Dietetics (Online) Specialization (M.S.)

The master's degree in Nutrition and Health Sciences-Dietetics (Online) specialization is available to any one of the following: 

• Registered Dietitians (RD)
• Those who have met both the academic and supervised practice requirements of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics and are ready to sit for the national credentialing exam to become a Registered Dietitian
• Those who have a DPD verification statement

Note: Obtaining the DPD verification statement and subsequently completing the MS distance program in dietetics does not qualify one to practice as an RD. Completion of 1200 hours of supervised practice through an ACEND accredited program is also needed before sitting for the exam to be a RD.
 

Overview

The Dietetics specialization is part of the multi-state Innovative Digital Education Alliance (IDEA). Formerly known as Great Plains IDEA, the Innovative Digital Education Alliance is a consortium of 20 renowned public universities from across the United States offering online, flexible, and affordable degree and certificate programs in human sciences and agriculture. 

Students can apply to one of the institutions (in this case, the University of Nebraska-Lincoln) but may also take courses offered by any of the 20 partner institutions which include: 

Utilize the links below for more information regarding the Innovative Digital Education Alliance (IDEA):

• How it works: https://youtu.be/-ba5Shodvug
• Dietetics program: https://www.gpidea.org/program/dietetics
• Tuition and costs: https://www.gpidea.org/students/costs
• Course information: https://www.gpidea.org/program/dietetics/masters-degree
• Course matrix: https://www.gpidea.org/course-planner/dietetics/masters-degree
• FAQ: https://www.gpidea.org/students/faq
   

What can you do with a Dietetics master's degree? 

Registered dietitians work in a wide variety of employment settings, including health care, business and industry, community/public health, education, research, government agencies, and private practice.

Many work environments, particularly those in medical and healthcare settings, require that an individual be credentialed as an RDN.

RDNs work within a wide array of areas including, but not limited to:

• Hospitals, HMOs, or other healthcare facilities
  • educating patients about nutrition and administering medical nutrition therapy as part of the health-care team. They may also manage the foodservice operations in these settings as well as in schools, daycare centers, and correctional facilities overseeing everything from food purchasing and preparation to managing staff.
• Sports nutrition and corporate wellness programs
  • educating clients about the connection between food, fitness, and health.
• Food and nutrition-related business and industries
  • working in communications, consumer affairs, public relations, marketing, product development, or consulting with chefs in restaurants and culinary schools.
• Private practice
  • working under contract with healthcare or food companies or in their own business. RDs may provide services to food service or restaurant managers, food vendors, and distributors or athletes, nursing home residents, or company employees.
• Community and public health settings
  • teaching, monitoring, and advising the public and helping improve their quality of life through healthy eating habits.
• Universities and medical centers
  • teaching physician's assistants, nurses, dietetics students, dentists, and others the sophisticated science of foods and nutrition.
• Research areas
  • within food and pharmaceutical companies, universities, and hospitals directing or conducting experiments to answer critical nutrition questions and find alternative foods or nutrition recommendations for the public.

-EatRightPro: rb.gy/9o677

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics:

• employment of dietitians and nutritionists is projected to grow 7% from 2022-2032, faster than the average for all occupations.
• because of the increased emphasis on the role of food and nutrition in preventing and treating diseases, a growing and aging population, and public interest in nutrition.