Entry requirements
The MS degree program offers flexibility - students may enroll full-time or part-time and a variety of classes are available online. Approximately 12-15 credit hours of the program are elective courses that may be tailored to individual career goals and students may choose a thesis or non-thesis option.To be considered for admission into KU's Master of Science in Dietetics and Nutrition degree program, all students must meet the following requirements:
1. Undergraduate Degree
A bachelor’s degree is required for admission. The degree may be in any field but must have included specific prerequisite courses in biochemistry, physiology and nutrition. Degrees earned outside the United States must be evaluated for equivalency.
Please note: students may be accepted on a provisional admission basis if some requirements have not yet been met at the time of application.
2. Graduate Record Examination Score
An official score on the Graduate Record Examination (GRE) General Test is required and official results must be sent directly to our office. Recommended scores for the sections of the GRE are 1000 combined total for Verbal and Quantitative, and 3.5 and above for Analytical Writing. For GRE information, visit www.gre.org.
3. Grade Point Average
A cumulative undergraduate grade-point average of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale for college course work is required for admission.
International Students:
An applicant is considered an international student if he or she requires a visa, or currently resides in the U.S. with non-immigrant status, or currently resides in the U.S. while applying for permanent residency. Additional requirements and documentation, such as proof of English language proficiency, are required for international students to become eligible for KU programs.
Course description
Enhance Your Career: Advancement, Satisfaction and Competence
The KU Department of Dietetics and Nutrition offers a Master of Science in Dietetics and Nutrition with course work in the biochemical, clinical and behavioral aspects of nutrition – from “bench to bedside to behavior”.
What are the advantages of an MS in Dietetics and Nutrition?
• Advancement: Registered dietitians with a Master's degree are often hired and promoted to management, research and specialized clinical positions. Research experience is more important than ever in today's healthcare fields. Registered dietitians are required to conduct outcomes research and utilize evidence-based practice to translate research findings to clinical practice.
• Satisfaction: Participating in research and applying research findings to dietetics and nutrition practice are useful and valued skills. Advanced knowledge of biochemical, pathological and physiological processes of disease builds a better understanding of disease prevention and treatment.
• Competence: The role of the dietetics professional is continually evolving. Individuals must ethically take responsibility for determining their own competency to provide a specific service. Characteristics of dietetics professionals who seek advanced degrees are those who seek to acquire an expert knowledge base and develop complex decision making skills for expanded practice.
What are the advantages of an MS for professionals who are not registered dietitians?
* Professionals in fields such as exercise science, psychology, education, nursing, journalism can enhance their careers by the addition of an MS in Dietetics and Nutrition.
* An MS in Dietetics and Nutrition expands employment opportunities in governmental agencies and in research.
* An MS in Dietetics and Nutrition from an academic medical center can be a step to applying for medical school and enhance medical practice.
* An MS in Dietetics and Nutrition can be a step to a doctoral program
