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Apr 24, 2026
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2026-2027 Graduate Catalog
Master of Science in Nutrition
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 Return to: College of Health and Human Sciences
The Master of Science in Nutrition prepares students to advocate for health and wellness at all levels using evidence-based nutrition science. Whether your goal is to promote health locally or globally, nutrition is a powerful and universal way to make an impact.
This degree prepares graduates for careers in community organizations, education, government, industry, and non-profits. It also enhances the skills of dietitians, athletic trainers, occupational therapists, physical therapists, speech-language pathologists, mental health providers, nurses, nurse practitioners, physicians, physician assistants, public health, and other healthcare providers seeking to enrich and transform their practice.
The MS in Nutrition allows students to develop competency in planning, conducting, and evaluating research, and to apply research findings for informed practice decisions. Students also collaborate with faculty to choose electives (12 credits) that align with their professional interests.
Students at large intending to take courses required by this program should meet with the MS in Nutrition Program Director.
Check departmental information for any additional requirements.
The student learning outcomes for this degree are located at https://www.chhs.niu.edu/resources/student-learning-outcomes.shtml.
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Admission
We base admission decisions on a total profile of an applicant’s qualifications; however, applicants are expected to meet or exceed the following requirements: - Bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution
- 2.75 undergraduate GPA (on 4.0 scale)
- Unofficial transcripts
- Proof of English Proficiency
- 2.75 prerequisite GPA
- general chemistry (with lab)
- biochemistry
- general or cellular biology
- human anatomy and physiology (with lab)
- nutrition
- statistics
Additional application materials include: - Statement of purpose
- Your statement of purpose should be between 250 and 750 words. In it, describe how you’ve prepared for graduate studies in nutrition, specify your primary area of interest, outline your goals for graduate school and beyond, and explain why the NIU program is the best fit for achieving these goals.
- Letters of recommendation
- 2 (two) letters of recommendation from individuals speaking to your ability to be successful in completing a graduate-level degree program. Your recommenders should be individuals who have a professional or academic relationship with you as the applicant.
- Application deadlines and admit terms:
- The MS in Nutrition program admits new graduate students during the Fall, Spring, and Summer semesters. International students will be admitted for Fall only.
- Applications must be received by the Graduate School no later than:
- Fall admit term: January 15 (priority deadline) - July 15
- Spring admit term: December 10
- Summer admit term: June 1
- Admission review process/timelines
- The MS in Nutrition program employs a faculty committee to review completed applications on a rolling basis. Official notification will be released by the Graduate School.
A combined total of no more than 12 semester hours of graduate credit earned as a student-at-large plus transfer hours will be counted toward the MS degree. Required Courses (22 credits)
Students must complete the required courses: Electives (12 credits)
All students are required to complete 12 credits of electives related to their professional areas of interest. Proposed coursework must be pre-approved by the student’s advisor. Students may consider earning a Certificate of Graduate Study as part of their electives.
Students in the MS-DI or MS-DPD will have different elective requirements. Dietetic Internship (MS-DI)
The dietetic internship (DI) is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics (ACEND) and is available only to majors enrolled in the MS in Nutrition. The dietetic internship offers on-site supervised practice experiences in medical nutrition therapy, lifecycle nutrition, community nutrition, and food service management; successful completion fulfills the practice competency (CRDN) requirements to qualify for the Registration Examination of the Commission on Dietetics Registration (CDR) to become a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RDN). The MS-DI program involves six terms (2.5 years): two orientation terms comprised of coursework only, and four terms comprised of both on-site supervised practice experience (20-40 hours/week) and graduate study. Students in the internship must have completed at least 15 semester hours toward the degree before they can be placed in a supervised practice site. Special Requirements
See the Clinical Requirements HERE. Admission
Admission is limited and competitive; admission to the MS in Nutrition does not constitute admission to the dietetic internship. Prior to admission, students must complete the academic requirements for the Didactic Program in Dietetics (DPD). A grade point average of 3.00 or better in key DPD coursework is required. These courses are identified in the applications packet. Applicants must complete 150 clock hours of paid work or volunteer experience related to the profession. Application Process Students may apply in the spring semester by January 15th. Applications will be screened, ranked, and invited for an interview. Applicants will be notified by March 1st and must accept admission by March 15th. Late applicants will be considered only if openings are available. You’ll submit two applications. The first is through the Dietetic Internship Centralized Application System (DICAS). For technical assistance or further information on the DICAS application process, please visit DICAS Help. The second is the NIU Graduate School application, which comes with a nominal application fee (separate from those imposed by DICAS). You only need to include the following on this application: - Program of study (MS in Nutrition)
- Name
- Address
- Phone Number
- Unofficial transcript
Note: It is not necessary to attach your application materials (transcripts, statement of purpose, letters of recommendation, etc.) to the NIU Graduate School application since those items will already accompany your DICAS application. Official transcripts are required by the Graduate School once your bachelor’s degree is conferred. You must apply through both DICAS and the NIU Graduate School to be considered for the current admissions cycle. Applications materials and payments must be received by January 15. Requirements
In addition to the courses for the MS in Nutrition, completion of the following internship courses are required: Program Completion
When all requirements of both the MS degree and dietetic internship have been met, students will be issued the ACEND Verification Statement of dietetic internship completion. MS-DPD
The MS-DPD satisfies the knowledge competency (KRDN) requirements of the Didactic Program in Dietetics (DPD) which is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics (ACEND). This program is intended for postbaccalaureate students without degrees from an ACEND-accredited nutrition degree program who wish to complete DPD verification. Applicants must consult with the MS in Nutrition Program Director to determine eligibility and program of study. Admission
In addition to the prerequisites for the MS in Nutrition, MS-DPD students must also complete a food science course with a lab. Requirements
In addition to the required courses for the MS in Nutrition (22 credits), students in the MS-DPD must complete the following courses and demonstrate proficiency with all KRDNs associated with the courses. Program Completion
When all KRDNs have been successfully met, students will be issued the ACEND DPD Verification Statement. The DPD Verification Statement does not require completion of the MS in Nutrition. Students with the DPD Verification Statement are eligible to apply for an ACEND-accredited dietetic internship. Students are strongly recommended to acquire work experience in patient care and food service to enhance eligibility for the dietetic internship program. Students in the MS-DPD will be eligible for early acceptance into the MS-DI. |
Return to: College of Health and Human Sciences
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