Master of Science (M.S.)

Nutritional Sciences

The Master of Science in Nutritional Sciences with Integrated Dietetic Internship is designed as an ACEND-accredited Combined Graduate DI (MS/DI) 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 Combined Graduate DI (MS/DI) 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.

Program Mission & Goals

Mission Statement of the MSU Dietetic Internship Program

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 of the MSU MS/Dietetic Internship Program

Goal 1

Program graduates will become competent entry level registered dietitian nutritionists

Of graduates who seek employment, at least 70% 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%.

Goal 2

Program graduates will demonstrate the ability to utilize current evidence-based research and apply the research process in professional practice

At least 80% of interns complete program requirements within 27 months (150% of planned program length)
At least 75% of Employers who respond to the survey will rate them as meets expectation in graduate’s professional knowledge and skills in performing as an entry-level registered dietitian/nutritionist.

Dietetic Internship and Graduate Assistantships

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.

Graduate Assistantships

Graduate assistantship positions may be available to students enrolled in the Combined graduate DI (MS/DI). Graduate assistants gain valuable professional experience while supporting university programs and faculty.

In addition to receiving hourly compensation, students selected for graduate assistantships may be eligible for a tuition reduction, decreasing tuition costs by approximately 50%. Availability of assistantships varies and is not guaranteed. Interested students are encouraged to inquire about current opportunities during the application and admission process

At a Glance

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

Program Length: 18 months (33 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 Combined Graduate DI (MS/DI) at McNeese State University require applicants to 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.

Declaration of Intent
- Applicants who are still completing their undergraduate degree during the spring application cycle will receive a Declaration of Intent.
- Once they graduate, they must submit their final official Verification Statement and bring an updated copy to orientation.

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.

Applicants with an overall undergraduate GPA between 2.50 and 2.99 may be considered for admission on a case-by-case basis. These applicants will undergo a holistic review that may include evaluation of:

Academic performance in DPD professional coursework
Academic performance in science coursework
Letters of recommendation
Recommendation from the applicant’s DPD Program Director
Relevant work, volunteer, leadership, or professional experiences
Evidence of academic readiness and potential for success in graduate coursework and supervised practice.

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.
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 application system used for admission to the Master of Science in Nutritional Sciences Combined Graduate DI (MS/DI).

Access DICAS at: https://dicas.cas.myliaison.com/applicant-ux/#/login

Applicants who have completed a bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited institution and ACEND-accredited didactic coursework in nutrition and dietetics are eligible to apply.

Application Process

Submit a complete application through DICAS by the published application deadline.
- There is no limit to the number of programs an applicant may apply to through DICAS.
- DICAS Application Fees
  1. The DICAS application fee is $50 for the first application and $25 for each additional application.
  2. This fee is paid directly through the DICAS portal at the time of submission.
- If a program does not appear in DICAS, applicants should refer to that program’s website or contact the program director for guidance.
Applicants offered admission to the Master of Science in Nutritional Sciences Combined Graduate DI (MS/DI) through the DICAS application process must subsequently complete the McNeese State University Graduate School application and satisfy all university graduate admission requirements prior to enrollment.

Admission to the Master of Science in Nutritional Sciences Combined Graduate DI (MS/DI) is contingent upon acceptance by both the program and McNeese State University Graduate School.

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

Degree Plan Course Sequence

The MS/DI program is completed over four academic terms. Courses are delivered using a combination of distance education, hybrid instruction, and supervised practice to support progressive competency development and flexibility during internship rotations.

Supervised Practice Courses

The following courses constitute the supervised practice component of the MS/DI program. These courses involve direct supervision, applied practice experiences, and formal evaluation aligned with ACEND Core Competencies (CRDNs):

NFSC 610 – Dietetic Clinical I

NFSC 620 – Dietetic Clinical II

NFSC 630 – Dietetic Internship I

NFSC 640 – Dietetic Internship II

Online Coursework

The following courses are delivered fully online to provide flexibility while students are completing supervised practice experiences. These courses maintain equivalent academic rigor, learning outcomes, and assessment standards as in-person instruction.

NFSC 603 – Advanced Nutrition and Metabolism

NFSC 604 – Advanced Medical Nutrition Therapy

NFSC 605 – Special Topics in Food and Nutrition

NFSC 607 – Community Nutrition

NFSC 608 – Nutrition and Dietetics Research

Hybrid Coursework

The following courses are delivered in a hybrid format, incorporating both in-person instruction and online learning components:

AGRI 604 – Research Methods

AGRI 606 – Data Analyses and Research Methods in Agriculture, Food, Nutrition, and Natural Resource Sciences

NFSC 606 – Food Systems Management

NFSC 602 – Independent Study in Nutrition and Wellness

Term-by-Term Course Sequence

Term	Courses	Credit Hours
Term 1 – Fall	AGRI 604, NFSC 603, NFSC 604, NFSC 610	12
Term 2 – Spring	AGRI 606, NFSC 606, NFSC 608, NFSC 620	12
Term 3 – Summer	NFSC 602, NFSC 630	6
Term 4 – Fall	NFSC 605, NFSC 607, NFSC 640	9

Instructional Modality Summary

Supervised Practice: NFSC 610, 620, 630, 640

Fully Online (Flexibility-Focused): NFSC 603, 604, 605, 607, 608

Hybrid (In-Person + Online): AGRI 604, AGRI 606, NFSC 606, NFSC 602

DICAS Application Fee: $50 for the first application and $25 for each additional application (non-refundable)
Dietetic Internship Fee: $1,000 total ($500 due at the beginning of the fall semester and $500 due at the beginning of the spring semester). This fee covers program-related expenses including travel, shirts, program sustainability, equipment, supplies, name tag, scrubs, and the evaluation system.