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School of Health and Human Sciences

Nutrition and Dietetics (M.S.)

Home Page  Mission and Goals  Admission  Application  Cost  Policies  Curriculum  Supervised Experiential Learning  Sites and Preceptors

two young female students sitting at table with food models and handouts

Graduate Degree and Internship Experiences

The Nutrition and Dietetics (M.S.) is an accelerated bachelor’s to master’s program with supervised experiential learning (SEL) experiences incorporated throughout this competency-based program. Students accepted into the program with the required prerequisites can complete the program in three years. Including prerequisites, completion of the entire bachelor’s to master’s degree program takes approximately five years. Graduates will be eligible to take the national examination for Registered Dietitian Nutritionists (RDNs).

two female students in white lab coats chopping vegetables in an SDSU food lab

Great Learning Spaces

Our food labs and behavioral nutrition and physical activity lab spaces provide students with many opportunities for hands on learning and research. Students plan, market, procure supplies, prepare and deliver meals for our Wagner Cafe.

Student being measured by height by a student in a white lap coat and a preceptor.

Hands on Learning In and Out of the Classroom

Students engage in approximately 1,000 hours of supervised experiential learning (SEL) over the course of the entire program. SEL experiences start right away in classes with case studies, role playing and simulations. Approximately 120 hours of SEL will be completed and tied to competencies from didactic courses. The remaining hours are completed at sites with preceptors.

Female preceptor sitting at desk with female student.

Sites and Preceptors

The Nutrition and Dietetics programs at SDSU have incredible support and participation from sites and preceptors across South Dakota. During semester's 3 and 4, students will be placed in teams of 4-5 students each. Student teams will each spend 2 days per week in SEL at rotation sites and the other 3 days are class days. In semester's 5-7, students are in SEL rotations at various facilities.

Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RDN)

RDN Job Outlook

Job Growth by 2030

11%

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the national average for all occupations is 8%.

Job Need in SD

14 New RDN's Every Year

Accreditation

The South Dakota State University Nutrition and Dietetics (M.S.) program is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics (ACEND). ACEND is the accrediting agency for the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics. Graduates who successfully complete the ACEND accredited Nutrition and Dietetics (M.S.) program at SDSU are eligible to take the Commission on Dietetic Registration (CDR) credentialing exam to become a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RDN). Phone: 800-877-1600, ext. 5400 Mail: 120 South Riverside Plaza, Suite 2190, Chicago, IL 60606-6995 ACEND

Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics Logo

State Licensure

In most states, graduates also must obtain licensure or certification to practice. For more information about state licensure requirements, visit Commission on Dietetic Registration State Licensure.

South Dakota (SD) is among 46 states that have enacted legislation regulating the practice of dietetics. State licensure and state certification are separate from the registration exam by CDR. The SD codified law and administrative rules regarding dietetics and nutrition and the state licensure process are found at SD Legislature Legislative Research Council. Application information for the SD Licensed Nutritionist process is available at the SD Board of Medical and Osteopathic Examiners. Graduates of the Nutrition and Dietetics (M.S.) who are issued a verification statement are eligible to apply for a temporary SD Licensed Nutritionist license which is good for 1 year. Successful passing of the CDR examination for Registered Dietitian Nutritionists is required for application to be issued permanent SD Licensed Nutritionist status.

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.

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