Department of Nutrition & Dietetics

1. Innovation: We embrace forward-thinking approaches in food and nutrition to develop creative solutions that improve health and well-being.
2. Excellence: We are committed to providing high-quality education and fostering a culture of continuous improvement and lifelong learning.
3. Sustainability: We prioritize sustainable practices in nutrition and dietetics to ensure the health of our planet and future generations.
4. Equity: We champion health equity by addressing disparities and promoting inclusivity in our educational and professional endeavors.
5. Evidence-Based Practice: We uphold the highest standards of evidence-based practice, ensuring our students and professionals make informed decisions to optimize health outcomes.
6. Experiential Learning: We value hands-on learning experiences that prepare our students for real-world challenges and equip them with practical skills for success.

The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley (UTRGV) is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics (ACEND). The MS in Dietetics program at UTRGV has implemented a new and innovative program to prepare Registered Dietitian Nutritionists.

Contact Rachel Villarreal MS, RDN, LDN, CDCES at Rachel.villarreal@utrgv.edu for more information.

The Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics (ACEND) released the Future Education Model Accreditation Standards for programs in nutrition and dietetics (see https://www.eatrightpro.org/acend/accreditation-standards-fees-and-policies/future-education-model-standards-and-templates-v2022). These accreditation standards integrate didactic coursework with supervised experiential learning in a competency-based curriculum designed to prepare nutrition and dietetics practitioners for future practice.

For further information on ACEND accreditation, contact:
Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics
120 South Riverside Plaza
Suite 2190
Chicago, Illinois 60606-6995
Phone (800)-877-1600 ext 5400
E-mail: acend@eatright.org
www.eatright.org/acend

Graduates from any bachelor’s degree program can apply for this entry-level master’s program provided they meet the prerequisites (see admission criteria). Our students will be prepared to meet a growing demand for well-educated Registered Dietitian Nutritionists who have expertise in evidence-based nutrition care.

We offer:

• Innovative demonstration master’s degree program that integrates 15 credits of supervised experiential learning (SEL) which includes rotations in clinical, community, and food systems settings. Didactic coursework includes 32 credits in a combination of hybrid, online, and face-to-face environments.
• 47-credit program spanning 4 semesters which includes courses and SEL.
• Students will be placed at local (Rio Grande Valley) sites for SEL.
• Maximum class size is 16 students per cohort (yearly).
• Upon completion of the program and university requirements, students earn a Master of Science in Dietetics degree.
• Students will be eligible to take the Commission on Dietetic Registration’s Credentialing Examination for Dietitian Nutritionists after meeting both program and competency completion requirements.

Outcome data is available upon request.

Students will earn a Master of Science (MS) in Dietetics upon successful completion of the 47-credit, two-year program. Receipt of the degree is dependent upon meeting Graduate College requirements, including submission of a graduation application, payment of applicable fees, and maintaining a minimum GPA of 3.0.

Graduates are eligible to take the Commission on Dietetic Registration (CDR) credentialing examination for Registered Dietitian Nutritionists after completing all supervised experiential learning hours, meeting required competencies, and being awarded the degree.

The MS in Dietetics program does not grant prior learning credit.

Program of Study

Year 1 – Fall

• DIET 6301 Food Systems Management (3 credits)
• DIET 6311 Scientific Analysis in Nutrition Practice (3 credits)
• DIET 6321 Advanced Human Metabolism (3 credits)
• DIET 6331 Medical Nutrition Therapy (MNT) in Disease I (3 credits)

Year 1 – Spring

• DIET 6200 Ethics, Leadership, and Professionalism (2 credits)
• DIET 6344 Culturally Sensitive Counseling in Dietetics (3 credits)
• DIET 6332 Medical Nutrition Therapy (MNT) in Disease II (3 credits)
• DIET 6511 Supervised Experiential Learning (SEL I) (5 credits)

Year 2 – Fall

• DIET 6351 Medical Nutrition Therapy (MNT) in Diabetes (3 credits)
• DIET 6360 Global and Public Health Nutrition (3 credits)
• DIET 6521 Supervised Experiential Learning (SEL II) (5 credits)

Year 2 – Spring

• DIET 6370 Critical Care and Nutrition Support (3 credits)
• DIET 6380 Dietetics Capstone (3 credits)
• DIET 6531 Supervised Experiential Learning (SEL III) (5 credits)

Total Graduate Credit Hours: 47

Technology Requirements

Students enrolled in online or hybrid courses must have access to a computer less than five years old with a reliable high-speed internet connection. Remote exams and quizzes may require the use of Respondus LockDown Browser with a monitoring system.

Tuition and Additional Costs

View Tuition and Cost of Attendance

Health Insurance Requirement

All dietetics students are required to purchase the Student Health Insurance Plan (SHIP) for each academic year to meet University policy requirements. Students with comparable coverage may be eligible to request a waiver.

The waiver process must be completed annually by the stated deadline. Students who do not submit a waiver request, or whose request is not approved, will be automatically enrolled in SHIP and the cost will be added to their student account.

Additional Program Costs

• Student Membership (Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics): $58 per year or $116 for two years
• Criminal Background Check: $36.26 (one-time fee)
• Drug Testing: $40–$50
• Books: Approximately 4–5 textbooks per semester; estimated total cost of $844.83 (about $211 per semester)
• ServSafe Certification: Required prior to the first semester. If not already certified, students will receive instruction through the program. Exam fee is $36.00.
• Graduation Fee: $50.00 (one-time fee)