M.S. in Dietetics and Nutrition for RDNs

UAA Future Graduate (FG) Program

Welcome to the UAA Master of Science (M.S.) in Dietetics and Nutrition program. (Note: if you are a pre-professional student interested in obtaining a Dietetics and Nutrition Master's degree, please visit the M.S. in Dietetics and Nutrition for pre-professionals page.)

The M.S. in Dietetics and Nutrition program provides the education requirements for entry-level practice as a registered dietitian nutritionist (RDN) for applicants who have a minimum of a bachelor’s degree and a DPD verification statement (or the required prerequisite coursework) from a program accredited by the Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics (ACEND).  Brand new in Fall 2021, the M.S. in Dietetics and Nutrition is a graduate Future Education Model (FG) program that integrates the required coursework with supervised experiential learning (SEL) in one accredited program.  Graduates of this program are eligible to take the national registration exam for dietitians.  The FG program is accredited by ACEND.

Alternatively, the program provides additional study in dietetics and nutrition for Registered Dietitians (RDs)/Registered Dietitian Nutritionists (RDNs) currently registered through the Commission on Dietetic Registration.  This is a didactic only track.

The M.S. in Dietetics and Nutrition is an online program for the required classes.  The supervised experiential learning rotations are currently only based in Alaska.  Reliable computer and internet access are required.  Some online classes have required meeting times.  For more information about the technology that is needed to participate in the online program see the Online Class Requirements.

Admission Requirements

  1. All applicants are required to submit an online application to UAA Office of Admissions with all required documents by the posted deadlines. 
  2. Satisfy admission requirements for graduate degrees:
    a. Awarded a baccalaureate degree from a regionally accredited institution (submission of an official transcript showing conferral of a bachelor’s degree is required prior to starting the program)
    b. Minimum GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale
  3. Copy of current RD/RDN credential from the Commission on Dietetic Registration.
  4. Personal statement, addressing the following items:
    1. Significant professional or volunteer responsibilities you have held,
    2. Professional goals and reasons for desiring to enroll in this program,
    3. Strengths that will help you succeed in this program and in reaching your professional goals,
    4. Personal interests in research and dietetics and nutrition,
    5. Research is required for all students in this program, either through a graduate project or thesis. List which DN faculty member you would most like to work with for academic advising.  The DN faculty professional and research interests are as follows:
      1.  Dr. Carrie King (cdking@alaska.edu, 907-786-6597):  evidence-based practice, research involvement, research capacity building, research self-efficacy, profession of dietetics, dietetics education, practice-based research, culinary medicine, culinary literacy, pediatric nutrition, diabetes
      2. Dr. Amanda Walch (akwalch@alaska.edu, 907-786-1362): diet quality, community-based participatory research (CBPR), public health, traditional foods, food security, nutrition education, nutrition counseling
      3. Dr. Emily Faerber (ecfaerber@alaska.edu,  907-786-4490): food security, infant and young child feeding, nutrition during pregnancy and lactation, food systems, diet quality, global health, program evaluation
    6. Provide any previous names your application materials may be submitted under.
  5. Current resume or CV, including documentation of the following:
    1. Paid work experience(s)
    2. Volunteer or community service experience(s)
    3. Professional organization membership(s)
  6. Two letters of recommendation that meet the following criteria:
    1. Letters must address prior academic, work or volunteer experience, with evidence of ability and willingness to work productively.
    2. Individuals who are qualified to address your professional, volunteer or academic experience and abilities.
    3. Written by a non-personal reference (i.e., not a family friend) and non-UAA DN faculty.
    4. When you complete your application using the online process through the UAA Office of Admissions, you will enter the contact information for your references.  References will recieve an email with a link and form to complete.
  7. Interview: Applicants to the MS Dietetics and Nutrition will complete an online interview assessment. You will be sent a link via email that will provide instructions on how to complete the interview. It will take 30-60 minutes to complete and you will complete this on your own time. The interview assessment must be completed before the application deadline.
  • Calendar for Applying to Program

    Action

    When

    1. Review admission materials from the UAA Office of Admissions and the Dietetics and Nutrition graduate program.  

    As early as possible.

    2. Apply for UAA graduate school admission through the UAA Office of Admissions and submit all required application materials. 

    Feb. 15 For fall semester start in the Current RDN track
    Nov. 15 For spring semester start in the Current RDN track

    3. Notice of DN graduate program admission decision e-mailed to applicant

    Within four weeks of application deadline

    4.Requests for consideration of transfer credit:  

    Note: Courses that were applied towards an undergraduate degree cannot be applied to the MS Dietetics and Nutrition.  

    Send an e-mail to the DN graduate program director with the following information

    1. Specific transfer course you are requesting be considered and which UAA course this could be applied to.
    2. Course descriptions for transfer course and UAA course this would be applied to.
    3. Course syllabus for the transfer course(s).

    Before first meeting with DN graduate program director following acceptance into the program.

     

     

  • After Admission

    Upon successful admission, prior to starting coursework, an advising meeting with assigned academic advisor is required.

For information about financial aid, scholarships and loan deferments contact the UAA Financial Aid office.
For additional information about scholarships see the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics Foundation.