Nutrition and Dietetics (MS)

Overview

Virtual Open House

Prospective students are invited to join the SIUE nutrition and dietetics program virtual open houses as we discuss our graduate coordinated program which results in the ability to sit for the registered dietitian nutritionist (RDN) exam. The program was established in 2020 and offers an MS degree with a concentration in sports nutrition.

Don't miss this opportunity to speak with faculty and current students. Sign up for one of the dates listed below (all sessions will take place via Zoom):

• September 12, 2024, 4-5 p.m.
• October 17, 2024, 11 a.m.-12 p.m. or 6-7 p.m. (Register to attend the session that works for you on the link from SIUE's graduate school.)
• November 13, 2024, 5-6 p.m.
• December 12, 2024, 12-1 p.m.
• January 8, 2025, 3-4 p.m.

About the Program

The Master of Science in nutrition and dietetics coordinated program is designed for students who wish to earn a master's degree while gaining eligibility to become a registered dietitian and pursue careers as entry-level dietitians.

This selective, coordinated program combines graduate-level coursework in nutrition with the clinical curriculum and supervised practice that allows graduates to sit for the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics examination for registered dietitians. This program is also ideal for students who have earned a Bachelor of Science in another field but are now interested in becoming a registered dietitian or those who graduated with a bachelor’s in nutrition and were not matched for a dietetic internship.

For additional information about the program, please see the program manual and policies and procedures handbook. Technology requirements and distance education information can be found in policies 40 and 42, respectively.

What can I do with a degree in nutrition and dietetics?

Students graduating with a master's degree and passing the RD exam can pursue careers in:

• Clinical dietetics
• Community and public health
• Consulting
• Private practice
• Food and nutrition business industry
• Food service
• Food management 
• Research and education
• Sports and wellness nutrition
• Corporate wellness

The program is carefully designed to provide both the didactic coursework as well as a minimum 1,000 hours of supervised practice experience in clinical, community, food service management and sports nutrition.

Upon program completion, graduates are eligible to take the registration examination for dietitians offered through the Commission on Dietetics Registration (CDR). Successful completion of the RD exam is a prerequisite for licensure or certification in most states.

For more information, please refer to the following websites:

• Academic Preparation Through a Coordinated Program
• Career Opportunities and CDR Credentialing (RD Exam)
• Licensure requirements vary by state. Learn more.

Effective January 1, 2024, the CDR will require a minimum of a master’s degree to be eligible to take the credentialing exam to become a registered dietitian nutritionist. Please see additional information on the CDR website.

Accreditation

The Coordinated Program in Nutrition and Dietetics at Southern Illinois University Edwardsville is accredited by The Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics (ACEND(R) ), 120 South Riverside Plaza, Suite 2190, Chicago, IL 60606-6995, 312/899-0040 ext 5400. More information about accreditation can be found at the ACEND website.

Effective January 1, 2024, the Commission on Dietetic Registration (CDR) will require a minimum of a master’s degree to be eligible to take the credentialing exam to become a registered dietitian nutritionist (RDN). In addition, CDR requires that individuals complete coursework and supervised practice in program(s) accredited by the Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics (ACEND). In most states, graduates also must obtain licensure or certification to practice. Graduates who successfully complete the ACEND-accredited Coordinated Program in Dietetics at SIUE and acquire a master’s degree will be able to take the CDR credentialing exam.

Mission, Goals and Objectives

Program Mission

The mission of the Master of Science in Nutrition and Dietetics Coordinated Program at SIUE is:

• To prepare competent entry-level registered dietitian nutritionists for careers in a variety of health care settings, including sports nutrition, clinical, community, research, business, and food service, who will work towards improving the health of society through optimal nutrition practices.
• To produce graduates with critical thinking and problem-solving skills, who stay abreast of knowledge to provide effective evidence-based nutrition care and theory-based nutrition education.
• To embrace the ideals of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics IDEA Action Plan, particularly fostering a culture of respect, inclusion, equity, and access and implementing methods to address bias and discrimination.

Program Goals

Goal 1: The program will prepare graduates for successful completion of the Commission on Dietetic Registration credentialing exam for dietitians.

• Objective 1: At least 80 percent of students complete program requirements within three years (150 percent of the program length).
• Objective 2: At least 80 percent of program graduates CDR credentialing exam for dietitian nutritionists within 12 months of program completion.
• Objective 3: The program’s one-year pass rate (graduates who pass the registration exam within one year of first attempt) on the CDR credentialing exam for dietitian nutritionists is at least 80 percent.
• Objective 4: At least 80 percent of program graduates will indicate they strongly agree or agree they felt adequately prepared for the CDR credentialing exam for dietitian nutritionists.

Goal 2: The program will prepare competent entry-level practitioners to provide evidence-based nutrition services to individuals and groups in a variety of practice settings.

• Objective 1: Students will maintain a grade of B or better in all dietetics courses and a grade of C or better in all support (Exercise Physiology) courses.
• Objective 2: Students will maintain a minimum GPA of 3.0.
• Objective 3: Of graduates who seek employment, at least 80 percent are employed in nutrition and dietetics or related fields within 12 months of graduation.
• Objective 4: Over a three-year period, 80 percent of preceptor respondents will rank the quality of students from SIUE as above average.
• Objective 5: Over a three-year period, employers will agree or strongly agree that 80 percent of graduates are “well prepared” for entry-level employment.
• Objective 6: Over a three-year period, alumni respondents working in dietetics or related fields will collectively identify three different practice areas as primary job settings.
• Objective 7: At least 80 percent of graduates will report that they understand the IDEA Action Plan and recognize the program’s commitment and promotion of IDEA.

Professional Credential Disclosure

This program is intended to prepare students for licensure/certification meeting educational requirements established by regulatory boards in the state of Illinois. Licensure/certification requirements can vary by state. If you intend to practice or teach inside or outside the state of Illinois, please visit our professional licensure webpage.

Estimated Costs

Tuition costs are approximately $350 per credit hour and student fees are approximately $108.40 per credit hour. Textbook costs are included in student fees. In addition, students in the nutrition and dietetics program can expect to incur the following expenses:

• Lab coat and/or uniforms for supervised practice experiences ($30)
• Background checks (about $90 per check)
• Drug screening with compliance tracker (about $60)
• Immunizations as deemed essential by practicum sites ($5-15 each or $30-90 for a series)
• Practicum and supervised practice courses include a course-specific fee ($30 per class)
• Transportation costs for field trips/field based experiences (varies by location)
• Internet service fees for online coursework and potential distance supervised practice rotations (varies based on amenities provided by housing choice. Plans generally range between $50 and $100/month).
• Students are required to join the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics as a student member. The student fee is $58 per year.
• Housing expenses vary. Off-campus shared housing costs $400-500/month. Most on-campus housing options range from $500-1,000/month depending on location and shared or private bedroom. For students who opt to complete a distance education supervised practice rotation, additional housing costs may be incurred.

Additional information regarding program costs can be found in the Program Guide and Policies and Procedures Manual. Please check with the Office of Financial Aid for more information about scholarships and financial aid.

Faculty

Through excellence in teaching, research and service, our faculty members work with students in and out of the classroom to engage and prepare them for successful careers in nutrition and dietetics. Our faculty members hold master's and doctoral degrees from universities throughout the country and utilize a variety of teaching methods to provide an exceptional learning experience for students. Faculty members have extensive experience supervising award-winning, student-led research, which is presented at numerous national, regional and local conferences each year.

View current Department of Applied Health faculty