M.S. in Nutrition with Dietetic Internship

The Master of Science in Nutrition/Dietetic Internship (MS/DI) is a full-time, 16-month, four-semester program (fall, spring, summer, and fall). Students rotate through the program with an established cohort of other MS/DI candidates. During their first fall semester, MS/DI students focus on coursework. In the remaining three semesters, students engage in a combination of practicum supervised practice rotations and graduate coursework.

The MS/DI is 33 credits with the supervised practice rotations contributing 9 credits. Transfer credits may be awarded for the electives (maximum 8 credits), but not core courses. Advisor approval is required. Students should follow the graduate school policy and form for transfer credit requests.

The practicum part of the program requires 1,160 hours of supervised practice experience. Interns can expect to spend 40 hours per week in rotations, with additional time required for completion of practicum assignments, coursework, and some travel opportunities. Each intern must complete the DI by the end of the 16 months scheduled over the academic year.

All of the master's coursework is online with the exception of Seminar for Dietetic Internship. That course is the program’s orientation and the cohort meets in-person for a week. Classwork employs a variety of learning strategies, including case studies, oral presentations, research projects, exams, and other modalities. Culminating activities include:

  • Capstone Project: A scholarly activity, requiring students to write, present, and defend their project that may include a range of activities such as:
    • Grant writing and submission
    • Analysis of a current data set and preparation of a manuscript
    • Development and execution of a small research study leading to the submission of
      a presentation abstract as determined appropriate by the advising faculty member
      and student

Admissions

Applicants must apply through both DICAS and the ISU graduate school.

New students apply in the spring and are admitted for the fall semester. The program has a total of eighteen seats. Eight seats are available in Pocatello, two in Twin Falls, and eight in Meridian. The application deadline for both DICAS and the ISU Graduate School is January 15. Applicants will be notified no later than March 1 and must accept their seats no later than March 15.

Admission Requirements

 Program eligibility and admission requirements must be met prior to beginning the Dietetic Internship:

  1. Grade point average of at least a 3.00 on a 4.00 scale
  2. Bachelor of Science in Dietetics, Family and Consumer Sciences (Home Economics), or Food and Nutrition
  3. Didactic Program in Dietetics requirements completed (as established by ACEND® of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics)
  4. Verification statement of DPD coursework

Work experience in food service or health care is desirable, but not mandatory for admission.

How to Apply

The Department of Nutrition and Dietetics website provides more information about the specific steps of the combined MS in Nutrition/Dietetic Internship application process.

Graduation Requirements

  1. Passing all practicum courses.
  2. Maintaining a cumulative 3.0 GPA.
  3. Successful defense of Capstone project.
  4. Completing a minimum of 1,160 hours of supervised practice during practicum rotations. Interns completing the above will receive a Master of Science – Dietetic Internship, Idaho State University, and an Internship Verification statement. Graduates are eligible to take the national registration examination.
Masters of Science in Nutrition with Dietetic Internship (Public Health Emphasis)
NTD 6609Seminar for Dietetic Interns2
NTD 6610Current Topics in Nutrition1
NTD 6620Nutritional Epidemiology3
NTD 6622Maternal, Infant, and Child Nutrition3
NTD 6624Nutrition and Aging3
NTD 6640Research, Writing, and Grantsmanship3
NTD 6645Capstone Project I3
NTD 6650Capstone Project II3
MPH 6660Behavior Change Theory and Applications3
NTD 6655Dietetic Internship Practicum I3
NTD 6656Dietetic Internship Practicum II3
NTD 6657Dietetic Internship Pract III3
Total Credits33