Master of Science (M.S.)

Nutritional Sciences

The Master of Science in Nutritional Sciences with Integrated Dietetic Internship is designed as an ACEND-accredited Coordinated Program. Successful completion of the combined graduate coursework and supervised practice experiences fulfills the requirements for eligibility to take the Registration Examination for Dietitians administered by the Commission on Dietetic Registration.

Program Highlights

Nutritional Sciences Program Highlights

The Master of Science in Nutritional Sciences with Integrated Dietetic Internship at McNeese State University is a Coordinated Program fully accredited by the Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics (ACEND). The program integrates advanced graduate coursework with a minimum of 1,000 hours of competency-based supervised practice to prepare graduates to become competent, entry-level Registered Dietitian Nutritionists (RDNs) who can effectively promote health, prevent and manage disease, and improve quality of life for diverse populations.

Mission Statement: The mission of the McNeese combined MS/DI Program is to provide a progressive and effective program that integrates graduate education, research, service, and supervised practice to develop competent, entry-level registered nutritionist dietitians.

Goals for the program include:

Prepare graduates to become qualified entry-level registered dietitian nutritionists.
Prepare graduates to utilize current evidence-based research and apply the research process in professional practice.

Dietetic Internship

The 18-month program combines rigorous academic preparation with supervised practice experiences across clinical, community, and foodservice management settings. Upon successful completion of all degree requirements and supervised practice hours, graduates are eligible to sit for the Commission on Dietetic Registration (CDR) national credentialing examination to earn the Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RDN) credential.

You must be accepted into the dietetic internship before you can apply to the master’s program. For more information, check out the Application and Admission Requirements section at the bottom of the page.

At a Glance

Degree Type: Master of Science (M.S.)

Program Length: 1.5 years (39 credit hours)

Availability: in person

Program Overview

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Program overview

Explore More for Nutritional Sciences Majors

Here are just a few of the many benefits you’ll gain in the nutritional sciences graduate program at McNeese.

Financial Aid and Scholarships:

McNeese has one of the lowest tuition rates in Louisiana. Plus, the College of Agricultural Sciences offers a variety of scholarships to help graduate students pay for college. College faculty are also ready to help you find on campus employment, which can offset the cost of attendance.

Applied Learning:

McNeese’s nutritional sciences degree has a strong foundation in science, human anatomy and physiology, you will graduate with the knowledge you need to stand out academically and professionally. In this program, you’ll take a deep dive into the intricacies of experimental nutritional design, biochemical and psychological functioning, interrelationships of nutrients and their effect on body needs, metabolism, and more.

Hands-on Learning:

At the core of our program is our nutritional sciences internship, where you will gain real-life experience as an active dietitian, seeing and working with patients to develop your interpersonal, clinical, and professional skills in a variety of settings, including advising school boards and local hospitals. By working with diverse clients from a number of different cultures, socio-economic backgrounds and disease states, you’ll develop the knowledge, skills and adaptability that will prepare you to transition to your career as a dietitian in any environment.

Excellence With a Personal Touch:

During your internship, you’ll be supervised by experienced preceptors, many of whom are graduates of the McNeese dietetics program. With years of experience in the field, and closely connected to the faculty at McNeese, preceptors are there to help guide you through your clinical experience as you work with clients with a diverse range of medical backgrounds and nutritional needs.

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Careers and Opportunities

What Can You Do with a Degree in Nutritional Sciences?

Upon graduation, you'll qualify to take the credentialing exam to become a registered dietitian – but that's not all you can do with this degree. As a nutritional sciences major, you’ll be prepared for a variety of other health care careers, including health and wellness coach and health educator.

Graduate Schools or Programs

Ph.D. in Public Health Nutrition
Ph.D. in International/Global Health
Ph.D. in Sustainable Food Systems
Ph.D. in Nutrition and Integrative Physiology

Potential Job Titles or Employers

Corporate Cafeterias
Day Care Centers and Schools
Exercise and Fitness Centers
Government Agencies
Health Centers and Clinics
Health Maintenance Organizations
Home Health or Social Service Providers
Hospitals
Nursing Care Facilities
Outpatient Care Centers

McNeese Wellness Program

Nutritional sciences majors have the chance to present as part of the McNeese Wellness Program, which offers presentations on nutrition and healthy eating for the McNeese campus and communities throughout Southwest Louisiana.

Student Activities

McNeese nutritional sciences majors give back to the health and wellness of Southwest Louisiana every year with community projects. Past projects have included a body positive “girls night out,” educational talks at local schools, cooking demonstrations and more.

Advanced Facilities

Nutritional sciences aren’t just theoretical at McNeese. With a commercial kitchen housed in the College of Agriculture, students have the opportunity to practice the science of nutrition outside of the classroom, and receive practical, hands-on experience in the preparation of healthful foods.

Additional Details on the Master's Degree in Nutritional Sciences

Admission to the Master of Science in Nutritional Sciences with Integrated Dietetic Internship (Coordinated Program) at McNeese State University is competitive and limited to applicants who meet the following criteria:

Bachelor’s Degree: Completion of a B.S. or B.A. from a regionally accredited institution.
ACEND-Accredited Coursework: Successful completion of ACEND-accredited didactic coursework in nutrition and dietetics, documented by an official Verification Statement issued within the past five years.
- A Declaration of Intent may be submitted if coursework will be completed prior to the program start date.
GPA Requirements:
- Minimum overall undergraduate GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale.
- Minimum 3.0 GPA in DPD professional (core nutrition/dietetics) coursework.
- Minimum 3.0 GPA in DPD science coursework.

Final acceptance is contingent upon receipt of the official DPD Verification Statement and the conferral of the bachelor’s degree prior to the program start date.
Meeting minimum requirements does not guarantee admission.

The program uses a comprehensive admission review process. In addition to academic criteria, applicants are evaluated based on letters of recommendation, personal statements, and relevant work or volunteer experience. This approach allows the admissions committee to consider each applicant’s overall preparation, professional potential, and readiness for graduate-level coursework and supervised practice.

Up to ten internship positions are available each academic year.

The Combined Master of Science/Internship Program (MS/IP) is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics (ACEND) of The Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics. ACEND can be contacted at:

Accreditation Counsel for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics
The Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics
120 South Riverside Plaza, Suite 2190
Chicago, Illinois 60606-6995
312/899-0040 ext. 5400
eatrightpro.org/acend

To become a Registered Dietitian, a student must complete a minimum of a bachelor’s degree at a U.S. regionally accredited university or college, as well as ACEND-approved course work. Students must also complete an ACEND-accredited supervised practice program at a healthcare facility, community agency or food service corporation, or as part of undergraduate or graduate student study.

Once both the Dietetic Internship and the Master of Science degree are completed, students will receive a verification statement and be eligible to take the Registration Examination for Dietitians, administered by the Commission on Dietetic Registration. In the state of Louisiana, once an individual obtains the Registered Dietitian credential, they can apply for state licensure.

Program outcome measures are available to the public and prospective students upon request.

Dietetic Internship Centralized Application Service (DICAS)
- All applicants must apply through DICAS, the centralized system used nationwide for Dietetic Internship applications.
  Access DICAS at link: https://dicas.cas.myliaison.com/applicant-ux/#/login
- Applicants who have completed a bachelor’s degree at a regionally accredited institution and ACEND-accredited coursework are eligible to apply.
Steps to Apply
- Submit a complete application through the DICAS portal.
  - There is no limit to the number of programs an applicant may apply to through DICAS.
  - If a program does not appear in DICAS, applicants should refer to that program’s website or contact the program director for guidance.
- Applications to the MS in Nutritional Sciences with Integrated Dietetic Internship (Coordinated Program) must be submitted through DICAS.
Spring Application Deadlines
- Application deadline: February 15
- Admission decision notifications: No later than March 1
- Applicant response deadline: March 15
  - The program strictly follows ACEND policy and does not require or pressure applicants to respond before this date.
Contact Information

DICAS Support:
Phone: (617) 612-2855
Email: support@dicas.myliaison.com

General Questions About Dietetics Programs (ACEND):
Email: education@eatright.org

Listed below are the fees for the program:

$50 DICAS application fee (non-refundable)
$4,500 (in-state) and $6,500 (out-of-state) per semester tuition fee
$1,000 Dietetic Internship fee; $500 due at the beginning of first fall semester, $500 due at the beginning of spring semester

Listed below are other expenses and approximate costs:

Equipment (including scrubs, shoes, calculator, reference materials, etc.): $250 – $350
Background check (Precheck) and 9-panel drug screen: $90
Typhon Evaluation System registration fee: $90
Health exam by physician of Intern’s choice: $40/varies
Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics student membership: $58

2025 McNeese State University Dietetic Internship Student Handbook