Dietetics Internship Option

Program Mission: The Master of Science in Nutrition and Dietetics: Dietetic Internship Option is designed to equip graduates to work effectively in a variety of settings utilizing clinical, food service/management and/or community dietetics competencies.  The 1280 contact hour accredited dietetic internship builds on undergraduate and graduate academic courses. The Dietetic Internship is granted accreditation status by the Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, 120 Riverside Plaza, Suite 2000, Chicago, IL 60606-6995, (312) 899-5400.

Admission Requirements: To be eligible for the MSND: Dietetic Internship Option, applicants must all of the requirements to the Graduate School (see “Admission to Graduate Degree and Certificate Program”).

A complete admission packet for the MS in Nutrition and Dietetics includes the following: 

Letter of Intent that addresses the following:

• Discuss the integrative and holistic nature of the discipline of family and consumer sciences in a self-determined example
• Explain how the Master of Science in Nutrition and Dietetics: Nutrition Education Option will assist you in achieving your career goals

Two recent letters of recommendation:

• At least one recommendation must address your academic performance.
• Letters of recommendation should discuss the applicant’s areas of strengths and weaknesses in the following areas:
  • Ability to interact and work effectively with others
  • Critical thinking skills and ability
  • Communication Skills, including both written and oral skills as well as with peers and superiors
  • Professionalism
  • Work Ethic

Minimum GPA as required by the Graduate School (see “Admission to Graduate Degree and Certificate Programs”)

 Additionally, applicants must be matched with EIU’s Dietetic Internship through the D & D Digital Match process.  All Dietetic Internship materials must be submitted through the Dietetic Internship Centralized Application System (DICAS) by February 15 for the spring match and September 25 for the fall match. A Didactic Program in Dietetics (DPD) Verification Statement must be submitted to the graduate coordinator before the Dietetic Internship sections can be taken.

Applicants who have not completed a baccalaureate family and consumer sciences program will be expected to satisfy undergraduate deficiency course requirements in addition to their graduate course requirements.  The graduate coordinator will identify the undergraduate deficits at the time the admission decision is made.  Potential undergraduate deficiencies could be Life Span Human Development (FCS 1800), Personal Nutrition (FCS 2100), and Personal and Family Finances (FCS 3300).

Degree Audit: The graduate plan of study is the EIU Degree Audit, which is generated automatically in the Degree Audit Reporting System (DARS) at the time of degree or certificate candidacy. Modifications to the standard EIU Degree Audit are submitted by the graduate coordinator to the certification officer in the Graduate School at the time modifications are approved.  The Degree Audit serves as an unofficial summary of requirements for the program. Degree and certificate candidates are advised to review the comprehensive summary of the Degree Audit process specified on the “Requirements for All Degree and Certificate Candidates” section of the Graduate Catalog. Individual programs may require candidates to submit plans of study in addition to the Degree Audit, candidates should consult with the graduate coordinator.

Nutrition Education Option

Program Mission: The MS in Nutrition and Dietetics: Nutrition Education Option is designed to provide students with advanced theory and application of nutrition education research and practice. 

Admission Requirements: To be eligible for degree candidacy, applicants must meet all of the requirements for admission to the Graduate School (see “Admission to Graduate Degree and Certificate Programs”).

A complete graduate school admission packet for the MS in Nutrition and Dietetics includes the following:

Letter of Intent that addresses the following:

• Discuss the integrative and holistic nature of the discipline of family and consumer sciences in a self-determined example
• Explain how the Master of Science in Nutrition and Dietetics: Nutrition Education Option will assist you in achieving your career goals

Two recent letters of recommendation:

• At least one recommendation must address your academic performance.
• Letters of recommendation should discuss the applicant’s areas of strengths and weaknesses in the following areas:
  • Ability to interact and work effectively with others
  • Critical thinking skills and ability
  • Communication Skills, including both written and oral skills as well as with peers and superiors
  • Professionalism
  • Work Ethic

Minimum GPA as required by the Graduate School (see “Admission to Graduate Degree and Certificate Programs”)

Applicants who have not completed a baccalaureate family and consumer sciences program will be expected to satisfy undergraduate deficiency course requirements in addition to their graduate course requirements. Potential undergraduate deficiencies could be Life Span Human Development (FCS 1800), Personal Nutrition (FCS 2100), and Personal and Family Finances (FCS 3300).

Degree Audit: The graduate plan of study is the EIU Degree Audit, which is generated automatically in the Degree Audit Reporting System (DARS) at the time of degree or certificate candidacy. Modifications to the standard EIU Degree Audit are submitted by the graduate coordinator to the certification officer in the Graduate School at the time modifications are approved.  The Degree Audit serves as an unofficial summary of requirements for the program. Degree and certificate candidates are advised to review the comprehensive summary of the Degree Audit process specified on the “Requirements for All Degree and Certificate Candidates” section of the Graduate Catalog. Individual programs may require candidates to submit plans of study in addition to the Degree Audit, candidates should consult with the graduate coordinator.