Master of Science in Nutrition and Dietetics Program Details
The Master of Science in Nutrition and Dietetics (MSND) provides advanced training that enhances knowledge in the field of nutrition and clinical dietetics. Some of the features of the MSND program include:
- Complete all courses online.
- This flexibility allows you to earn your degree while managing work and family obligations. Most students complete their MSND degree within 2.5 years.
- Synchronous delivery of courses.
- You can engage in interactive online discussions and participate in multiple formats that enhance your learning experience.
- Learn from top experts.
- Study with a faculty team of nationally recognized professionals in various nutrition sub-disciplines; most courses are taught by Ph.D. faculty who are also Registered Dietitians
- Submit your capstone project, research or original work to industry peer-reviewed journals
Completion of the MSND program alone does not result in the attainment of the registered dietitian (RD) designation, nor eligibility to take the registration exam.
Learn more about the Master of Science in Nutrition and Dietetics Program
The MSND is designed to provide advanced training in nutritional sciences for new and experienced professionals. Our objectives are to enhance your knowledge base and expertise in the continually advancing field of nutrition and clinical dietetics and to provide you with the quantitative and methodological knowledge necessary to better interpret the scientific literature and nutritional research. Our MSND program provides the following four plan options:
- Option I - Plan A: Thesis
- Option II - Plan B: Internship*
- Option III - Plan B: Coursework
- Option IV - Plan B: Experiential Track - A Pathway to RDN**
Learn more about the MSND options
*The Option II - Plan B Internship is not an ACEND accredited plan. This plan allows you to apply your dietetic internship (DI) credits toward your master’s degree requirements through Competency-Based Examination (CBE) credits. It is designed for individuals who have earned a Didactic Program in Dietetics (DPD) verification statement and wish to integrate DI credits into their graduate studies, as well as for those who already hold the Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RDN) credential and seek to advance their knowledge through a master’s degree. However, the CMU Dietetic Internship is a standalone ACEND-accredited program. Students pursuing this option must apply to through the Dietetics Inclusive Centralized Application Service (DICAS) system.
**The Option IV - Plan B Experiential Track: A Pathway to RDN is the only MSND plan accredited by ACEND. If you plan to pursue this option, you must apply through the DICAS system. This plan is not an available option for international students.
Transfer credits
Any courses considered for transfer, other than NDS 678, must be in compliance with our graduate transfer credit policy found in the graduate bulletin. Questions regarding processing of credits earned prior to admission to the MSND program may be directed to the graduate program director.
LEARN MORE ABOUT THE MASTER OF SCIENCE IN NUTRITION AND DIETETICS COURSES
MSND program cost and fees
We're committed to keeping costs low while providing a top-tier education. There are discounted online tuition rates for the military, veterans, federal employees, and state of Michigan employees.
Learn More About Online Program Tuition and Fees
Credit by Examination (CBE) is available only for the internship credits (NDS 674, 675, 676). The cost for the exams is at a rate of $50 per credit hour or $600 for all 12 credits. Only those students who have previously completed an Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics-approved dietetic internship program are eligible for CBE.