Program Overview

The master’s in nutrition and dietetics at the University of Kansas Medical Center is offered as a Master of Science in Dietetics and Nutrition through the Department of Dietetics and Nutrition. This graduate program is designed for students who want to deepen their expertise in nutrition science while preparing for professional practice in dietetics. Whether you are advancing toward credentialing as a registered dietitian nutritionist (RDN) or strengthening your foundation in clinical and community nutrition, this program provides a rigorous academic and supervised experiential pathway grounded in evidence-based practice.

As one of the leading degrees in nutrition and dietetics in the region, the curriculum integrates advanced coursework in metabolism, medical nutrition therapy, public health nutrition, and research methods. Students explore the complex relationships among food, nutrients, health outcomes, and disease prevention across the lifespan. Through a combination of classroom instruction, applied learning, and supervised practice experiences, the program prepares graduates to translate nutrition science into practical strategies that improve individual and population health.

Students enrolled in the master’s in nutrition complete a carefully sequenced curriculum that emphasizes clinical reasoning, interprofessional collaboration, and culturally responsive care. Coursework addresses advanced macronutrient and micronutrient metabolism, nutrition assessment, nutrition education and counseling, and program planning and evaluation. The program’s structure reflects current standards in dietetics education and aligns with professional competencies required for credentialing.

Key Features

  • Comprehensive Curriculum: Graduate-level study in clinical dietetics, public health nutrition, food systems, metabolism, and research design.
  • Research and Applied Learning: The program offers both thesis and non-thesis options, emphasizing research literacy, data analysis, and applied problem-solving. Students interested in supervised clinical practice should explore the Dual MS/Dietetic Internship program.
  • Evidence-Based Focus: Emphasis on research appraisal and application of scientific literature to nutrition interventions.
  • Interprofessional Environment: Opportunities to learn alongside students and professionals across health disciplines at an academic medical center.
  • Credentialing Pathway: A master’s degree is now required to sit for the national RDN credentialing exam. This program fulfills that academic requirement. Students who also complete the Dual MS/Dietetic Internship Certificate earn the supervised practice hours needed to pursue the RDN credential.

Whether you are fulfilling the academic requirement for the registered dietitian nutritionist (RDN) credential or deepening your expertise in clinical and community nutrition science, this program provides a rigorous, evidence-based graduate pathway.

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For more information about the program, visit the program page below.

Dietetics & Nutrition, MS

KU School of Health Professions

The Master’s in Dietetics and Nutrition is part of the School of Health Professions, where top-notch training programs and research put our graduates in high demand.

Master’s in Dietetics and Nutrition Learning Outcomes

Graduates of the master’s in nutrition will be able to:

  • Apply advanced principles of nutrition science and metabolism to the prevention and management of acute and chronic disease.
  • Conduct comprehensive nutrition assessments and develop evidence-based nutrition care plans.
  • Design, implement, and evaluate nutrition education and public health interventions.
  • Interpret and apply research findings to clinical and community nutrition practice.
  • Demonstrate effective communication and counseling strategies with diverse individuals and populations.
  • Fulfill the academic degree requirement necessary to pursue eligibility for the national RDN credentialing examination, in conjunction with an accredited dietetic internship program.

What Careers Are Possible with a Master’s in Dietetics and Nutrition?

Graduates of the master’s in nutrition are prepared for professional roles across healthcare, community, research, and food systems sectors. Many pursue credentialing and work as registered dietitian nutritionists in clinical or community settings. Others leverage the analytical and scientific training gained through this program to serve in leadership, education, or research roles. Career pathways may include:

  • Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RDN)
  • Public Health Nutritionist
  • Nutrition Educator
  • Clinical Research Professional

According to Lightcast, employment for dietitians and nutrition professionals is projected to grow approximately 8% over the next decade, with median annual earnings around $64,000 nationally. The strong workforce outlook reflects continued demand for professionals trained through rigorous degrees in nutrition and dietetics who can address chronic disease prevention, population health, and food-related health disparities.

Tuition and Financial Aid

Tuition for the Master’s in Dietetics and Nutrition program at KU varies based on residency status and the number of credit hours taken. KU offers a range of financial aid opportunities, including scholarships, federal student loans, and work-study programs. Graduate students may also be eligible for teaching or research assistantships.

For information on tuition rates, financial aid opportunities, and how to apply for financial assistance, please visit KU Financial Aid.

Admission Requirements

To be considered for the Master’s in Nutrition program, applicants must meet the following requirements:

  • A bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution.
  • A minimum GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale (or equivalent).
  • Official transcripts from all post-secondary institutions attended.
  • Three letters of recommendation from academic or professional references.
  • A goal statement (submitted within the online application) describing your educational and professional goals.
  • A resume or CV demonstrating relevant work or volunteer experience.
  • Prerequisite coursework in biochemistry (one semester), physiology (one semester), and nutrition (more than one semester preferred).
  • A background check is required for all incoming students, per Joint Commission requirements. This one-time fee is paid directly to the background check provider.

For more detailed information, visit the Department of Dietetics and Nutrition.

Student Life and Learning Experiences

Students in the master’s in nutrition engage in a dynamic learning environment within an academic medical center. Access to research-active faculty and clinical partners supports experiential learning that connects theory to practice. Students in the thesis track gain hands-on research experience working alongside active faculty, while non-thesis students complete an applied special problems project. Those seeking supervised clinical practice hours should inquire about the Dual MS/Dietetic Internship program.

Beyond the classroom and clinical sites, students benefit from academic advising, professional development programming, and opportunities to collaborate with peers across health professions. The program fosters a supportive and inclusive environment that prepares graduates of the master’s of dietetics to contribute meaningfully to interdisciplinary healthcare teams and community health initiatives.

Master’s in Dietetics and Nutrition Sample Courses

Coursework within the master’s in nutrition reflects the scientific and applied foundations of advanced dietetics education. Sample courses may include:

  • Health Behavior Counseling
  • Methods of Research in Nutrition
  • Advanced Macronutrients and Integrated Metabolism
  • Advanced Micronutrients and Integrated Metabolism
  • Scientific Writing for the Nutritional Sciences
  • Principles of Statistics in Public Health

Together, these courses support the development of analytical, clinical, and communication skills essential for graduates of leading nutrition master’s programs. For a complete list of courses, please visit the KU Catalog.

Master’s in Dietetics and Nutrition Frequently Asked Questions

When should I apply?

Application deadlines are June 1 for fall semester, October 30 for spring semester and March 31 for summer semester.

How long will it take to complete the degree?

Students typically complete this degree in two years.

Contact Information

Department of Dietetics and Nutrition 913-588-5355

Accreditation & Notes

The University of Kansas is institutionally accredited by the Higher Learning Commission. The Dual MS/Dietetic Internship program within the Department of Dietetics and Nutrition is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics (ACEND), the accrediting agency of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics.

The Master of Science in Dietetics and Nutrition is the official degree awarded. References to “masters in nutrition” or similar terms are used for clarity and student understanding.