skip to main content
UTRGV UTRGV 10th Anniversary
The University of Texas
 Rio Grande Valley
myUTRGV
GIVE
Open Search Menu
Open navigation menu
myUTRGV
GIVE
  • Explore Programs
  • Apply Now
  • Visit Campus
  • Request Info
  • Admissions
  • Academics
  • Cost and Aid
  • Student Life
  • Research
  • Current Students
  • Athletics
  • Events
  • Arts Events
  • Directory
  • Newsroom
  • About
  • Work at UTRGV
  • Faculty Resources
  • Staff Resources
myUTRGV
GIVE
The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley
A variety of healthy vegetables are displayed on a table

Master of Science in Dietetics

College of Health Professions
  1. Home
  2. Programs
  3. Master of Science in Dietetics
Scroll Down
Apply Request Info
Admission Requirements & Courses

Program Highlights

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.

Program Details

Master of Science in Dietetics Goals toggle open accordion 

Goal #1 – Program graduates will become Registered Dietitian Nutritionists (RDNs) who meet the employment needs of the local, national and global communities.

Goal #2 – Program graduates will promote health and wellness equity through nutrition education in the community.

Goal #3 – Program graduates will be leaders in the field of nutrition and be active in the profession.

Master of Science in Dietetics Objectives toggle open accordion 

Objectives

  1. "At least 80% of students complete program requirements within 3 years (150% of the program length)." (RE 2.1.c.1.a)*
  2. "Of graduates who seek employment, at least 80 percent are employed in nutrition and dietetics or related fields within 12 months of graduation." (RE 2.1.c.1.b)*
  3. "At least 80 percent of program graduates take the CDR credentialing exam for dietitian nutritionists within 12 months of program completion." (RE 2.1.c.1.c.1)*
  4. "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%." (RE 2.1.c.1.c.2)*
  5. At least 80% of employers are satisfied with graduate preparation for entry-level practice.
  6. 90% of graduates agree that the MS in Dietetics program was successful in preparing them to be entry-level registered dietitians.
  7. 40% of graduates will hold employment in community-based health and wellness organizations.
  8. 60% of graduates have participated in, developed, planned, and/or led activities that promote health and wellness equity.
  9. At least 70% of graduates who become RDNs will be active members in the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics.
  10. At least 80% of employers observe leadership skills in graduates, including interprofessional collaboration, being an effective communicator, and the ability to support and inspire others.

* Source: ACEND Accreditation Standards: For Nutrition and Dietetics - Graduate Degree Programs (GP) (Future Education Model).

State Authorization and Professional Licensing Disclosure toggle open accordion 

The UTRGV MS in Dietetics entry level MS in dietetics meets the professional licensing requirements for the state of Texas. Texas is a licensure of title only. This means the state only licenses the title "licensed dietitian" which may facilitate reimbursement or employment in certain facilities.

While state interpretations of statutes may vary, it is ACEND's considered opinion that the program meets the educational requirements for dietetics licensure and certification in all states. However, completing an ACEND-accredited academic program alone does not qualify an individual for licensure or certification as a dietitian in any state. Individuals should review their state's licensing statutes and regulations to understand the specific requirements, including supervised practice and examinations needed to obtain a dietetics license. More information about state licensure and certification can be found at this link: State Licensure.

Application Instructions

The Fall 2026 application will open on November 1st.

Submit a completed DICAS application by the published deadline and pay the application fee directly to DICAS.

Possible Career Options

The MS in Dietetics program from UTRGV helps students land top jobs depending on a student’s job location, industry, and experience. 

Registered Dietitian Nutritionist

Director of Nutrition

Technology Dietitian

Consultant Dietitian

Eating Disorders Dietitian

Director of Nutrition Communications

Online Coaching/Counseling Private Practice Dietitian

Graduate Application Deadlines Graduate Program Coordinators Cost of Attendance Dietetics Student Handbook
Karla Salazar
I choose to attend UTRGV because it offered me an incredible academic opportunity and financial support while still being close to home and my family. The UTRGV campus is designed so beautifully with strong Hispanic culture and supporting, motivating, and caring staff.  
 Karla Salazar, UTRGV Graduate Student

UTRGV Graduate Select Scholarship

Get up to $1,000 for your graduate education with the UTRGV Graduate Select Scholarship. 
Learn More

Accreditation

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
Email: acend@eatright.org
Web: www.eatright.org/acend

Apply Now Request More Info Explore Programs
UTRGV
  • CARES, CRRSAA and ARP Reporting
  • Site Policies
  • Required Links
  • Accreditation Statement
  • Fraud Reporting
  • Senate Bill 18
  • Clery Act Reports
  • Web Accessibility
  • Mental Health Resources
  • Sexual Misconduct Policy
  • Reporting Sexual Misconduct
  • Contact UTRGV
  • 1-844-ATUTRGV
  • Facebook
  • X Twitter
  • Instagram
  • LinkedIn
  • Academics
  • Admissions
  • Cost and Financial Aid
  • Student Life
  • Search Programs
  • First-Year Students
  • Transfer
  • International Students
  • Graduate Students
  • Current Students
  • Faculty Resources
  • Staff Resources
  • UTRGV Careers
  • Visit Campus
  • Directory
The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley