Description
The Master of Science in Nutrition and Dietetics (RD Track) at Arkansas State University is administered by the Dietetics Program in the College of Nursing & Health Professions. The program provides for the achievement of knowledge and performance requirements for entry-level dietitians through integration of didactic instruction with a minimum of 1,080 hours of supervised practice.
Students must apply for admission to the graduate school and the master’s program. The Master of Science in Nutrition and Dietetics degree (MSND) consists of a minimum of 53 hours beyond the Bachelor’s degree. Upon successful completion of the MSND, students are eligible to take the national credentialing examination administered by the Commission on Dietetic Registration (CDR). After passing the examination, they become registered dietitians. The MSND is available online. Further information on distance education components and technology requirements can be found in the Student Handbook.
In addition to RD credentialing, many states have regulatory laws for dietitians and nutrition practitioners. Frequently these state requirements are met through the same education and training required to become an RD. In most states, graduates also must obtain licensure or certification to practice. For example, to apply for Arkansas state licensure, applicants must submit a yearly application and renewal fee and complete twelve (12) hours of continuing education (CE). For more information visit the CDR website.
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. More information about state licensure and certification can be found at this link: State Licensure.Goals and Objectives
The successful graduate will:
1. Perform as a knowledgeable, competent entry-level dietitian.
*At least eighty percent (80%) of program students complete program/degree requirements
within 3 years (150% of the program length).
*Of graduates who seek employment, eighty percent (80%) are employed in nutrition and
dietetics or related fields within 12 months of graduation
*Eighty percent (80%) of program graduates take the CDR credentialing exam for dietitian
nutritionists within 12 months of program completion.
*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
eighty percent (80%)
*Eighty percent (80%) of graduates working in dietetics will receive a score of “average or higher”
for professional conduct when rated by employers on satisfaction surveys..
2. Pursue service to the profession of nutrition and dietetics.
a. At least 70% of program graduates will pursue service to the profession of dietetics as a preceptor, leader, through civic engagement, or through active participation in professional organizations within 3 years post-graduation.
Outcomes data are available upon request.
*Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics (ACEND) required objectives.
Fees and Expenses
Tuition and Fees Estimate
| Student Category | Estimated Total Professional Program Only |
| MS Degree | $18,020.00 |
Additional Program Estimates
| Category | Program Expenses | Additional Information |
| Graduate Application Fee | $30 | Prior to acceptance |
| Criminal background check | $95 | Upon program acceptance |
| Immunizations (TB test/Flu included) | $300 | Upon program acceptance |
| 2nd year TB skin test | $10 | Cost vary by insurance plan |
| Child maltreatment check | $10 | Beginning of program |
| CPR Healthcare Provider Certification | $50 | Beginning of program |
| Drug screen | $45 | Required by some clinical facilities |
| Physical examination | $35 | Required by some clinical facilities |
| Flu vaccine (2nd year) | $20 | Costs vary by health insurance plan; required at clinical facilities |
| Scrubs and slip-resistant shoes | $150 | Varies by brand |
| Lab coat | $30 | White |
| Student name tag | $10 | Upon program acceptance |
| Typhon Group Scheduling System | $100 | Semester 1 |
| TB Mask | $25 | If applicable per clinical facility |
| Computer | $500 | Estimate; brand dependent |
| Books | $1025 | As priced through A-State bookstore |
| Health Insurance | $1800 | Annual estimate; costs vary by plan |
| Automotive Insurance | $1800 | Annual estimate; costs vary by plan |
| Transportation/parking | $550 | Costs vary by supervised practice location |
| Student professional liability insurance | $25 | Annual cost |
| Exam review course | $400 | Final semester |
| Registration examination | $200 | Follow program completion |
| TOTAL | $25,230 | Tuition + Program Expenses |
Financial Aid
Students may qualify for financial aid or scholarships through Arkansas State University. Consult the web site at www.astate.edu/a/finaid/ for more information.
Admission Requirements
To be considered for admission to the 100% online MSND degree program, applicants must meet the admission requirements of the Graduate school and the specific program requirements. Meeting program requirements does not guarantee admission into the program. The Nutrition and Dietetics program admits students on a space-available basis. Current resume, personal statement, and letters of recommendation are used in the selection process.
Applicants seeking admission to the MSND program must have successfully completed an undergraduate degree including the following courses: lifecycle nutrition, nutritional biochemistry, nutrition assessment, food science, nutrition counseling, community nutrition, medical nutrition therapy, and an applied statistics course (junior level or higher). Transcripts can be reviewed for similar courses.- ServSafe Food Protection Manager Certification.
- Cumulative GPA 3.0 or higher.
- Personal statement consisting of 500-1,000 words with attention to the applicant's professional goals, past experiences, and contributions the applicant expects to make in the field of nutrition and dietetics.
- Two letters of recommendation/rating forms, which should be from former supervisors or faculty.
- Applications can be submitted here.
The Masters in Nutrition and Dietetics requires 53 semester hours
Core Requirements (12 credits)
| NS 6123 | Health Care Delivery in the U.S. |
| NS 6303 | Nutrition and Dietetics Research |
| NS 6313 | Nutritional Epidemiology |
| NS 6033 | Data Analysis in Health Professions |
Major Requirements (15 credits)
| Nurs 5113 | Leadership in Health Professions |
| NS 6243 | Metabolic Nutrition |
| NS 6253 | Nutrition in Critical Illness |
| NS 6253 | Advanced Medical Nutrition Therapy |
| NS 6843 | Ethics of Health Care |
Other Requirements (9Credits)
| NS 6033 | Topics in Food Service |
| NS 6013 | Management of Nutrition Services |
| NS 6113 | Nutrition and Dietetics Research |
|
Supervised Practice Hour Requirements (17 credits) |
|
| NSP 6123 |
Practicum I |
| NSP 6223 |
Practicum II |
| NSP 6323 |
Practicum III |
| NSP 6424 |
Practicum IV |
| NSP 6524 |
Practicum V |
Academic and Program Schedule
During the program, students will have holidays consistent with the ASU academic calendar. Individual course syllabi and the Supervised Practice Rotation Schedule will provide additional information about the program schedule. Policies and procedures specific to the dietetics program including supervised practice rotations will be available in the Student Handbook.
Graduation and/or Program Completion Requirements
In order to receive a M.S. in Nutrition and Dietetics from Arkansas State University that signifies completion of the Coordinated Program in Dietetics, a student must:
- Complete academic course requirements with a grade of C or above in all degree courses (A degree course is any course that is listed in the graduate bulletin as a Major Requirement for the Master of Science Degree in Nutrition and Dietetics (http://www.astate.edu/a/registrar/students/). This includes Dietetics courses and one
Statistics course.) - Complete all education and university requirements pertaining to the major
- Maintain a 2.0 cumulative GPA on a 4.0 scale
- Have no outstanding financial or other program obligations (examples include exam review course attendance, self-assessment tool survey completion, exit survey completion, etc.)
Based on the ACEND benchmark for program completion (within 150% of the time planned for completion), this would equal a period of 3 years to complete the M.S. in Nutrition and Dietetics.
Program Delay/Interruption
If progress in the CP is interrupted for health or other reasons, the student must meet with the program director to discuss the circumstances and options for program completion. This situation may take the student outside of the benchmark window.
If the student withdraws from the university, he/she must apply for readmission to the program. Readmission status will be dependent upon space available. See the undergraduate/graduate bulletin for additional information.
Verification Requirements
After January 1, 2024, once students complete the MS in Nutrition and Dietetics with 1,080 supervised practice hours, they will have completed the requirements for receipt of a verification statement. Upon successful completion of the CP, each student will receive Verification Statement form(s). This is the form used by the Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics to verify that the student has met all academic and supervised practice requirements for program completion in accordance with Arkansas State University and accreditation guidelines. The verification statement is also required by the Commission on Dietetic Registration (CDR) for eligibility for the Registration Examination for Dietitians. Once the required paperwork is completed, the program director submits the registration eligibility applications to CDR. Upon notification from CDR, it is the student’s responsibility to make arrangements to schedule and take the Registration Examination.
