Online Master of Science Degree in Dietetics

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About the Dietetics Program

Learn to design and lead effective food and nutrition programs in a variety of settings by applying advanced nutrition principles learned in this online M.S. in Dietetics program. Develop research skills, stimulate independent thought, and learn up‐to‐date knowledge in Medical Nutrition Therapy, community nutrition, and foodservice business management. Integrate and apply principles from the biomedical sciences, human behavior, and management.

In the online M.S. in Dietetics program you will accomplish the following:

  • Apply cutting-edge information in food, nutrition, food service management, and wellness to enhance dietetics practice.
  • Evaluate and apply new research concepts and theories within the profession of dietetics.
  • Understand public policy and current systems of health care delivery with particular reference to the role of the dietitian.

This online dietetics degree program is tailored for credentialed, practicing registered dietitians who seek to enhance their knowledge in a specific area of dietetics practice or prepare for advanced career opportunities in a dietetics practice.

Program Structure and Curriculum

The online Master of Science in Dietetics degree is open to individuals possessing their Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RDN) or RDN-eligible credential (RDNE).

This online dietetics degree is offered through the Innovative Digital Education Alliance (IDEA). The program is a 36‐credit hour online M.S. in Dietetics which prepares you to practice dietetics at an advanced level and/or to pursue doctoral study.

    Continue reading through this page to learn more about the online M.S. in Dietetics.

    Dietetics Online Master's Degree Plan of Study

    Below is a sample plan of study. This will give you an idea of the type of courses you will take. Once you are admitted, be sure to visit with your advisor to create your actual plan of study. 

    Current Issues in Dietetics should be taken in your last semester. 

    Course titles may vary from what is listed on the GP IDEA website. These are the course titles and numbers used for registration at NDSU.

    Required Core Courses:
      Elective Courses: 
      Thesis:

      North Dakota State University offers three options:

      • Plan A: Thesis
      • Plan B: Comprehensive Paper
      • Plan C: Internship/Capstone.

      Note: Current students seeking supervisory committee members should contact their advisor for a list of available faculty members.

      Total Credits: 36

      Careers and Outlook

      Outlook

      The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts that the number of jobs for registered dietitians and nutritionists will increase by 11% between 2018 and 2028. This projection indicates a significant need for more RDN’s in the field to help combat preventable disease and conditions on the rise such as diabetes, cardiovascular disease, hypertension, certain types of cancer and osteoporosis.

      What Can You Do with a Master's Degree in Dietetics?

      Many dietitians work in hospitals, schools, long-term care facilities, and other large food service operations.  When you earn an M.S. in Dietetics you gain skills in subject areas that expand your ability to work in areas including: clinically-oriented nutrition, community or public health nutrition, healthcare administration, management of dietary programs, food science, and foodservice management.

      Individuals working in hospitals may be employed by patient meal services, the cafeteria, as general dietitians or as specialized dietitians for various departments like oncology. 

      With the rise in food-related allergies, intollerances, and cultural restrictions K-12 schools, higher education, and long-term care facilities are finding the need to employ dietitians to ensure the dietary needs of their students and residents are being met.

      A graduate degree prepares RDN’s to study a specific area of interest more in-depth. A master’s degree can provide RDN’s with more opportunities to obtain managerial or other high-level positions, which can help prepare you for advanced-level practice and see an increase in income. Obtaining a master’s degree may can lead to better prepare you to become a board-certified specialist, or obtain other advanced practice credentials.

      Graduate Faculty

      A list of graduate faculty for this online program as well as their current research interests is available on the NDSU catalog page. In addition to faculty information, you can find more information about the program in the catalog.

      Admission Requirements

      To apply for this degree program, click the link below to start the application process. You will be required to fill out a request for information form which sets up your login information to complete the application form. The application fee is $35.

      The deadline to apply is one month before the beginning of the semester you choose to begin. 

      Fall Semester = Begins the third week in August.
      Spring Semester = Begins the second week in January.
      Summer Semester = Begins the second week in May.

      Eligibility for Admission

      Applicants must possess either the Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RDN) credential or be Registered Dietitian Nutritionist Eligible (RDNE) to be eligible for admission.

      • RDN: Include a copy of the applicant’s Commission on Dietetic Registration of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics registration card or other official documentation of registration status must be submitted with the application.
      • RDNE: An applicant not possessing the credential of Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RDN) must provide their verification statement issued by a program accredited by the Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics (ACEND).

      A minimum undergraduate grade point average of 3.0 (or alternately, a GPA of 3.0 on the last 60 hours of coursework in the undergraduate degree) is required for admission to this program.

      Admissions Process

      Follow the domestic and international application procedures.

      • Application Fee: $35
      • Statement of Purpose: In your statement of purpose, you will be required to include the following components:
        • reasons for pursuing graduate study,
        • special interests within the nutrition and dietetics profession,
        • background preparation/training in nutrition and dietetics, and
        • relevant skills or experience that you have acquired.
      • Letters of Recommendation: Three (3) letters of recommendation are required from persons familiar with your academic achievements. Recommendations must be submitted to the Graduate School via the online application system. Recommenders will receive an email with the link and instructions at the email address you provide for them on your application.
      • Official Transcripts: Submit one official transcript from each college or university at which you have been enrolled or are currently enrolled. Include both undergraduate and graduate coursework.

      Tuition and Fees

      The tuition and fee structure for this program is set by the GP IDEA consortium. Classes you take are charged at the same tuition rate regardless of which university is your home university. Books and supplies are not included in the tuition and fees. Please note that courses offered through GP IDEA are not eligible for NDSU tuition waivers.

      Contact Information

      NDSU College of Human Sciences and Education  |  Dietetics Program
      Phone: (701) 231-7475
      Email: Ashley.Roseno@ndsu.edu

      NDSU GP IDEA Coordinator
      Email: ndsu.gpidea@ndsu.edu

      NDSU Graduate School
      Phone: (701) 231-5945
      Email: melissa.j.ostby@ndsu.edu 
      Web: https://www.ndsu.edu/gradschool

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