Leah Smock
Associate Director of Enrollment for Graduate and Professional Studies
717-796-1800 Ext. 2350
Master of Science in Nutrition and Dietetics / Dietetic Internship
Messiah University offers a 35-credit, 1- or 2-year Master of Science in Nutrition and Dietetics / Dietetic Internship that combines coursework with a minimum of 1,000 supervised practice hours in inpatient 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.
Master of Science in Nutrition and Dietetics overview
Messiah University’s Master of Science in Nutrition and Dietetics / Dietetic Internship is designed to successfully prepare you to take the national registered dietitian exam. After successfully completing the exam, you will become a registered dietitian nutritionist (RDN).
- Choose 1- or 2-year program completion
- 35 credits
- Combination of coursework and 1,000 supervised practice hours
- Committed to integrating Christian ethics with professional knowledge and skills
- Cohort learning model
- Rotations placements are provided
- Interprofessional education experiences through shared classes with graduate students in athletic training
- No-fee tuition (Other costs may be incurred throughout the program. Click here for further information.)
- No Messiah University application fee
- 5-year seamless B.S. to MS/DI pathway available
Messiah University's 1- and 2-year MS/DI degree tracks are 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.
Messiah's MS/DI can be completed in one or two years.
Master of Science in Nutrition and Dietetics tuition cost
No-fee tuition
Know what you are paying for with Messiah’s no-fee tuition. Other costs may be incurred throughout the MS/DI program. We put the true cost of your program upfront so that you can accurately compare and plan for your graduate education.
Deferred billing
Deferred billing is available for students with employer reimbursement. For more information contact Student Financial Services at gradfinancialserv@messiah.edu.
2025-2026
No-fee tuition per graduate credit hour for the dietetic internship: $800
Full tuition cost for the 35-credit program based on 2025-2026 rates: $28,000
Graduate students are eligible to apply for federal financial aid.
Next steps for admissions
Applying for admission to a graduate program at Messiah University is the first step to making your personal and professional goals a reality.
- Cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher
- Successful completion of DPD courses
- Messiah seniors and seniors from other institutions will submit a Declaration of Intent to Complete form from your DPD director verifying the anticipated completion of the ACEND- accredited didactic program in dietetics (DPD)
- Post-baccalaureate students will submit an original and official ACEND didactic program in dietetics (DPD) verification statement indicating the successful completion of DPD
- Completion of 150 hours of volunteer or work experience related to nutrition and dietetics within the two years prior to application
Messiah's MS/DI offers:
- 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.
- 1-year or 2-year program completion tracks.
- 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 our 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.