Nutrition and Dietetics and Dietetic Internship Programs

The Boston University Dietetic Internship Program is a comprehensive, accredited training experience designed to prepare future registered dietitians for professional practice in diverse healthcare settings. This program offers a unique blend of clinical, community, and food service management rotations that enable interns to develop critical skills in nutrition assessment, counseling, program planning, and leadership. Emphasizing evidence-based practice and cultural competence, the internship provides extensive supervised practice opportunities complemented by didactic coursework in medical nutrition therapy, community nutrition, food service systems, and research methods. Interns engage with a multidisciplinary team, gaining practical experience in acute care hospitals, outpatient clinics, community agencies, and food service operations, fostering a well-rounded understanding of the nutritional needs of diverse populations. The program is designed to meet the requirements of the Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics (ACEND), ensuring graduates are eligible to sit for the RDN credentialing exam. Boston University’s rich academic environment, combined with access to cutting-edge resources and faculty expertise, supports interns in achieving their professional goals. The program also emphasizes professional development, ethics, and lifelong learning, equipping interns with the skills necessary to become competent, confident, and compassionate nutrition professionals. Graduates of the Boston University Dietetic Internship are well-prepared to contribute to clinical practice, public health initiatives, research, and policy development within the field of nutrition and dietetics.

Programs for Students with Undergraduate Preparation in Nutrition

Students interested in the Registered Dietitian credential and a career in clinical nutrition/counseling should pursue the MS/DI. In this program, the MS must be completed before entry into the DI. Specific admission requirements are listed below. The 29-week, full-time DI begins in either June or January following completion of the MS program.

Students with undergraduate preparation in nutrition who have already earned the Registered Dietitian credential, or who are interested in graduate-level study in human nutrition, should pursue the MS degree.

Program for Students without Undergraduate Preparation in Nutrition

Students interested in obtaining an MS degree and credentialing as a Registered Dietitian should apply to the DPD/MS+DI program. In this program, students maintaining satisfactory academic progress in coursework will receive the appropriate Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics (AND) verification statement and will be pre-selected into the DI. Specific admission requirements are listed below. The 29-week, full-time DI begins in January or June following completion of the five-semester DPD/MS program.

All programs prepare graduates to critically evaluate and implement the results of current research, solve problems, and communicate effectively. Students study with faculty involved in research, education, administration, professional practice, communication, and consulting. As part of their program, students develop a research proposal and complete an individually designed practicum. Past practicum sites have included a large urban hospital, as part of a nutrition support team; a private practice focused on nutrition for athletes; a clinical research center at a large teaching hospital; an outpatient cardiovascular clinic at a suburban teaching hospital; and the offices of a nationally distributed nutrition newsletter.

The DI has clinical sites at major teaching and community hospitals in the greater Boston area. Please be advised that students may need a car to get to a clinical site. The clinical sites provide excellent opportunities for students to observe and participate in a wide variety of specialties, such as nutrition support, pediatrics, oncology, nephrology, cardiology, diabetes, surgical care, outpatient counseling, food service, and management.

Depending on their program, graduates pursue careers in a wide variety of settings. Clinical environments could include medical and surgical services of hospitals, outpatient clinics, cardiac rehabilitation centers, and private practices. Graduates could also work in the fitness/wellness industry, the pharmaceutical industry, public health, or as consultants to professional sports teams, corporations, and restaurants.

All courses are 4 credits unless otherwise indicated. The DI begins following completion of all courses in the appropriate programs.

Two-Semester MS

Fall

• SPH BS 704 Introduction to Biostatistics (3 cr)
• SAR HS 775 Advanced Clinical Nutrition
• SAR HS 776 Nutritional Epidemiology
• SAR HS 783 Metabolic Regulation

Spring

• SAR HS 742 Nutrition for Disease Prevention
• SAR HS 785 Nutrition Research (2 cr)
• SAR HS 811 Practicum
• Graduate elective (7–8 cr)

MS/DI

Fall

• SPH BS 704 Introduction to Biostatistics (3 cr)
• SAR HS 775 Advanced Clinical Nutrition
• SAR HS 776 Nutritional Epidemiology
• SAR HS 783 Metabolic Regulation
• SAR HS 789 Clinical Nutrition Counseling (2 cr)

Spring

• SAR HS 704 Issues in Clinical Nutrition Practice (2 cr)
• SAR HS 742 Nutrition for Disease Prevention
• SAR HS 785 Nutrition Research (2 cr)
• SAR HS 811 Practicum
• Graduate elective (3–4 cr)

The DI (HS 703) begins in June or January following completion of academic coursework. It is a 6-credit, 29-week, full-time class requiring payment of tuition. In addition, a $1,000 fee must be paid to the internship site.

DPD/MS+DI

Courses marked (*) are DPD.

Courses marked (+) are MS.

Fall I

• SAR HS 551 Human Nutrition Science*
• SMG SM 131 Business, Society & Ethics
• SMG FE 101 Introduction to Finance (2 cr)
• SPH BS 704 Introduction to Biostatistics (3 cr)+
• CAS PS 101 General Psychology*

Spring I

• SAR HS 500 Food Science*
• SAR HS 510 Managing Food and Nutrition Services*
• SAR HS 561 Nutrition Throughout the Life Cycle*
• SAR HS 542 Clinical Exercise Physiology*

Fall II

• SAR HS 566 Community Nutrition*
• SAR HS 584 Medical Nutrition Therapy I*
• SAR HS 776 Nutritional Epidemiology+*
• SAR HS 789 Clinical Nutrition Counseling (2 cr)+*

Spring II

• SAR HS 585 Medical Nutrition Therapy II*
• SAR HS 704 Issues in Clinical Nutrition Practice (2 cr)+
• SAR HS 742 Nutrition for Disease Prevention+
• SAR HS 785 Nutrition Research (2 cr)+*
• SAR HS 811 Practicum

Fall III

• SPH PM 702 Introduction to Health Policy and Management (3 cr)*
• SAR HS 586 Applied Nutrition Care*
• SAR HS 775 Advanced Clinical Nutrition+
• SAR HS 783 Metabolic Regulation+
• SAR SB 721 Social and Behavioral Sciences for Public Health (3 cr)+*

The DI (HS 703) begins in January or June following completion of academic coursework. It is a 6-credit, 29-week, full-time class requiring payment of tuition. In addition, a $1,000 fee must be paid to the internship site.

Requirements

• BU Online Application for Graduate Admissions
• Online Dietetic Internship Centralized Application Service (DICAS).
• Official GRE scores must be received by February 15. Use the Sargent College code (3087) when you take the GRE, and your scores will be sent directly to our admissions office.
• Your personal statement must be limited to a maximum of 500 words and must answer ONLY the following question: “What qualities and skills will I bring to my studies and eventual practice in the field of nutrition and dietetics?”*
• Recommendation forms should be completed by individuals familiar with your academic ability and/or professional work experience. Note that recommendations are only required for the DICAS application. Sargent does not require recommendations as part of the College’s Graduate Application.
• Students who are most competitive for admission will have a TOEFL iBT composite score of at least 90-100 and minimum scores of 20 in each section.
• In lieu of the TOEFL exam, you may submit the International English Language Testing System (IELTS). A score of 7 or higher will also satisfy Sargent College’s English Language proficiency requirement
• A completed, signed International Student Data Form or International Applicant Coversheet
• Copy of the personal information page of your current passport.
• Copies of all current visas, if applicable.
• Financial support documentation (Sponsorship Certification Form and Bank Statement).

Scholarships

• Global Education
• Merit-Based Aid
• University-Wide Merit Aid

The Boston University Nutrition and Dietetics Program offers a comprehensive academic pathway for students pursuing careers in dietetics and nutrition sciences. The curriculum is designed to provide a strong foundation in human nutrition, food science, biochemistry, physiology, and community health, preparing students for roles in clinical, community, and research settings. The program emphasizes evidence-based practice, critical thinking, and professional development, equipping graduates with the necessary skills to excel in a rapidly evolving field.

In addition to coursework, students participate in supervised practice experiences that fulfill the accreditation requirements for becoming a registered dietitian nutritionist (RDN). These internships are strategically integrated into the program to provide hands-on training in hospitals, community organizations, food service management, and scientific research, ensuring that students gain practical skills and a comprehensive understanding of the diverse settings where dietitians operate.

The program's faculty comprises experienced professionals and researchers who are dedicated to supporting student success through mentorship and current, relevant research. Boston University also offers resources such as state-of-the-art laboratories, professional conferences, and partnerships with healthcare institutions, enhancing the educational experience.

Admission to the program requires a bachelor's degree with a strong academic record in sciences and related coursework. Prospective students often need to submit GRE scores, letters of recommendation, and a personal statement. The program maintains high standards and aims to produce competent, ethical, and innovative nutrition professionals ready to meet the health needs of diverse populations.

Graduates of the program are well-prepared to sit for the Commission on Dietetic Registration (CDR) exam, which qualifies them to become licensed or registered dietitians in various states across the U.S. or to pursue advanced degrees and research opportunities. Overall, Boston University's Nutrition and Dietetics program is recognized for its thorough training, professional readiness, and contribution to advancing public health through dietetics.