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Carbondale, IL 62901
618-453-7482
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Master of Science in Human Sciences
Our Master of Science degree in Human Sciences has a concentration in Nutrition and Dietetics. The 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.
The Dietetic Internship program is a 12-month experience offered in conjunction with our 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).
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
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 is taken in the first semester of study. After the completion of classroom instruction, the remaining two semesters consist of supervised practice at the available rotation sites. Both the coursework in the nutrition and dietetics graduate program and the dietetic internship program consist of a total of 34 credit hours to complete the program.
View suggested course guide | View 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.
Accreditation
Southern Illinois University Carbondale Dietetic Internship Program is fully accredited by the Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics (ACEND).
120 South Riverside Plaza, Suite 2190
Chicago, IL 60606-6995
(312) 899-0040
"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.
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 fee approximately: $1,200.00 (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.