Accelerated (4+1) MSCN Pathway
For motivated undergraduate students pursuing a B.S. in nutrition & dietetics, this pathway provides the opportunity to complete a bachelor’s and master’s degree in as little as 5 years.
If you want to be a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RDN), an ACEND-accredited supervised practice program is required to be eligible to take the National Registration Examination for Dietitians, per the Commission on Dietetic Registration. A list of accredited programs can be found at the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics.
Admission into supervised practice programs is competitive. It is recommended to have a strong academic record, volunteer or paid relevant work experience, and strong recommendations from faculty and employers.
RDN Registration Eligibility options
- Graduate Program in Nutrition & Dietetics
- Graduate-level, competency-based dietitian nutritionist program that integrates coursework and at least 1,000 hours of experiential learning for RDN eligibility.
- Dietetic Internships
- Post bachelor’s – at least 1,000 hours of supervised practice only for RDN eligibility.
- You must complete DPD and at least a bachelor’s degree before entry.
- Some programs offer a graduate degree in conjunction with supervised practice.
- Coordinated Programs in Dietetics
- Bachelor’s and graduate level – dietitian coursework and at least 1,000 hours of supervise practice for RDN eligibility (combined program).
As of January 1, 2024, a Master’s degree is required to write the CDR registration examination for dietitians.
Dietetics Application Process for ACEND® Supervised Practice Programs (DIs, CPs, GPs)
The Dietetic Inclusive Centralized Application Service (DICAS) offers a convenient service for applicants to apply to multiple dietetics programs with a single application.
Fall Cycle Notification Dates
- November 1st: Applicant notification due date. Programs must notify applicants on or before this date.
- November 15th: Applicant decision due date. Programs may NOT require an applicant’s decision to accept an appointment prior to this date.
Spring Cycle Notification Dates
- March 1st: Applicant notification due date. Programs must notify applicants on or before this date.
- Applicant decision due date. Programs may NOT require an applicant’s decision to accept an appointment prior to this date.