Masters in Dietetics Programs

Dietitians are needed as the population ages, and as people continue to become more health conscious than in previous generations. Earning amastersin dietetics degree requires successful completion of a degree program that prepares professionals in the field of nutrition and dietetics.

An increase in the desire for knowledge about food, proper nutrition, leading a healthier lifestyle, and specific dietary requirements are some reasons that the field of dietetics has expanded over the past several years
. The career is multi-faceted and far more than may people likely realize when thinking about the career, or the degree that leads to a career in dietetics. It is important to note that beginning on January 1, 2025, the Commission on Dietetic Registration will require a minimum of a master’s degree for an individual to take the credentialing exam to a registered dietitionist nutritionist.

The University of Wisconsin College of Agricultural & Life Sciences describes dietetics as the practice of integrating the combination ofbiochemical, physiological, social, and managerial concepts into the science of nutrition in order to achieve the goal of a healthier lifestyle. Graduates of a master’s degree program in dietetics have the expertise to promote the healthier lifestyle and manage disease through the use of food and nutrition.

Some duties of dietitians typically include:

• Performing assessments of patient or client nutritional needs
• Developing meal and nutrition plans
• Counseling patients or clients about healthy eating habits and nutrition
• Becoming aware of or contributing to the most recent research on nutrition

Earning a master’s degree in dietetics prepares graduates for a career working in hospitals, outpatient clinics, government facilities or agencies, nursing homes or other residential facilities, or for work as a self-employed dietitian. Some dietetics specialists may work in research.

There is a great job outlook for dietitians, with the Bureau of Labor Statistics listing a ‘much faster than average’ anticipated job growth rate through at least the year 2029. The median salary for dietitians was $61,270 in 2019.

These best programs in dietetics prepare students for a rewarding career starting immediately after graduation or prepares graduates to pursue a doctoral degree.

Northern Illinois University offers a Master of Science in Nutrition and Dietetics degree program that prepares students, and current professionals, interested in community nutrition to work as registered dieticians in a variety of public and private health organizations in county, state, and government agencies or as patient-care dietitians in hospitals and other health care settings. Students can choose either a thesis or non-thesis route plan of study.

Students can also apply for the dietetic internship while completing their MS degree. Examples of topics covered in the curriculum includes maternal and infant nutrition, obesity and eating disorders, sports nutrition, behavioral change, aspects of public health, intensive nutrition support and geriatric nutrition.

Tuition: $357 per credit hour

Accreditation: The Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics (ACEND)

The Oklahoma State University Master of Science in Dietetics program is open to registered Dietitians, or to those that are RD-eligible, or that currently hold a Didactic Program in Dietetics verification statement. The program provides students with up-to-date knowledge of the dietetics field, provides an advanced level understanding of research, and increases the ability for independent thought. Students gain the skills to apply principles from human behavior, management, and the biomedical sciences to design and lead effective food and nutrition programs.

Students complete a capstone project as part of the 36-credit hour program.

Tuition: $371.50 per credit hour

Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission, ACEND

Online Master of Science in Dietetics degree program at North Dakota State University…