Earn your Master of Science in Nutrition and Dietetics combined with Dietetic Internship (MS/DI) at Messiah
Food and nutrition play an increasingly visible and important role in ensuring the health of individuals, families and communities-and registered dietitian nutritionists serve as leaders and advocates in this growing field.
The Commission on Dietetic Registration requires a minimum of a master's degree to be eligible to take the credentialing exam to become a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RDN). To prepare students to take the exam and for a career as a registered dietitian nutritionist, Messiah University offers an Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics (ACEND) accredited Master of Science in Nutrition and Dietetics / Dietetic Internship (MS/DI). The program can be completed in one or two years.
The MS/DI combines coursework with a minimum of 1,000 supervised practice hours in medical nutrition therapy, community nutrition, food and nutrition services management, and service to individuals with limited access to the foods needed for a healthy life. Interns are placed in supervised practice sites located throughout central Pennsylvania, with the majority of hours occurring at WellSpan Health System. Additional sites include public schools, long-term care facilities, and community agencies working with food insecure populations.
Messiah University offers its undergraduate students, who meet criteria for entry, a seamless transition from the B.S. to the MS/DI program. New applicants may apply through DICAS, the centralized application service for dietetics. Students who have enrolled in graduate & professional degree courses at Messiah within the last two years can click here for the re-enrollment application.
Messiah University MS/DI is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, 120 South Riverside Plaza, Suite 2190, Chicago, IL 60606-6995, (312) 899-0040 ext 540, eatrightPRO.org/ACEND.
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.
- A program which has been granted full accreditation by the Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics (ACEND), which qualifies students to take the National Registered Dietitian Nutritionist Exam.
- A cohort-learning model that helps students develop meaningful relationships with one another as they progress through the program.
- An opportunity to explore your faith as it relates to your career at a nationally ranked, accredited Christian University.
- A choice of 1-year or 2-year program completion.
- 35 graduate credits and a minimum of 1,000 supervised practice hours in professional settings in medical nutrition therapy, community nutrition with a special focus in food insecurity and food and nutrition management.
- The advantage of a large regional network of organizational partners, offering a wide range of placements for dietietic interns. Rotations placements are provided for you.
- A variety of experienced preceptors for professional mentoring and networking.
- Shared graduate coursework with athletic training graduate students providing opportunity for interprofessional education experiences.