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Master of Science in Human Sciences

Food and Nutrition Dietetic Students

Our Master of Science degree in Human Sciences has a concentration in Nutrition and Dietetics. This program is designed for students who want to complete this degree, and who also want to be eligible to take the credentialing exam to become a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RDN).

ASENDThe Nutrition and Dietetics Concentration with the Human Sciences master’s program is the advanced study of food and nutrition and their effects on diet, health, and disease.  Our graduate program emphasizes health promotion and disease prevention, along with primary and/or ambulatory health care. Also, we are fully accredited by the Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics (ACEND).

The Dietetic Internship program is a 12-month experience offered in conjunction with a Master of Science degree in Human Sciences is for those students interested in becoming a registered dietitian nutritionist (RDN). Graduates are empowered with additional education and 1200 hours of supervised practice necessary to successfully pass the credentialing exam to become an RDN.

Effective January 1, 2024, the Commission on Dietetic Registration (CDR) will require a minimum of a master’s degree to be eligible to take the credentialing exam to become a registered dietitian nutritionist (RDN). In addition, CDR requires that individuals complete coursework and supervised practice in program(s) accredited by the Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics (ACEND).

In Illinois, graduates also must obtain licensure to practice. Graduates who successfully complete the ACEND-accredited Dietetic Internship program and pass the credentialing exam are eligible to apply for licensure.

The majority of states have enacted laws that regulate the practice of dietetics.  Should you plan to practice dietetics, it is important that you contact a state regulatory agency prior to practicing dietetics.  In many states, it is a violation of state law to practice dietetics without a license. Here is a listing of all states in the US that require licensure.

SIU Nutrition

Degree Requirements

To earn a Master of Science in Human Sciences with a concentration in Nutrition and Dietetics, candidates must complete both the coursework in the advanced study of dietetics and 1200 hours of dietetic internship as ascribed by the Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics (ACEND).  The Dietetic Internship Program works in conjunction with the M.S. in Human Sciences program to provide completion of all requirements.   

Coursework in the nutrition and dietetics graduate program consists of 34 credit hours which are taken in the first four semesters of study.  Following the completion of classroom instruction, the remaining two semesters consist of supervised practice at the available rotation sites.

Program CompassView suggested course guideView Student Handbook | View Academic Calendar

Career Options

Potential employers include health departments, universities, ambulatory care clinics, hospitals and community outreach programs. Graduates may also oversee community projects such as the Women, Infants and Children program and may conduct nutritional research for a variety of employers.

SIU Food and Nutrition Graduate Tori Stewart

"I am so proud to have graduated from the SIU Dietetic Internship and Graduate Program! The program provided me with amazing teachers and mentors, the foundational knowledge and experience I needed to be successful upon graduation and within my first post-graduate dietitian position, as well as some of my fondest memories and life-long friends!" -Tori Stewart

Admissions

Admission in the program is for the fall semester only and after the student has completed the online centralized internship application. Acceptance into the Master of Science in Human Sciences with a concentration in Nutrition and Dietetics and Dietetic Internship program requires completion of an ACEND accredited Didactic Program in Dietetics and official transcripts verifying the completion of the baccalaureate degree.

View application process

SIU Food and Nutrition Student with Mixer

Internship

The internship required to become a registered dietitian nutritionist (RDN) requires the completion of 1200 hours of supervised practice in three areas of practice which include food service management, clinical and medical nutrition therapy and community. The schedule is formulated to emphasize practical knowledge in disease prevention and primary and ambulatory health care. These rotations may be completed in facilities such as hospitals, health departments, clinics and schools, to name a few.

R.D. Exam

The national exam to become a registered dietitian nutritionist (RDN) is administered year-round by the Commission of Dietetic Registration (CDR). Once the CDR validates a candidate’s completion of eligibility requirements, the exam may be scheduled at a conveniently located test center.

The multiple choice exam consists of a minimum of 125 questions and covers domain including principles of dietetics, nutrition care for individuals and groups, food service systems and management of food and nutrition programs and services. These topics are included in the focused curriculum of the M.S. in Human Sciences with a concentration in Nutrition and Dietetics and Dietetic Internship program and over 85% of SIU graduates pass the RDN exam within one year of their first attempt.

Contact Information

Brenda Green,
Graduate Program Coordinator

209 Quigley Hall
Mailcode 4310
875 S. Normal Avenue
Carbondale, IL 62901-4303
Phone: 618-453-7513
bgreen@siu.edu 

Cost

Students in the M.S. in Human Sciences with a concentration in Nutrition and Dietetics and Dietetic Internship Program are responsible for the following costs and fees associated with academics, health and safety:

  • Graduate application fee: $65.00
  • The Academy of Nutrition and Dietetic student membership $50.00
  • Health Insurance: $650.00 (optional)
  • Living expenses (including travel) $1000 per month (varies)
  • Books and Supplies $200-$300 (varies)
  • TB Test $40.00 (varies)
  • Additional Immunizations (if needed) vary in cost
  • Drug Screen $50.00 (varies)
  • Background check $50 (varies)

Funding and Financial Aid

Various opportunities for financial assist are available for graduate students.

Graduate assistantships are awarded each year, based on departmental need and financial resources available. Upon entry into the program, students may be appointed a GA position that would waive the cost of tuition and provide a semester stipend.

Graduate fellowships vary in availability each year depending on available funds. Fellowships are awarded to students based on test scores, scholarships and the potential for success in the graduate degree program.

Scholarships are available from the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics Foundation and are based on academic merit, volunteer work in the community and program development in the field of food and nutrition.