evaluating current research, summarizing and presenting information in a way that is concise and science-based, and applying research findings to real world practice. (Credits: 4)
SAR HS779: Advanced Clinical Nutrition
Prerequisites: SAR HS561, SAR HS584, and SAR HS585. This course will focus on the nutrition management of complex patient populations. The foundation of nutrition care is identification of patients at nutritional risk who require intervention, thus, nutrition screening and nutrition assessment will be covered in detail. Methods of determining malnutrition will be reviewed and practiced using case studies. Micronutrient assessment and methods of correcting deficiencies will be covered. A major challenge in clinical nutrition care is managing the patient with multiple medical problems. Students will discuss how to prioritize medical problems and how to develop a nutrition plan while considering many diseases. Cases tied to this course will also be completed in the simulation lab outside of class time. (Credits: 4)
SAR HS785: Research in Clinical Nutrition
Prerequisites: SPH BS704 & SAR HS776; Limited to students enrolled in the graduate nutrition program. - This course teaches students to prepare a research proposal. Students will work in groups to define a new area of research based on a critical review of existing literature on a specific nutrition-related health topic of interest. Course competencies include formulating a testable research hypothesis and selecting an appropriate research design, study population, methodology, and analysis plan. This course helps students to refine their scientific writing skills and introduces them to ethical issues related to research involving human subjects. (Credits: 3)
SAR HS811: Graduate Nutrition Practicum
Limited to students enrolled in the MS/DI or DPD/MS/DI nutrition programs. Practical experience working with a Registered Dietitian or related health care professional. Placement sites include clinical, community, sports, culinary, school, food service, research, and private practice settings. (Credits: 3)
Elective course (0-4 units)*
*Students should keep in mind that a minimum of 32 credits are required when selecting their elective course(s).
Second Year
Fall
SAR HS705: Foundations IPP
This course prepares students with the knowledge, skills and attitudes necessary for inter-professional collaborative practice. Over a series of modules, students work with students from other health disciplines to explore professional roles and team communication strategies which enable person-centered, collaborative care. The course also discusses the influence of interpersonal dynamics and the team management of ethical issues, as well as concepts relevant to advancing inter-professional practice. In this course, students also apply their knowledge and skills through case-based activities. (Credits: 0)
SAR HS706: Field Experience in Nutrition
For students completing supervised practice in nutrition and dietetics with an independently accredited Partnership DI site for professional registration by the Commission on Dietetic Registration. (Credits: 0)
Spring
SAR HS705: Foundations IPP
This course prepares students with the knowledge, skills and attitudes necessary for inter-professional collaborative practice. Over a series of modules, students work with students from other health disciplines to explore professional roles and team communication strategies which enable person-centered, collaborative care. The course also discusses the influence of interpersonal dynamics and the team management of ethical issues, as well as concepts relevant to advancing inter-professional practice. In this course, students also apply their knowledge and skills through case-based activities. (Credits: 0)
SAR HS706: Field Experience in Nutrition
For students completing supervised practice in nutrition and dietetics with an independently accredited Partnership DI site for professional registration by the Commission on Dietetic Registration. (Credits: 0)
Summer
SAR HS706: Field Experience in Nutrition
For students completing supervised practice in nutrition and dietetics with an independently accredited Partnership DI site for professional registration by the Commission on Dietetic Registration. (Credits: 0)
The Partnership DI program assumes responsibility for the supervised practice requirements and, therefore, students register for 0 units of SAR HS 706.
BU MS and Partnership DI Prior Learning Policy
Master of Science in Nutrition
Students who have successfully completed the following graduate-level courses at an accredited institution with a minimum grade of B (3.0) may request evaluation for potential fulfillment of equivalent Boston University MS in Nutrition requirements:
- Biostatistics
- Nutritional Epidemiology
- Nutrition Elective
Important notes:
- Students may transfer a maximum of 8 credits from other institutions towards their Master of Science in Nutrition degree requirements.
- Students must submit a petition supported by a syllabus and official transcript to the program director for evaluation.
A minimum of 25 credit hours must be completed at Boston University. - Courses previously applied toward the completion of another academic degree are not eligible to fulfill MS in Nutrition graduation requirements.
Partnership Dietetic Internship
For information about prior experiential learning (e.g., internships, practica, etc.) please refer to your partnership DI‘s prior learning policy.
Degree Requirements
In the curricula section above, all courses are required. Successful completion of all MS in Nutrition coursework, which includes core content and at least 32 graduate-level credits, and the Dietetic Internship (DI) are required for degree conferral and for eligibility to sit for the CDR national credentialing examination to become a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RDN).
Master of Science in Nutrition
- Partnership DI programs require students to complete a clinical concentration.
- Successful completion of a minimum of 32 graduate-level credits.
- At least 25 graduate-level units must be taken at BU as a degree candidate. An overall minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher must be attained in graduate-level coursework.
- No grade below C will count toward degree requirements.
- The maximum number of units with a C or C+ is 8 units. If a student achieves a grade lower than a C, they must retake the course. A student may repeat a course only once to meet the above requirements. If a course is repeated to meet the minimum cumulative GPA requirement, the units and grades from both courses are included in the calculation of the student’s GPA. If a course is repeated to meet a course minimum grade requirement, the grade in the repeated course must meet the minimum grade requirement.
Partnership Dietetic Internship
- After successful completion of at least 32 graduate-level units, including all core coursework, students begin the Partnership DI component of the program.
- Students follow the policies and guidelines of the Partnership DI site. The MS start date, DI start date, program length, rotation/holiday/vacation schedules, DI tuition and fees, technology requirements, transportation requirements, degree conferral date, and RDN pass rate vary based on the Partnership DI program.
- Students complete all ACEND Competencies for the Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (CRDNs) during the DI.
Upon successful completion of all MS and DI requirements, students receive a Master of Science in Nutrition degree from BU and an ACEND DI Verification Statement from the Partnership DI site, confirming their eligibility to take the CDR national exam to become a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RDN).
Important Information
STEM-Eligible Degree
The MS and DI program is designated as a STEM-eligible degree by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security. International students on F-1 visas may qualify for a 24-month OPT extension.
More information about STEM OPT eligibility is available from the BU International Students and Scholars Office (ISSO).
CDR Degree Requirement
CDR requires a minimum of a master’s degree to be eligible to take the credentialing exam to become an RDN. In addition, CDR requires that individuals complete coursework and supervised practice in program(s) accredited by ACEND.
Technology Requirements
Technology plays an integral role during coursework and the DI. Students are responsible for all expenses related to these technology requirements.
- A laptop with camera and microphone are required. See BU’s Student Laptop Recommendations to ensure adequate computing power to use applications required during the graduate program.
- Students must be proficient in basic computer skills, including e-mail, web browsing, Microsoft Office (Word, PowerPoint, Excel), and other common applications and be capable of learning and using R- statistical package to analyze public health related data, electronic health records to provide nutrition care, and Blackboard Learn, which is BU’s Learning Management System.
- BU’s IT Help Center and Blackboard support service is available to provide technology assistance by emailing ithelp@bu.edu.
Clinical Education
Eligibility Requirements for Clinical Placements
Students in Sargent College’s MS/DI program are required to participate in clinical education experiences as a part of the program curricula. To ensure eligibility for participation in clinical placements, students may be required to meet specific site-based compliance requirements.
These may include, but are not limited to:
- Criminal background checks
- History of a criminal background may disqualify students from participating in these experiences which are required for successful completion of the degree program.
- Drug screening for federally prohibited substances
- Students with valid prescriptions that may result in a positive test should be prepared to provide appropriate documentation.
- Documentation of standard immunizations or vaccinations (e.g., MMR, TB, flu, COVID-19)
These requirements are determined by the partnering clinical sites and are necessary for placement approval. Students are responsible for completing all mandated compliance steps by the deadlines provided. Failure to do so may result in a delay or inability to participate in clinical placements, which can impact academic progression.
The institution does not guarantee the availability of alternative placements for students unable or unwilling to meet site-specific compliance requirements.
There may be some clinical placements that are not available to students who are non-US citizens.
Tuition and Clinical Fees
- See the Partnership DI Program Tuition and Fees for more information.
Clinical Education Services Office
Questions regarding requirements for specific sites should be directed to clined@bu.edu or the Clinical Education Services Office at Sargent College, in Room 218.
Licensure/Certification
Many states—including Massachusetts—also require RDN/NDTR licensure or certification to practice.
Learn more on the CDR Licensure Requirements page.
Sargent College of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences offers programs leading to licensure at the graduate level. Students in licensure programs or interested in obtaining licensure should review their program’s Professional Licensure and Certification Requirements. This document provides information about Sargent College’s state-approved programs and how the educational requirements compare with those in other states.
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