Graduate Programs in Nutrition and Dietetics
 

3 Program Tracks

for aspiring or practicing RDNs

Online Masters Best online Master's Program logo
 

Online Program

with coordinated internship placements

Program Information

In response to the dietetics industry requiring a master's degree for Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RDN) roles by 2024, Viterbo University has been granted approval to offer an online Master of Science in Community Medical Dietetics degree. This master degree offers three tracks designed to support the profession.

30-credit hour pathway for the current RDs to advance their expertise and scope of practice.

Dual M.S. degree with a Dietetic Internship for those entering from a didactic Nutrition program. Students who have already graduated from a didactic program in dietetics can also opt to only apply for the Dietetic Internship program. Candidates select from two pathways: a Non-Thesis Clinical (48 credits) or a Thesis (39 credits) emphasis.

63-credit hour direct entry to initial RDN practice track combines the coursework with the dietetic coordinated internship necessary to be eligible to take the Registration Examination for Dietitians. Since the master’s coursework is fully online, students can complete their coordinated internship anywhere in the country.

Questions about admissions?

Reach out to Magdalen Kellogg with questions mekellogg@viterbo.edu, 608-796-3028

Master of Science in Community Medical Dietetics - Initial RDN License Prep/Direct Entry

This 63 credit hour pathway is designed for students that require foundational coursework to become a registered dietitian.  Further, students will obtain advanced nutrition skills through graduate coursework with an emphasis in their particular area of interest.  In addition, this track includes supervised practice, providing students with all experiences needed to take the registration exam to become a registered dietitian.  

Master of Science in Community Medical Dietetics - Dual Master’s with Dietetic Internship

This pathway is designed for students with a degree from an accredited DPD program. Students will complete a dietetic internship and also further their nutritional knowledge and skills through graduate-level coursework. Students will have the option of numerous electives in order to cater their degree to their particular area of interest. Dual Master’s and Dietetic Internship students can choose from a non-thesis clinical focus (48 credits) or a thesis track (39 credits). The clinical focus provides intensive supervised practice hours for students wanting additional patient care experience. The thesis track meets accreditation requirements for supervised practice hours while providing students with experience working one-on-one with a research advisor and conducting their own research.

Master of Science in Community Medical Dietetics - RDNs

This 30 credit hour pathway was designed to support dietetic/nutrition professionals with the advanced skills, knowledge and behaviors to grow within the field. This is an evidence-based program placing emphasis on disease prevention and management, while offering electives that allow you to focus in areas such as sports nutrition, a systems approach to obesity, nutrigenomics, or one that accentuates your current work. The variety of electives, and subsequent research project, offer you the flexibility to enhance your current practice or develop the expertise in a specific area of personal interest.

Dietetic Internship

Viterbo's Dietetic Internship is open to students who have completed the knowledge requirements as defined by the 2017 Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics' Standards of Education as part of a DPD program and who have completed a bachelor's degree.
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