Nutrition - M.S.

The Kent State University's Master of Science in Nutrition/Dietetic Internship Program is dedicated to providing advanced professional education, broadening intellectual perspectives, and promoting ethical professional practice based on humanitarian values.  At Kent State University, a major focus is to foster a learning environment where students and interns are taught to respond to social, cultural, intellectual, and technological challenges.  In addition, emphasis is placed on the development of skills for continuing professional development and enhanced ability, including leadership, to respond to the versatile demands of the dietetics profession.

The program at Kent State University is designed to prepare dietetic interns to become entry-level Registered Dietitian Nutritionists (RDN) with the added strength of a Master of Science in Nutrition.  Throughout the 21-month program, interns will be provided with a professional and academic environment in which to develop the skills needed to become competent in the areas of nutrition therapy, community dietetics, management, business, and leadership.

The goal of the Kent State University Program is to provide dietetic interns with the resources and experiences needed to develop the knowledge, skills, and principles needed to become competent Registered Dietitian Nutritionists (RDN), with the abilities to practice in a variety of settings. After completion of the program, interns will demonstrate a broad knowledge of the following:

• Nutrition and biological sciences
• Pathophysiology of disease
• Management theories and practices
• Food and nutrition research principles
• Leadership

Adittionally, graduates will be able to apply this knowledge, skill, and principles to sound nutrition practice.

Internship Program Goals

Program Goal 1: To prepare program graduates to practice as competent entry-level Registered Dietitian Nutritionists (RDN).

Program Goal 1 Objectives:

• At least 80% of interns complete program requirements within 31.5 months (150% of planned program length).
• Of graduates who seek employment, at least 80% are employed in nutrition and dietetics or related fields within 12 months of graduation.
• At least 80% of program graduates take the CDR credentialing exam for dietitian nutritionists within 12 months of program completion.
• The program’s one-year pass rate (graduates who pass the registration exam within one year of first attempt) on the CDR credentialing exam for dietitian nutritionists is at least 80%.
• At least 80% of responding employers will rate graduates as competent (i.e. a score of 3 or > on a scale of 1-5) for entry-level practice when surveyed one-year post graduation.
• At least 80% of responding graduates will rate that they felt prepared (i.e. a score 3 or > on a 1-5 scale) when surveyed one-year post graduation.

Program Goal 2: To develop program graduates to be entry-level Registered Dietitian Nutritionists (RDN) that utilize their foundation of knowledge and skills in leadership.

Program Goal 2 Objectives:

• At least 80% of interns will identify an increased knowledge base of leadership (using a YES/NO scale) during the internship when surveyed using the End Internship Program Evaluation.
• At least 80% of interns will affirm (using a YES/NO scale) that they have utilized their leadership knowledge (that they obtained during the internship) in one or more professional settings during the internship when surveyed using the End Internship Program Evaluation.
• At least 80% of responding graduates will affirm (using a YES/NO scale) that they have utilized their leadership knowledge (that they obtained during the internship) in one or more professional settings post internship when surveyed one-year post graduation.
• At least 80% of responding employers will rate 3 or > in response to graduates exhibiting leadership skills in the practice setting when surveyed one-year post graduation.

**Outcomes data for the Kent State University Combined Master’s of Science/Dietetic Internship Program are available upon request.**

The Kent State University Master of Science/ Dietetic Internship Program is designed to provide interns with experience in:

• Medical nutrition therapy
• Clinical nutrition management
• Community dietetics
• Business
• Food service management
• Elective (U.S. or international option)

Throughout the program, interns are provided with the resources and experiences needed to develop the skills necessary to become competent Registered Dietitian Nutritionists (RDN). Emphasis is placed on intellectual, technological, and professional development while fostering ethical and humanitarian values.

A wide variety of experiences are offered at

• Medical centers
• Community sites
• Food service operations
• Businesses

Clinical rotations are designed to provide hands-on experience in medical nutrition therapy, allowing interns to utilize knowledge of nutrition science, biological science and pathophysiology of disease gained in the classroom. Community experiences provide active participation in nutrition intervention in the outpatient setting, while enhancing the skills needed to practice in culturally and socially diverse environments. Business rotations enable interns to translate knowledge of management theories into practice.  The dietetic interns actively participate in the supervision of food service delivery at a variety of settings in the Food Service Management rotations. Clinical Nutrition Management rotations foster the development and utilization of management practices in clinical settings. For the Elective experience, interns work with the internship director to create an individualized practice experience to fit their interest areas. The KSU Dietetic Internship Program received approval by ACEND, the accrediting body of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, as of July 2015 for an International Elective Option, which would be an additional expense to the intern. Throughout the program, in both classes and professional practice experiences, emphasis is placed on identifying and utilizing nutrition resources and research for professional development.

The program is completed in 21 months and follows the Kent State University Academic Calendar. Interns are expected to complete both the Master of Science in Nutrition and the Dietetic Internship requirements. Upon completion of the 21-month program and all degree requirements, graduates will receive the verification statement documenting completion of the internship requirements and will be eligible to write the registration exam to become Registered Dietitian Nutritionists (RDN). In addition, program graduates will have completed the requirements for the Master of Science degree and will receive the Master of Science in Nutrition from the University. Attainment of the RDN credential also establishes the eligibility for licensure from the State Medical Board of Ohio. KSU intern graduates moving outside of Ohio will be advised to check with individual state licensure boards for RDN licensure requirements for that state. 

Upon completion of the KSU 21-month Dietetic Internship Program, with a leadership concentration and all degree requirements, graduates will receive a verification statement documenting completion of the internship and will be eligible to complete the exam to become Registered Dietitian Nutritionists (RDN). 

In addition, program graduates will have completed the requirements for the Master of Science degree.  The Internship Program is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Education in Nutritional Dietetics (ACEND) of the Academy of Nutrition & Dietetics.

Please Note: 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 order to be approved for registration examination eligibility with a bachelor’s degree, an individual must meet all eligibility requirements and be submitted into CDR's Registration Eligibility Processing System (REPS) before 12:00 midnight Central Time, December 31, 2023. For more information about this requirement visit CDR's website: https://www.cdrnet.org/graduatedegree. 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). Graduates who successfully complete the ACEND-accredited Combined Master of Science/Dietetic Internship Program at Kent State University are eligible to take the CDR credentialing exam to become an RDN.

In most states, graduates also must obtain licensure or certification to practice. For more information about state licensure requirements click here.

For more information about educational pathways to become a RDN click here.

The Kent State University Combined MS/Dietetic Internship Program is completed in 43 credit hours which includes over 1500 supervised internship practice hours.  The program is usually finished in 4 semesters and one summer.  During the semesters, interns go to practice sites 3 days per week and to class two days per week.  During the summer, interns complete a 12 week, full-time clinical experience in a hospital setting.  Interns will be required to have a car and auto insurance coverage for the duration of the internship. The supervised component of the program must be completed within two years of the start of the program. 

Upon completion of the 21-month program and all degree requirements, graduates will receive verification statement documenting completion of the internship requirements and will be eligible to write the registration exam to become Registered Dietitian Nutritionists (RDN).  In addition, program graduates will have completed and receive the Master of Science degree from the University. 

For more detailed information on Practice Experience and Master of Science Requirements, please refer to the Program Handbook.

Admission will consist of meeting application requirements for:

1. Kent State University Dietetic Internship (via Dietetic Inclusive Centralized Application Services, DICAS)
2. Computer Matching (online through D&D Digital Systems)

You must have an overall GPA of 3.0 or above to be considered a candidate for the KSU Combined MS/Dietetic Internship Program. As an internship candidate your overall GPA and science GPA will be most important. GRE tests are not required for application to the KSU Graduate Program or to the KSU Dietetic Internship.

*If you do not meet the GPA requirement, your application cannot be processed as an internship candidate. However, you can apply to the Graduate Program in Nutrition and reapply to the internship if you meet requirements in the future. 

1. KSU Dietetic Internship Application (DICAS) Requirements

• The KSU Combined MS/Dietetic Internship Program is participating in the Academy of Nutrition & Dietetics online Dietetic Inclusive Centralized Application Service (DICAS), which can be accessed at the DICAS website, or e-mail dicasinfo@dicas.org. DICAS requirements for Kent State University include DICAS Application, University Transcripts, Three Recommendations (2 academic and 1 work/volunteer preferred), and an original Declaration of Intent from current undergraduate program or an original Verification Form if postgraduate status signed by an appropriate faculty. The DICAS website provides directions for each of the application requirements.
•  Your application must be totally complete by February 15. You need to begin the DICAS process as early as possible (in advance of the February deadline) so all of the required are completed and in your DICAS file and your application materials can be sent to us from DICAS.
•  There is no KSU Internship Application fee for the spring match.

2. Computer Matching

All applicants to the KSU Combined MS/Dietetic Internship are required to participate in computer matching through D&D Digital Systems. Please go to D&D Digital System's website at www.dnddigital.com to register for the spring computer matching process. Your dietetic internship choices must be provided to D&D Digital by February 15. Please note the KSU D&D Digital Number is 211.

Admission Application Final Checklist:

(All Requirements must be totally completed by February 15)

• Register and complete the DICAS online Internship Application materials as early as possible (in advance of the February deadline) so all of the required documents are in your DICAS file by the February deadline and your complete application materials can be sent to us from DICAS. DICAS charges a $50 fee for the first application and $25 for each additional application.
• Register and prioritize your internship selections with D&D Digital System on-line for spring computer matching process. D&D charges a $65 fee.

Match Notification

• Applicant matching results will be posted on www.dnddigital.com  on the annually designated “Notification Day” at 6 PM Central Time.  
• Applicants must accept the appointment by the following Monday, “Appointment Day” by 6 PM Eastern time or earlier in order to hold their spot.  After 6 PM (ET), the Dietetic Internship is no longer obligated to hold the opening for any applicant that has not accepted the appointment.
• You will be notified separately by the KSU Graduate School/College of Education, Health, and Human Services of your acceptance status into the Graduate Nutrition & Dietetics Program at Kent State University. If you are not matched to the KSU Dietetic Internship and are accepted to the graduate program, you will have the option to decide whether or not to begin the KSU graduate Nutrition program.
• You must now apply to the graduate program in nutrition at Kent State University.

Equal Opportunity

In academic and student programs, it is the policy of this University that there shall be no unlawful discrimination against any student or applicant for admission as a student because of race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, national origin, handicap, or identity as a disabled veteran or veteran of the Vietnam era. Such policy shall apply to, but not necessarily be limited to, the following: recruiting, admission, access to programs, financial aid, and social, recreational and health programs. This policy also shall apply with reference to discrimination on a basis of age insofar as required by law.”

The Kent State University Combined Masters/Dietetic Internship Program will provide the addition of a Leadership Concentration, which has been approved by the The Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics. Dietetic Interns will be guided throughout their practice experiences to develop formal leadership knowledge and skills that they can bring with them as they begin their dietetics career and beyond. This concentration will add to the preparation of Registered Dietitian Nutritionists (RDN) to position themselves as the nutrition expert and leader in any future work environment.

Combined Master of Science/Dietetic Internship Program Handbook

Additional information on the Kent State Dietetic Internship Program including estimated intern costs, availability of financial aid/loan deferment/scholarships/stipends, and virtual rotation experience requirements, etc. are located in the Kent State Combined Master of Science/Dietetic Internship Program Handbook.

The Kent State University Didactic Program is currently accredited by:

The Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics (ACEND):

The Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics
120 South Riverside Plaza
Suite 2190
Chicago, IL 60606-6995
312-899-5400

https://www.eatrightpro.org/acend

For more information on the pathway and requirements needed to become a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RDN), please visit the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics website.

Professional Licensure Disclosure

This program is designed to prepare students to sit for applicable licensure or certification in Ohio. If you plan to pursue licensure or certification in a state other than Ohio, please review state educational requirements for licensure or certification and contact information for state licensing boards at Kent State's website for professional licensure disclosure.

Please note: The requirement of licensure to practice dietetics is not currently required by every state. The Kent State Master of Science/Dietetic Internship Program prepares graduates for the credentialing exam to become a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist, which is the prerequisite for licensure in those states that require it.