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Master of Science in Nutrition and Dietetic Internship (MS/DI)

As one of only a few faith-based graduate programs in nutrition in the nation, Ouachita will prepare you for meaningful work as a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RDN) through its Master of Science in Nutrition degree and Dietetic Internship (MS/DI). Whether practicing in a clinic, in foodservice or in community nutrition, you will be equipped as a lifelong learner and effective leader in your profession and local community.

With a national shortage of dietitians – and expected growth rate of 11% for the profession in the next 10 years – you can find a career meeting needs by improving the health of people of all ages. And as a member of Ouachita’s tight-knit Department of Nutrition and Dietetics, you’ll do it with a community of supportive faculty members and fellow students alongside you. Whether you begin your nutrition journey at Ouachita at the graduate or undergraduate level, you’ll find a place to grow not only in your professional expertise but also in your faith and passion for serving others.


The Dietetic Internship has a 100% RD Exam pass rate!

Ouachita Baptist University has been granted candidacy for accreditation of a Dietetic Internship by the Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics (ACEND), the accrediting agency for the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics. Resources from the Academy can be found at www.eatright.org/acend. // Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics | 120 South Riverside Plaza Suite 2190 Chicago, IL 60606-6995 | 800/877-1600 ext. 5400

Effective Jan. 1, 2024, the Commission on Dietetic Registration will require a minimum of a master's degree to be eligible to take the credentialing exam to become a registered dietitian nutritionist (RDN). In addition, CDR requires that individuals complete coursework and supervised practice in program(s) accredited by the Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics (ACEND). In most states, graduates also must obtain licensure or certification to practice.

 

Health Educator and Community Health Worker

Agricultural and Food Scientist

Sports Nutritionist/Wellness Coach

Eating Disorders Counselor

Pharmaceutical Sales

Pediatric Dietitian

Media Spokesperson

And more

Advanced Community Nutrition

Nutrition Counseling

Supervised Practice I and II

Sports Nutrition

Pediatric Nutrition

Diabetes, Obesity and Weight Management

Eating Disorders

A baccalaureate degree in nutrition or a related field is required, as well as a Verification Statement from an ACEND-accredited Nutrition and Dietetics Didactic Program in Dietetics (DPD) or Foreign Dietitian Education Program (FDE) obtained from the DPD director within the last five years. See additional information on our undergraduate DPD program.

Students who have completed an ACEND-accredited Dietetic Internship program and passed the Commission on Dietetic Registration (CDR) Exam in the last five years may receive up to 18 hours of graduate credit toward the 36 required hours (subject to approval by program director, must provide current CDR ID card).

Ouachita offers a Master of Science in Nutrition degree and Dietetic Internship (MS/DI) to prepare students for work as Registered Dietitian Nutritionists. The 36-hour MS/DI program can be completed in 15 months. All but the supervised practice section of the program, which is completed in 32 weeks, is fully online. Graduates of Ouachita's DPD program have priority access to the MS/DI program.

The application opens October 1, 2023, and closes May 31, 2024, for enrollment starting in August 2024.

Learn more about Ouachita: 

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Of only a few faith-based MS/DI programs nationwide

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Supervised Practice sites

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RD Exam Pass Rate

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Students in each MS/DI cohort

In their words

hear from a faculty member & student

"There is a great need for Registered Dietitian Nutritionists in Arkansas and the nation. Ouachita is taking this opportunity to make a difference in our state and offer a Master of Science in Nutrition and Dietetic Internship (MS/DI) for up-and-coming dietitians."

Holly headshotHolly Kyzer, MS, RD, LD
Assistant Professor and MS/DI Director

Students pour ingredients

LIMITLESS OPPORTUNITIES FOR GROWTH

Ouachita's dietetic interns benefit from 1,000+ hours of supervised practice, choosing from more than 100 rotation sites located throughout Arkansas. You might be placed with the Arkansas Department of Health, Baptist Health or CHI St. Vincent facilities, Arkansas Children’s Hospital or DaVita Dialysis, among others. With such extensive and varied internship experiences, you will have daily opportunities to be challenged, learn and explore.

Student and instructor

GRADUATE-LEVEL COURSEWORK YOU WILL ENJOY

From classes in Sports Nutrition and Pediatric Nutrition to Eating Disorders and Diabetes, Obesity and Weight Management, what classes won’t you enjoy studying? At Ouachita, we believe in academic excellence, and you can expect to be challenged. At the same time, our MS/DI will allow you to explore the range of opportunities within the field – and especially to pursue those that you are most passionate about.

Professor teaches

ON THE FENCE? YOU SHOULD MEET OUR FACULTY

In Ouachita’s Department of Nutrition and Dietetics, you will find humble, personable professors who have significant professional experience in the field of nutrition and also possess academic expertise within the discipline. In our tight-knit department, you can expect to be known as more than a number and receive personal feedback and encouragement in your training and beyond as your career develops. 

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FROM FRESHMAN TO MASTER IN FIVE YEARS

Students who enter Ouachita’s Department of Nutrition and Dietetics in their freshman year of undergraduate study are now able to go straight through and earn an MSN in just five years! The transition from undergraduate to MS/DI can be seamlessly navigated as caring professors guide students toward lives of meaningful work. The MS/DI offers hands-on experience in clinical, community and administrative settings, effectively preparing students ultimately to become competent Registered Dietitian Nutritionists. In addition, students who select the five-year option gain priority access to the MS/DI program. Students who complete Ouachita’s programs also will be fully equipped for the Registered Dietitian examination; in fact, the department currently boasts a 100% pass rate!

program details

The MS/DI program is part of Ouachita's Department of Nutrition & Dietetics. To learn about admissions requirements, schedules, program costs and more, click the button below.

Additional Program Details

Graduate professional studies

GRADUATE & PROFESSIONAL STUDIES

Ouachita Baptist University's Graduate and Professional Studies programs cater to individuals committed to lifelong learning or seeking career advancement. The programs employ innovative modalities in diverse fields, ensuring that students find success professionally and spiritually. Emphasizing a sense of community, Ouachita cultivates meaningful relationships among students and professors for a supportive and enriching educational experience.

 

Explore Our Graduate Programs

GET IN TOUCH

Have a question about Ouachita? Want more information? Shoot our Graduate and Professional Studies team a message!

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