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Program Overview

Our two-year MSD program is hybrid, coupling online graduate education and in-person supervised practice experience (SPE). During the beginning of their second semester in the program, students come to ����̽̽ for a week of hands-on, in-person, embedded training that sparks student and faculty connections. Students can then remain in Vermont for a university-designed supervised practice experience or select a self-design option where they complete their SPE in their US community of choice. 

����̽̽'s two-year, hybrid MSD coordinated program focuses on developing leaders in the field of nutrition and dietetics while taking a holistic, evidence-based approach to nutrition care. Students are connected with ����̽̽'s expansive Medical Facilities, Centers, Initiatives, Institutes, and Extension. The ����̽̽ MSD is ACEND accredited and will prepare you to sit the Registration Examination for Dietitians and a rewarding career in the dietetics profession, a field with growing and varied opportunities.

• Our ACEND tracked one year pass rate for the Registration Examination for Dietitians is 100%.
• 100% Employment Rate, among students who seek employment within one year.

Curriculum

Our Master of Science in Dietetics coordinated program offers innovative training for students seeking to become Registered Dietitian Nutritionists. 

Curriculum Overview 

Fall Semester, Year 1

• 3 credits: Graduate level Statistics
• 3 credits: Elective: Area of Practice
• 3 credits: Graduate Level Pharmacology
• 2 credits: MSD Journal Club/SPE On-Boarding
• Inter-professional Practice (IPE) Modules; orientation, palliative care ALS video & discussion, virtual care planning clinic

Spring Semester, Year 1

• 4 credits: Supervised Practice I
• 3 credits: Fundamentals of Critical Inquiry
• Inter-professional Practice (IPE) Modules

Fall Semester, Year 2

• 4 credits: Supervised Practice II
• 2 credits: Evidence-based practice project
• Inter-professional Practice (IPE) Modules

Spring Semester, Year 2

• 3 credits: Food Regulation
• 3 credits: Elective: Area of Practice
• Written Comprehensive Exam
• Oral Comprehensive Exam
• Capstone Presentation

Deadlines

Application Opens: August 5, 2024
Application Deadline: February 1, 2025
Notification of Acceptance into ����̽̽: March 1, 2025
Applicant Acceptance Due Date: March 15, 2025

Admissions

The following materials are required for your application to be complete:

• Electronic Application
• Statement of Purpose
• Verification Statement or Declaration of Intent Form, with original signatures:
  • These should be obtained from your Didactic Program Director.
  • For students applying without a verification statement, please complete and submit the Pre-requisites Checklist Form (PDF).  We recommend that you use the and the to confirm course equivalents.
• ServSafe Certification
• Three letters of recommendation.
• One transcript from each college/university attended, including any you currently attend. Unofficial transcripts uploaded by you are suffcient for the application review. Official transcripts will be required if you are admitted; these should be sent directly from each institution to Graduate Admissions.
• Residential Status Questionnaire (for in-state tuition purposes)
• Test scores for English proficiency for applicants whose native language is not English.

Outcomes

The MSD program at ����̽̽ has two overarching program goals:

Outcomes

The MSD program at ����̽̽ has two overarching program goals:

Program Goal 1

The program will graduate students who are ready for entry-level practice as registered dietitian nutritionists.

Outcomes

• At least 80% of program students complete degree requirements within three years (150% of the program length).
• 90% of students will pass the MSD Comprehensive Exam with a score of 80% or higher.
• At least 80% of graduates will indicate “good” to “excellent” level of preparation for entry- level practice.
• At least 80% of graduates will take the CDR registration examination for dietitians within 12 months of program completion.
• The program's one-year pass rate (graduates who pass the registration examination for dietitians within one year of their first attempt) on the CDR registration examination for dietitians is at least 80%.
• Of graduates who seek employment, at least 80% will be employed in nutrition and dietetics or related field within 12 months of graduation.
• At least 80% of employers will indicate that graduates have a “good” to “excellent” level of competency in: communication skills, problem solving, and evidence-based care.
• One-year post-graduation, at least 80% of graduates will indicate “good” to “excellent” level of competency in: communication skills, problem solving, and evidence-based care.

Program Goal 2

The program will prepare graduates who have specialized knowledge of and the ability to apply the principles of leadership, holistic nutrition, and evidence-based care across community health and nutrition practice settings.

Outcomes

• At least 80% of students will demonstrate the ability to apply the principles of leadership, holistic nutrition, and evidence-based care across community health and nutrition practice settings as evaluated by SPE activities rubrics.
• At least 80% of graduates who completed the graduation survey will agree or strongly agree that the program provides adequate teaching and training in the principles of leadership, holistic nutrition, and evidence-based care across community health and nutrition practice settings.
• One-year post-graduation, at least 80% of graduates who completed the graduation survey and are employed in nutrition and dietetics can provide one or more examples of how they have incorporated the principles of leadership, holistic nutrition, and evidence-based care into their area of practice.

Student Learning Outcomes

• Graduates will possess the ability to communicate in writing, speaking, and presenting Nutrition and Dietetics to a variety of individuals and groups.
• Graduates will develop specialized knowledge and skills in Community Health and Nutrition with a focus on leadership, holistic nutrition, and evidence-based care through selected coursework, supervised practice experience.

“While state interpretations of statutes may vary, it is ACEND's considered opinion that the program meets the educational requirements for dietetics licensure and certification in all states. However, completing an ACEND-accredited academic program alone does not qualify an individual for licensure or certification as a dietitian in any state. Individuals should review their state's licensing statutes and regulations to understand the specific requirements, including supervised practice and examinations, needed to obtain a dietetics license.

Costs and Funding

Basic program costs can be found at Student Financial Services Graduate Tuition and Fees.

In addition, MSD students typically have expenses associated with:

• Malpractice and accident insurance
• Health Insurance*
• Auto Insurance*
• Background check
• Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics membership**
• Travel related costs***
• Education management software
• Books and supplies
• On-campus orientation travel

*All students must carry health insurance and auto insurance. Students electing not to purchases ����̽̽ Health Insurance must provide proof of another current policy. Note: See the Students Financial Services (SFS) graduate tuition page for information regarding Health Center fee.

**Membership in the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics is required for all students.

***Travel costs depend on living arrangements, length of commute, and supervised practice site placements.

Scholarships and Financial Aid

MSD Program Scholarship

A one-time award available to first-year students. For consideration, please describe in 300-500 words your commitment to ����̽̽’s "Our Common Ground" and upload your statement (separate document) with your application.

Financial Aid

Students applying to the MSD program may be eligible for Federal Stafford and/or Federal Plus loans. Eligibility is based on your Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) Application. If interested, be sure to fill out the .

Learn more from Student Financial Services, or call (802)656-5700.