What is the program’s accreditation status?
The combined M.S. in Nutrition/Dietetic Internship is fully accredited by the Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics (ACEND).
Is the program online or residential?
The MS in Nutrition coursework is fully online. The Dietetic Internship is residential and traditionally has been based in the Dallas/Fort Worth metroplex but can also be in other areas.
Can I complete the Dietetic Internship as a stand-alone program?
No, all admitted students complete the MS in Nutrition.
Can I complete the MS in Nutrition without the Dietetic Internship?
Yes, students can complete the 36-hour MS in Nutrition online without the Dietetic Internship. Students would select 15 hours of electives within the 36 hour program. However, students must complete a Dietetic Internship in order to sit for the Registration Examination for Dietitians.
Do I begin the internship or online master’s courses first?
Admitted students work closely with the Program Director to determine their degree plan timeline. However, most students will complete online courses during their first year before beginning the residential Dietetic Internship rotations.
When does each new cohort begin?
Each cohort begins in June. During the first year, online courses are taken continuously and begin every 8 weeks. The Dietetic Internship portion begins in August of the second year.
What types of rotation experiences are offered?
Students focus on the issues of hunger, health, housing and hope:
Hunger – By partnering with the Tarrant Area Food Bank, students interested in pursuing the M.S. in Nutrition/Dietetic Internship program can participate in research, community feeding programs, and cultural needs assessments.
Health – The internship schedule will include several clinical rotations including but not limited to cardiac, endocrinology, intensive care, oncology, pediatric, renal, surgical, and general medical. Along with the clinical experiences, an outpatient counseling rotation will address health of the clientele using knowledge gained in the clinical rotations.
Hope – Hope is manifested in education and gaining skills for employment. Dietetic interns will be instrumental in helping teach basic culinary and food service skills to a wide variety of people.
Housing – Indirectly, housing will be addressed through your involvement in teaching basic selection, procurement and preparation of healthy meals for home use.
Other rotations in clinical, foodservice, and community areas are also completed during the dietetic internship.
Can I work while enrolled in Dietetic Internship?
It is possible to work during the first year of the program while completing the first 27-30 credit hours online. However, working is not recommended during the second year of the program while completing the Dietetic Internship courses, as the internship rotations are like a full-time job. Also, interns will have homework as well as internship activities at night and during some weekends.
Are scholarships or graduate assistantships offered?
Yes, admitted students can apply for a departmental scholarship.
Can I meet with the Program Director or attend an Open House?
Yes! Please call our admissions counselors at 855-219-7300 to connect with the Program Director.