• A

Will this program prepare me to become a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RDN)? 

Yes! The UVM MSD is a Coordinated Program in Dietetics accredited by the Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics (ACEND).  This program combines academic requirements to obtain a Master of Science degree, and 1,000+ hours of supervised practice experiences (internship) needed to qualify graduates to take the Registration Examination for Dietitian Nutritionists offered by the Commission on Dietetic Registration to become a RDN.

There are various pathways that lead to the RDN credential. You can learn more on the 5 Steps to Become a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist page of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics website.

Back to top

How long does it take to complete the program?

The program is completed in 4 semesters over a two-year period.

Back to top

Can I stretch the coursework over more than two (2) years?

The expectation is that students will complete the coursework within two (2) consecutive years.

Back to top

Do I have to complete the supervised practice experience (SPE) in one (1) year?

Students are expected to complete the SPE within one (1) calendar year.

Back to top

Is there a requirement to be on campus?

There is a mandatory 5-day campus-based orientation the week before the first semester begins. There is no other on-campus requirement.

Back to top

How much does the program cost?

Please refer to the Tuition, Fees, and Financial Aid page. 
 

Back to top

Federal loans are the primary source of financial assistance. More information can be found on the Graduate Student Financial Services page.
 
Prospective graduate students may wish to explore scholarship opportunities from the following sources: their undergraduate financial aid office, their state office of student financial assistance, and the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics Foundation. In Vermont, the state office of student financial assistance is Vermont Student Assistance Corporation.
 

Back to top

Can I keep my job while enrolled in the MSD program?

Students are discouraged from working while enrolled in the program.  This is an intensive, full-time graduate degree program which demands a significant investment of time and energy.  During the second and third semesters, students will spend 32 hours per week at their supervised practice rotations, and also be required to participate in a live online class each Monday.
 

Back to top

I live in Vermont, can I still complete the self-designed SPE?

Yes. All students wishing to participate in the self-designed SPE must follow the guidelines for securing preceptors and rotation sites.
 

Back to top

Is the supervised practice experience (SPE) the same as the dietetic internship?

A requirement for becoming a registered dietitian nutritionist (RDN) is to complete a minimum of 1000+ hours of supervised practice. The SPE can be part of a coordinated program, such as the MSD, or a separate dietetic internship (DI). 
 

Back to top

Does UVM participate in the DI (DICAS) match?

No. If you want to apply to the MSD program you must apply directly through the UVM Graduate College. More information can be found on the MSD Application Process page.
 

Back to top

What prerequisite coursework is required?

A candidate with a verification statement that they have completed a Didactic Program in Dietetics (DPD) does not need to complete any additional prerequisites.
 
Students who do not have a DPD verification statement must demonstrate that they have completed all of the prerequisite courses.
 

Back to top

I have a Bachelor’s Degree in a non-related field.  Can I apply to the UVM MSD program? 

Students from all disciplines are welcome to apply to the UVM MSD Program so long as the prerequisite courses have been completed.

Back to top

How do I complete the prerequisite courses and how long will it take?

Students who are missing prerequisites are encouraged to find courses at their local University/community college, or through an online program. 

You can also explore the Pre-RD sequence through UVM Continuing and Distance Education (CDE).

It usually takes students a minimum of 2 years to complete the prerequisite requirements. 

Back to top

Can any of the prerequisites be waived because of experience and expertise in the subject area? 

On a case by case basis, requests will be reviewed by the MSD program director. The requests must be made at least 8 weeks before the application deadline.  

The MSD program will not accept any prior learning or experience as a substitute for any portion of the supervised practice experience. 

Back to top

I completed my Baccalaureate outside of the US. How do I apply?  

The Commission on Dietetic Registration requires a transcript evaluation by a third party agency to validate your academic degree is equivalent to the bachelor's or master's degree conferred by a U.S. regionally-accredited college or university.  Once this evaluation is complete, we can determine if there are any additional prerequisites you must complete. 

The University of Vermont Graduate College provides additional information and requirements for international students to verify language proficiency, apply for a student visa, and complete the application.

Back to top

Can I participate in this program while living in another country? 

Because required courses are offered online they may be completed from anywhere. However, under the guidelines of the Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics (ACEND), the 1,000+ hours of supervised practice must be completed in the United States.  

Back to top