Dietetic Internship Option

Program Mission:  The MSND: Dietetic Internship Option with its Nutrition Education Emphasis integrates research- and theory-driven nutrition education through high-impact supervised practice experiences to prepare entry-level registered dietitian nutritionists to enter the diverse workforce and devote their careers to empowering individuals, families and communities through lifelong learning and professional engagement and service. (https://www.eiu.edu/dieteticsgrad/mission-goals-outcomes.php)

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 2190, 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 Graduate School application packet for the MS in Nutrition and Dietetics is completed online through MyEIU and includes the following: 

Personal Statement that addresses the following:

• Explain how the Master of Science in Nutrition and Dietetics: Dietetic Internship Option will assist you in achieving your career goals

Three 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 DI Coordinator before the Dietetic Internship sections can be taken.

Degree Audit: The graduate plan of study is the EIU Degree Audit, which is generated automatically 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. The MSND: Nutrition Education Option may be completed online or on campus.

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 and is completed through MyEIU:

Personal Statement that addresses the following:

• Explain how the Master of Science in Nutrition and Dietetics: Nutrition Education Option will assist you in achieving your career goals

Three 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”)

Degree Audit: The graduate plan of study is the EIU Degree Audit, which is generated automatically 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.

Accelerated

Admission to the accelerated MS in Nutrition and Dietetics requires the following:
• Completion of a minimum of 60 hours of undergraduate course credit
• Completion of NTR 2100 with a grade of B or better.
• Minimum undergraduate cumulative GPA of 3.25.
• Approval of the Graduate Coordinator and the Graduate School.

All students seeking admission to the Accelerated MS in Nutrition & Dietetics are initially admitted to the Nutrition Education Option. Students wishing to be admitted to the Dietetic Internship option in order to be eligible to become a Registered/Licensed Dietetic Nutritionist must then complete the DICAS matching process. Once approved and matched by DICAS, students will be moved from the Nutrition Education option to the Dietetic Internship option.

To apply for the Accelerated Program MS in Nutrition and Dietetics, applicants meeting the above requirements must submit the Graduate School’s Accelerated Program Application to the Graduate school.