Nutrition and Dietetics M.S.
The MS in Nutrition and Dietetics is an ACEND® accredited Coordinated Program which meets the knowledge requirements and competencies for entry-level practice as a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RDN). The Nutrition and Dietetics curriculum offers graduate-level classroom instruction along with supervised practice experiences required to become a RDN. Students who complete all requirements are awarded a M.S. degree in Nutrition and Dietetics at the time of graduation and are eligible to take the Commission on Dietetic Registration (CDR) national credentialing examination to become a RDN. In New York State, graduates who obtain the RDN credential are eligible to apply to receive the Certified Dietitian/Nutritionist (CDN) credential.
The Coordinated Program curriculum offers classroom instruction along with supervised practice hours required to become a RDN. Students gain practical experience in local facilities that support the development of professional skills in medical nutrition therapy, community nutrition and food service management. In addition, the program’s concentration in Advanced Nutrition Practice provides higher level coursework and experiences in:
- Treating patients with complex conditions, such as trauma, pediatric hospitalizations, renal failure with complications and nutrition support
- Planning, developing and implementing nutrition intervention programs
- Developing and managing a nutrition business
- Planning and conducting research, including communicating findings of this research.
Students who complete all requirements are awarded a M.S. degree in Nutrition and Dietetics at the time of graduation and are eligible to take the Commission on Dietetic Registration (CDR) national credentialing examination to become a RDN. The Nutrition and Dietetics Program has been approved and registered by the New York State Education Department. In New York State, graduates who obtain the RDN credential are eligible to apply to receive the Certified Dietitian/Nutritionist (CDN) credential. Each graduate receives a verification statement, which documents completion of all academic, supervised practice and degree requirements for the Coordinated Program and D’Youville College.
Accreditation
The M.S. Nutrition and Dietetics Coordinated Program is currently granted accreditation by the Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics (ACEND®) of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics. ACEND® can be contacted at:
Email: ACEND@eatright.org
Phone: 800/877-1600, ext. 5400
Mail: 120 South Riverside Plaza
Suite 2190, Chicago, IL 60606-6995
Website: https://www.eatrightpro.org/acend
Mission Statement
Recognizing the role of the Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RDN) as the nutrition expert and the key role that nutrition plays in health and well-being, the Coordinated Program strives to serve the community by providing students with the knowledge, skills and experience to meet the challenges of the diverse and changing fields of dietetics. Our intent is to prepare entry-level registered dietitian nutritionists who will become leaders in their fields and fulfill prominent and varied professional roles.
The Coordinated Program supports the principles of academic excellence, service to others, and lifelong learning by fostering the student's professional and personal growth within a broad range of educational and practical experience.
Program Goals and Outcome Measures
Goal 1
Prepare graduates who are competent for entry-level practice as registered dietitian nutritionists and obtain employment in a variety of nutrition and dietetics-related positions.
Outcome Measures:
- Graduate satisfaction with curriculum
- Employer satisfaction with graduates
- Student completion of program
- Pass rate on RDN exam
- Employment of graduates
Goal 2
Prepare graduates who demonstrate a commitment to professional growth, lifelong learning and service to the profession and community.
Outcome Measures:
- Graduate participation in professional organizations
- Graduate participation in community service
Outcome data are available on request.
Courses Required for the Program
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| DTC-509 | Leadership in Food Systems Management | 3 |
| DTC-511 | Medical Nutrition Therapy I | 3 |
| DTC-512 | Medical Nutrition Therapy II | 3 |
| DTC-524 | The Nutrition Entrepreneur | 3 |
| DTC-531 | Nutrition Practice I | 5 |
| DTC-532 | Nutrition Practice II | 5 |
| DTC-550 | Nutrition Counseling for Behavior Change | 3 |
| DTC-601 | Research Methods in Dietetics | 3 |
| DTC-609 | Food Safety Certification | 1 |
| DTC-610 | Dietetics Research Seminar | 3 |
| DTC-622 | Professional Seminar | 2 |
| DTC-631 | Advanced Nutrition Practice I | 8 |
| DTC-632 | Advanced Nutrition Practice II | 8 |
| GRA-629 | Thesis Advisement | 3 |
| Total Credits | 53 | |
Academic Policy - BS/MS Nutrition and Dietetics Coordinated Program Pre-Professional Phase
Good Academic Standing
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To be in good academic standing in the BS/MS Nutrition and Dietetics Coordinated Program students must maintain a cumulative GPA (Grade Point Average) of 2.50 during the pre-professional phase of the program (years 1,2, and 3)
Academic Probation
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A student who has less than a 2.50 cumulative GPA. at any time will be placed on academic probation for one (non-summer) semester. At the end of the probation semester, the student’s file is reviewed by the program's student progress committee. If the student’s cumulative GPA is a minimum of 2.50, the student is automatically removed from academic probation.
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If a student does not achieve a 2.50 GPA, the student will continue probation for one additional (non-summer) semester. Appropriate referrals will be made for remediation, as necessary. If the student’s cumulative GPA is a minimum of 2.50, the student is automatically removed from academic probation.
Dismissal
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Students will be dismissed from the BS/ MS Nutrition and Dietetics Coordinated Program if they fail to remain in good academic standing after having been on academic probation during the immediate two preceding consecutive, non-summer, semesters in the pre-professional phase of the program (years 1,2 and 3).
Appeals
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To appeal a decision rendered by the School of Health Professions faculty/administration that has significant academic consequences, you must follow the appeal procedures which are available at www.dyc.edu/appeals.
Academic Policy- BS/MS Nutrition and Dietetics Coordinated Program Professional Phase and MS Nutrition and Dietetics Coordinated Program
Good Academic Standing
A student’s academic standing is determined by the cumulative GPA (grade point average).
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Students must maintain a GPA of 3.00 or above In the Professional phase of their BS/MS Nutrition and Dietetics Coordinated Program (year 4 and 5) or for all students matriculated in the MS Nutrition and Dietetics Coordinated Program.
Grades Below B Policy
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Up to six credits of grades lower than a B (B-, C+ or C) may be applied to the graduate degree.
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Grades of C- or lower are not applicable to the BS/MS Nutrition and Dietetics Coordinated Program Professional Phase (year 4 and 5) and/or the MS Nutrition and Dietetics Coordinated Program.
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Grades of Unsatisfactory (U) are equivalent to a grade of C- or below and are not applicable to the BS/MS Nutrition and Dietetics Coordinated Program Professional Phase (year 4 and 5) and the MS Nutrition and Dietetics Coordinated Program.
Academic Probation
-
A student who has less than a 3.00 cumulative GPA at any time will be placed on academic probation for one (non-summer) semester. At the end of the probation semester, the student’s file is reviewed by the program's student progress committee. If the student’s cumulative GPA is a minimum of 3.00, the student is automatically removed from academic probation.
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If a student does not achieve a 3.00 GPA, the program student progress committee will continue the student on probation for one more semester. Appropriate referrals will be made for remediation, as necessary. If a minimum of 3.00 GPA is not then achieved after two consecutive, non-summer, semesters on academic probation, dismissal is automatic.
Dismissal
-
Students will be dismissed from the BS/ MS Nutrition and Dietetics Coordinated Program and/or the MS Nutrition and Dietetics Coordinated Program if they fail to remain in good academic standing after having been on academic probation during the immediate two preceding consecutive, non-summer, semesters of the program.
Appeals
-
To appeal a decision rendered by the School of Health Professions faculty/administration that has significant academic consequences, you must follow the appeal procedures which are available at www.dyc.edu/appeals.
Appeals
To appeal a decision rendered by the School of Health Professions faculty/administration that has significant academic consequences, students must follow the appeal procedures which are available at www.dyc.edu/appeals.
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An undergraduate degree and the following courses with a grade of C or better:
2 semesters in General Chemistry with Lab
1 semester in Organic Chemistry with Lab
1 semester in Biochemistry with Lab
1 semester in Microbiology with Lab
2 semesters in Anatomy and Physiology
1 semester in Statistics
2 semesters in Social Sciences (e.g. sociology, psychology, philosophy, or anthropology)
1 semester in the following courses: Principles of Nutrition, Food Science, Food and Culture, Life Cycle Nutrition, Nutritional Biochemistry, Nutrition Education, Nutrition Assessment, Food Science, Food Service Management, Quantity Food Preparation, Introduction to Dietetics Profession, Community Nutrition
2. Minimum overall G.P.A. 3.00/4.00 scale
3. Personal essay
4. Two letters of recommendation
5. No GRE is required
6. Official transcripts from ALL previously attended colleges/universities
7. A graduate D’Youville University application.