Master of Science in Nutrition and Dietetics

The master’s degree in nutrition and dietetics combines classroom and experiential learning to prepare students for the registered dietitian examination and professional practice as a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist. Students explore dietetics through 1,045 hours of supervised experiential learning activities.

A few highlights of our program include:

• The ability to personalize some experiences within in the program
• Study abroad opportunities
• Supervised experiential learning starting in the first semester of the program
• Small class sizes, strong faculty mentoring, and close peer connections
• Graduate Assistantships are available (interested students must apply)

Taking Your Future Forward

The master’s degree in nutrition and dietetics is a 36 credit-hour, ACEND-accredited program that readies you for the registered dietitian examination and professional practice.

Graduate Admission Requirements

Learn more about graduate admission standards and application requirements on our Requirements page.

Program Admission Requirements

Admission into the Master of Science in Nutrition and Dietetics Program requires a cumulative GPA of 3.0, although conditional admission is an option in some cases. Admissions will also be based upon the program application materials, which includes a resume, personal statement, official transcripts, and three letters of recommendation.

Prerequisites:

• Must have a bachelor’s degree
• DPD verification statement OR completion of prerequisites below
• Non-DPD prerequisites (must be completed prior to admission OR with the condition to complete coursework prior to starting program/specified course):
  • Anatomy and Physiology (minimum of 6 hours)
  • Advanced metabolism (must include both macro and micronutrients)
  • Servsafe certification (or equivalent)
  • Medical terminology (or completion of program approved certificate)

Contact Information



Teresa Drake

Department Chairperson, Associate Professor

    Westlake Hall 248
    (309) 677-3879
   tdrake@bradley.edu

Accreditation Status

The Master of Science in Nutrition and Dietetics program at Bradley University is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics (ACEND), Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, 120 S. Riverside Plaza, Suite 2190, Chicago, IL 61606-6995, 312-899-0040, eatrightpro.org/ACEND

Graduate Program Requirements

You may enter the Bradley University’s Master of Science in Nutrition and Dietetics Program from three pathways:

1. As a Bradley University undergraduate who applies to and is admitted into the program during your junior year (4+1 program): You will complete prerequisites for the Bradley University’s Master of Science in Nutrition and Dietetics Program during your first 3 years as an undergraduate student. You will apply for the Master’s program in your junior year. If accepted, you will complete undergraduate requirements and begin taking graduate courses in your senior year. You can graduate in 5 years with both Bachelor and Master of Science degrees and you’ll be prepared for the registered dietitian examination.

2. With a verification statement from a didactic program in dietetics (DPD):
You will complete graduate course work, a variety of practicum experiences, and hands-on experiential learning.

3. With a bachelor’s degree in another discipline:
After completing required prerequisites, you will complete graduate coursework, experiential learning, and hands-on practicum experiences to be prepared for the registration examination for dietitians.

See the Academic Calendar for important dates.

Required Courses - 30 hrs.

• FCS 501: Community Nutrition Intervention - 3 hrs.
• FCS 502: Foundations of Dietetic Practice - 1 hr.
• FCS 505: Food Development - 1 hrs.
• FCS 507: Nutrition Assessment and Counseling - 3 hrs.
• FCS 508: Advanced Food Service Management - 3 hrs.
• FCS 511: Medical Nutrition Therapy I - 3 hrs.
• FCS 512: Medical Nutrition Therapy II - 3 hrs.
• FCS 514: Food Security and Food Systems - 3 hrs.
• FCS 541: Research Methods in nutrition and dietetics - 3 hrs.
• FCS 695: Supervised Experiential Learning in Food Service Management - 2 hrs.
• FCS 696: Supervised Experiential Learning in Community Dietetics - 2 hrs.
• FCS 697: Supervised Experiential Learning in Clinical Dietetics - 3 hrs.

Elective Courses - 6 hrs.

Approved options for electives include:

• ENC 540: Human Growth and Development across the Lifespan – 3 hrs.
• ENC 586: Counseling Diverse Populations - 3 hrs.
• ENC 607: Neurocounseling: Bridging Brain and Behavior – 3 hrs.
• ENC 620: Introduction to Counseling: Professional Orientation - 2 hrs.
• ENC 623: Pre-Practicum in Counseling - 3 hrs.
• ENC 624: Theories and Techniques of Counseling - 3 hrs.
• FCS 510: Topics in Global Wellness - 3 hrs. (Study abroad in London - additional costs apply)
• FCS 513: Cultural Influences in Food and Nutrition - 3 hrs.
• FCS 586: Supervised Research in Family and Consumer Sciences – 1-6 hrs.
• FCS 595: Supervised Experiential Learning – 1-3 hrs.
• NPL 580: Financial Leadership in Nonprofit Leadership – 3 hrs.
• NPL 581: Topics in Nonprofit Leadership – 3 hrs.
• NPL 582: Grant Writing in Nonprofit Leadership – 3 hrs.
• NPL 583: Supervision and Employee Engagement in Nonprofit Leadership – 3 hrs.
• NPL 605: Legal and Social Change – 3 hrs.
• NPL 606: Digital Media Applications for the Nonprofit Leader – 3 hrs.
• NPL 610: Survey in Nonprofit Leadership – 3 hrs.
• NPL 612: Institutional Planning and Evaluation – 3 hrs.
• NPL 673: Effective Leadership in Nonprofit Organizations – 3 hrs.
• NUR 533: International Health and Nursing - 3 hrs.

*Some courses are offered online. Students are required to have access to a computer with microphone, speakers, and webcam, and high-speed internet service. See University Technology Requirements for additional information.