Online MS in Human Nutrition-Didactic Program in Dietetics

***The Online MS in Human Nutrition-Didactic Program in Dietetics is not currently accepting new students. Please check back in the future for program updates.***

Drexel University’s online Master of Science in Human Nutrition Program provides students with a thorough education in normal and therapeutic nutrition for individuals and groups. The program is designed for students who have earned a bachelor's degree and wish to become a registered dietitian nutritionist (RDN) or wish to delve more deeply into nutritional science and research. 

Students can opt to pursue the Didactic Program in Dietetics (DPD) Plus Partner Dietetic Internship track leading to becoming an RDN, or the Nutrition Sciences (NS) track leading to work in research and industry, or as preparation for more advanced study. Both tracks stress the interdisciplinary and scientific nature of nutrition and food and provide students with a base of theoretical knowledge and methodology enabling them to continue professional growth after graduation.

The Master of Science in Human Nutrition DPD Plus Partner Dietetic Internship track provides applicants a two-year pathway to becoming a registered dietitian nutritionist (RDN) at the graduate level* without having to apply through the national dietetic internship match. Applicants may hold a bachelor’s degree in any discipline and must have completed prerequisite courses with a grade of B or better before entering the program.

The Master of Science in Human Nutrition DPD Plus Partner Dietetic Internship track builds on the strength of Drexel’s successful history of offering an accredited Didactic Program in Dietetics (DPD) at the master’s degree level by partnering with the following highly competitive and rigorous dietetic internships.

Students who successfully complete the degree program are guaranteed a dietetic internship at one of the partner programs and do not need to participate in the national internship match:

• Emory Healthcare Dietetic Internship Program, Atlanta, GA
• Tulane University Dietetic Internship, New Orleans, LA
• University of Maryland Medical Center Dietetic Internship, Baltimore, MD
• Virginia Commonwealth University Health System Dietetic Internship, Richmond, VA
• Yale New Haven Hospital Dietetic Internship, New Haven, CT

At the end of their first quarter in the program, each student completes an internal application to the partner programs they are interested in attending (must apply to a minimum of two programs) and will be matched with one dietetic internship through a pre-select process before the DICAS match is held.

Effective January 1, 2024, the Commission on Dietetic Registration (CDR) will require a minimum of a master’s degree to be eligible to take the credentialing exam to become a registered dietitian nutritionist (RDN). In addition, CDR requires that individuals complete coursework and supervised practice in program(s) accredited by the Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics (ACEND). In Pennsylvania, graduates also must obtain licensure to practice. Graduates who successfully complete the ACEND-accredited didactic program in dietetics at Drexel University are eligible to apply to an ACEND-accredited supervised practice program. Learn more information about educational pathways to become an RDN.

The MS/DPD Plus track is not an option for individuals who already hold the RDN credential.

Graduate study in human nutrition is offered on both a full-time and part-time basis.

Our Mission

Drexel University’s Department of Nutrition Sciences, didactic program in dietetics integrates a foundation in the nutrition sciences with courses in the social sciences to provide the knowledge, skills and professional values needed to prepare students to become entry-level registered dietitian nutritionists.

What You'll Learn

The Human Nutrition curriculum covers all aspects of normal and therapeutic nutrition for individuals and groups. This major also encompasses nutrition science, the application of the principles of biochemistry, physiology, and biology to human nutritional needs. Current research in human nutrition includes food preference and nutrition, nutrition assessment, and effectiveness of nutrition education (particularly by the use of multimedia) on health and eating habits. Current research in nutrition science includes physiological and genetic determinants of obesity, lipid metabolism, neutraceuticals, and diet-endocrine interrelationships.

What Makes the Human Nutrition Program Unique?

• Drexel University was one of the first universities in the country to offer the DPD at the graduate level specifically geared to students with a bachelor’s degree in another field.
• Between 2016 and the present, our MS, DPD students have achieved a 100% match rate with dietetic internships and 98% one-year pass rate on the RDN exam.
• Now, we are one of the first universities to partner with free-standing dietetic internships to provide a one-step path to eligibility for the RDN exam.

Accreditation

The Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics (ACEND) is the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics’ accrediting agency for education programs preparing students for careers as registered dietitians (RD). ACEND exists to serve the public by establishing and enforcing Eligibility Requirements and Accreditation Standards that ensure the quality and continued improvement of nutrition/dietetics education programs. Programs meeting those standards are accredited by ACNED. ACEND is recognized by the United States Department of Education and the Council for Higher Education Accreditation. This affirms that ACEND meets national standards and is a reliable authority on the quality of nutrition/dietetics education programs.

The Drexel University Didactic Program in Nutrition is currently accredited by the Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics.

For further information, please contact:

Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics
120 South Riverside Plaza, Suite 2190
Chicago, IL 60606-6995
312.899.0040 ext. 5400
http://www.eatrightPRO.org/ACEND

USDE Requirements for Disclosing Licensure Information to Students

It is ACEND’s considered opinion that the program is designed to and does meet all state dietetics licensure and certification. Learn more about state licensure and certification.

Outcomes

Drexel's MS in Human Nutrition graduates have exceptionally high placement in dietetic internships. Over the past five years (2019–2023), 100% (43/43) of graduates of the program were preselected or matched with a dietetic internship or ISPP (national average 70%).

Drexel's MS in Human Nutrition alumni have an exceptionally high pass rate on the entry-level exam to become a registered dietitian nutritionist. Over the past five years (2018–2022), 93.8% (61/65) of MS in Human Nutrition alumni passed the exam on their first attempt and 100% passed within one year.

Additional program outcomes are available upon request by contacting the Program Director, Professor Beth Leonberg.

DPD Mission

Drexel University’s Department of Nutrition Sciences, didactic program in dietetics integrates a foundation in the nutrition sciences with courses in the social sciences to provide the knowledge, skills and professional values needed to prepare students to become entry-level registered dietitian nutritionists.

Program Goals

Program Goal #1: To provide quality didactic instruction and learning experiences to prepare graduates to be accepted into dietetic internships or to work in the field of dietetics.

• Objective #1: At least 90% of program graduates apply for admission to a supervised practice program prior to or within 12 months of graduation.
• Objective #2: Of program graduates who apply to a supervised practice program, at least 90% are admitted within 12 months of graduation.
• Objective #3: At least 80% of students complete program within 18 months (150% of planned program length).

Program Goal #2: To prepare graduates to become competent entry-level dietitians.

• Objective #1: The program's one-year pass rate (graduates who pass the registration exam within one year of first attempt) on the CDR credentialing exam for dietitian nutritionists is at least 80%.
• Objective #2: Internship directors or employers of graduates of the DPD will rate ten aspects of the students’ preparation for internship an average of "4" or better, on a scale of 1=poor to 5=excellent within 12 months of graduation.

Program Goal #3: To increase diversity in the profession by facilitating the success of students from underrepresented groups.

• Objective #1: At least 25% of students will be from underrepresented groups.

MS/DPD: A Step Toward Becoming a Registered Dietician

If you have a desire to promote optimal wellness and quality of life for people of all ages through better nutrition, and if you have an interest in and capacity for science, the Didactic Program in Dietetics option may be of interest to you. The program requires 45 graduate credits and may be completed in two years with full-time study and is the first step to becoming a registered dietitian.

What is a DPD?

The Didactic Program in Dietetics (DPD) provides the coursework required to become a registered dietitian. Students who want to become a registered dietitian must successfully complete coursework approved by the Accreditation Council on Education in Nutrition and Dietetics of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics. For students pursuing a Master of Science degree, the prerequisite courses (listed on the Admissions tab) fulfill a part of the required DPD coursework. Upon completion of the DPD program, students receive a verification statement, which shows successful completion of the DPD and allows entry into a dietetic internship. Master of Science students are required to earn a grade of B or better in all DPD courses to receive a DPD verification statement.

What is a Dietetic Internship?

After you complete your MS/DPD program, you must apply for a dietetic internship (also called supervised practice). While the DPD provides mostly classroom training, the dietetic internship provides hands-on training. Dietetic internships provide at least 1,200 hours of supervised practice (unpaid) and are usually completed in eight to 12 months, depending on the availability of a part-time schedule. Entry to a dietetic internship is competitive. You will likely need at least a 3.2 undergraduate GPA and relevant work experience in healthcare to be a viable candidate. After completion of the internship, you are eligible to take the registration examination for dietitians.

What Does it Mean to be a Registered Dietitian?

Registered Dietitians are food and nutrition experts employed in a wide variety of settings who find exciting jobs working as:

• Clinical dietitians—who provide medical nutritional therapy for patients in hospitals, physician offices, and other locations.
• Sports dietitians— who work with competitive and recreational athletes, and for sports teams.
• Wellness dietitians—who work in corporate wellness programs.
• Community dietitians—who counsel individuals and groups on nutritional practices designed to prevent disease and promote good health.
• Management dietitians—who oversee large-scale meal planning and preparation in healthcare facilities, business and industry, and colleges and universities.
• Consultant dietitians—who often work under contract with healthcare facilities.
• Private practice dietitians—who counsel individuals and groups on good nutrition to improve health.
• Education dietitians—who teach nurses, dietetics students, and others about nutrition in higher education.

Drexel University offers a variety of Graduate Minors that can be added to any master's degree program.
State restrictions may apply to some programs.