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FAQs

General Questions

Program Prerequisites Questions

International Student Questions

Will this program prepare me to become a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RDN)?Ìý

Yes! The ¶¶Òõ̽̽ MSD is a Coordinated Program in Dietetics accredited by the Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics (ACEND).Ìý This program combines academic requirements to obtain a Master of Science degree, and 1,000+ hours of supervised practice experiences (internship) needed to qualify graduates to take the Registration Examination for Dietitian Nutritionists offered by the Commission on Dietetic Registration to become a RDN.

There are various pathways that lead to the RDN credential. You can learn more on the 5 Steps to Become a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist page of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics website.

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How long does it take to complete the program?

The program is completed in 4 semesters over a two-year period.

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Can I stretch the coursework over more than two (2) years?

The expectation is that students will complete the coursework within two (2) consecutive years.

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Do I have to complete the supervised practice experience (SPE) in one (1) year?

Students are expected to complete the SPE within one (1) calendar year.

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Is there a requirement to be on campus?

There is a mandatory 5-day campus-based orientation the week before the first semester begins. There is no other on-campus requirement.

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How much does the program cost?

Please refer to the Tuition, Fees, and Financial Aid ±è²¹²µ±ð.Ìý
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Federal loans are the primary source of financial assistance. More information can be found on the Graduate Student Financial Services page.
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Prospective graduate students may wish to explore scholarship opportunities from the following sources: their undergraduate financial aid office, their state office of student financial assistance, and the . In Vermont, the state office of student financial assistance is .
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Can I keep my job while enrolled in the MSD program?

Students are discouraged from working while enrolled in the program.Ìý This is an intensive, full-time graduate degree program which demands a significant investment of time and energy.Ìý During the second and third semesters, students will spend 32 hours per week at their supervised practice rotations, and also be required to participate in a live online class each Monday.
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I live in Vermont, can I still complete the self-designed SPE?

Yes. All students wishing to participate in the self-designed SPE must follow the guidelines for securing preceptors and rotation sites.
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Is the supervised practice experience (SPE) the same as the dietetic internship?

A requirement for becoming a registered dietitian nutritionist (RDN) is to complete a minimum of 1000+ hours of supervised practice. The SPE can be part of a coordinated program, such as the MSD, or a separate dietetic internship (DI).Ìý
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Does ¶¶Òõ̽̽ participate in the DI (DICAS) match?

No. If you want to apply to the MSD program you must apply directly through the ¶¶Òõ̽̽ Graduate College. More information can be found on the MSD Application Process page.
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What prerequisite coursework is required?

A candidate with a verification statement that they have completed a Didactic Program in Dietetics (DPD) does not need to complete any additional prerequisites.
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Students who do not have a DPD verification statement must demonstrate that they have completed all of the prerequisite courses.
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I have a Bachelor’s Degree in a non-related field.Ìý Can I apply to the ¶¶Òõ̽̽ MSD program?Ìý

Students from all disciplines are welcome to apply to the ¶¶Òõ̽̽ MSD Program so long as the prerequisite courses have been completed.

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How do I complete the prerequisite courses and how long will it take?

Students who are missing prerequisites are encouraged to find courses at their local University/community college, or through an online program.Ìý

You can also explore the through .

It usually takes students a minimum of 2 years to complete the prerequisite requirements.Ìý

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Can any of the prerequisitesÌýbe waived because of experience and expertise in the subject area?Ìý

On a case by case basis, requests will be reviewed by the MSD program director. The requests must be made at least 8 weeks before the application deadline.ÌýÌý

The MSD program will not accept any prior learning or experience as a substitute for any portion of the supervised practice experience.Ìý

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I completed my Baccalaureate outside of the US. How do I apply?ÌýÌý

The Commission on Dietetic Registration requires a to validate your academic degree is equivalent to the bachelor's or master's degree conferred by a U.S. regionally-accredited college or university.Ìý Once this evaluation is complete, we can determine if there are any additional prerequisites you must complete.Ìý

¶¶Òõ̽̽ Graduate College provides additional information and requirements for international students to verify language proficiency, apply for a student visa, and complete the application.

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Can I participate in this program while living in another country?Ìý

Because required courses are offered online they may be completed from anywhere. However, under the guidelines of the Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics (ACEND), the 1,000+ hours of supervised practice must be completed in the United States.ÌýÌý

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