M.S. in Nutrition and Dietetics

The Department of Human Nutrition, Foods, and Exercise administers a Master of Science in Nutrition and Dietetics to prepare graduates to become Registered Dietitian Nutritionists (RDNs).

Mission: to prepare graduate-trained registered dietitian nutritionists who can advance professional practice through food and nutrition to accelerate improvements in health and well-being among diverse populations.

HNFE's graduate degree program in Nutrition and Dietetics meets the Future Education Model by the Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics (ACEND). Students who complete the program will receive a Master of Science in Nutrition and Dietetics and a verification statement that provides eligibility to sit for the RDN registration exam.

The M.S. in Nutrition and Dietetics program offers a competency-based curriculum which integrates didactic coursework and supervised experiential learning opportunities in a variety of settings in order to prepare future nutrition and dietetics practitioners to become leaders in a rapidly evolving field. The advanced coursework provided through the graduate degree will allow students to master skills in the application of critical thinking, evidence-based practice and research, and communication with emphasis on nutrition counseling for behavior change. Students also gain extensive clinical skills working at Carilion Clinic and an appreciation for the impact of interprofessional teamwork, advocacy, service, and leadership in shaping the future of the profession.

Our Master of Science in Nutrition and Dietetics program offers two pathways to become a graduate trained RDN:

• Track One: for students who have an earned a baccalaureate degree and have met program-specific prerequisite courses (17 months).
• Track Two: for current Virginia Tech HNFE B.S. DIET option students to apply for an accelerated B.S./M.S. option (20 months starting fall semester of senior year).

Unique qualities of the program:

• Compact and streamlined design allows students to complete the program in as little as 17 months
• Direct entry pathway for students coming from non-ACEND accredited (non-dietetics) undergraduate programs
• Prerequisite pathway available during the summer to assist students in completing some of the program’s prerequisite requirements
  
• Integration of academic coursework and supervised experiential learning in a variety of professional settings
  
• Preparation for projected future practice expectations for RDNs including a focus on nutrition counseling for behavior change