Nutrition and Dietetics and Dietetic Internship Programs

The graduate programs offer advanced study in human nutrition. As described below, master of science (MS) degree programs are available for students who do, or do not, have undergraduate preparation in nutrition. Some programs incorporate the Didactic Program in Dietetics (DPD) and/or a Dietetic Internship (DI). The DPD and the DI are accredited by the Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics (ACEND), 120 South Riverside Plaza, Suite 2000, Chicago, IL 60606-6995; 312-899-0040, ext. 5400. A car may be necessary to get to the DI site. The DI is a 29-week, 6-credit course requiring payment of tuition. In addition, a $1,000 fee must be paid to the site.

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).

Want to improve your English level for admission?

Prepare for the program requirements with English Online by the British Council.

• ✔️ Flexible study schedule
• ✔️ Experienced teachers
• ✔️ Certificate upon completion

📘 Recommended for students with an IELTS level of 6.0 or below.

Enroll in the course

Scholarships

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