Master of Science in Nutrition and Dietetic Internship (MS/DI)
Ouachita Baptist University offers one of the few faith-based master’s in nutrition
programs in the country. Our Master of Science in Nutrition and Dietetic Internship
(MS/DI) degree program provides comprehensive curriculum and in-person supervised
training combined with online coursework required and in-person supervised training
for becoming a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist working in clinical, community and
administrative settings.
At Ouachita, you become a part of our close-knit Department of Nutrition & Dietetics, surrounded by supportive faculty and fellow students who encourage you to develop
your professional expertise while you grow in your faith and purpose for serving others.
Rolling Admission Dates
Applications can be submitted anytime after the program is opened for applications.
First Round:
Oct. 15: Application due date
Nov. 1: Applicant notification date
Nov. 15: Applicant decision date
Second Round:
Feb. 15: Application due date
March 1: Applicant notification date
March 15: Applicant decision date
Questions? Please contact Holly Kyzer, MS/DI Director at [email protected] or 870-245-5546.
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The Ouachita Baptist University Master of Science in Nutrition and Dietetic Internship (MS/DI) is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics (ACEND), the accrediting agency for the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics. Resources from the Academy can be found at www.eatright.org/acend. // Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics | 120 South Riverside Plaza Suite 2190 Chicago, IL 60606-6995 | 800/877-1600 ext. 5400
Effective Jan. 1, 2024, the Commission on Dietetic Registration 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 most states, graduates also must obtain licensure or certification to practice.
The field of dietetics is experiencing a national shortage of professionals, with a projected 7% growth in demand through 2032, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Contribute to improving the health of people of all ages by pursuing a career in nutrition, such as:
Agricultural and Food Scientist
Eating Disorders Counselor
Health Educator and Community Health Worker
Media Spokesperson
Pediatric Dietitian
Pharmaceutical Sales
Sports Nutritionist/Wellness Coach
Gain advanced knowledge in a range of nutrition and dietetics topics, including:
Advanced Community Nutrition
Diabetes, Obesity and Weight Management
Eating Disorders
Nutrition Counseling
Pediatric Nutrition
Sports Nutrition
Supervised Practice I and II
To be eligible for this program, you must have a bachelor’s degree in nutrition or a related field. Additionally, you need to provide a Verification Statement from either an ACEND-accredited Nutrition and Dietetics Didactic Program in Dietetics (DPD) or a Foreign Dietitian Education Program (FDE) obtained within the last five years. Explore Ouachita’s undergraduate DPD program.
If you have completed an ACEND-accredited Dietetic Internship program and passed the Commission on Dietetic Registration (CDR) Exam within the past five years, you may receive up to 18 hours of graduate credit toward the required 36 hours. Approval from the program director is necessary, and you must provide your current CDR ID card.
The Patterson School of Natural Sciences offers the MS/DI degree program to train students to work as Registered Dietitian Nutritionists. The program takes 15 months to complete and comprises 36 hours, with a mixture of in-person and online coursework and an in-person, 32-week supervised practice component at regional sites across Arkansas, Louisiana and Texas. We give priority admission to the MS/DI program to graduates of Ouachita's undergraduate DPD program.
Prospective students can apply between August 1, 2024 and February 15, 2025, for August 2025 enrollment.
Learn more about Ouachita’s Graduate & Professional Studies.
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Supervised Practice Sites
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Hours of Supervised Practice
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RD Exam Pass Rate
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Students in Each MS/DI Cohort
"There is a great need for Registered Dietitian Nutritionists in Arkansas and the nation. Ouachita is taking this opportunity to make a difference in our state by offering a Master of Science in Nutrition & Dietetic Internship (MS/DI) for up-and-coming dietitians."
Holly Kyzer, MS, RD, LD
Assistant Professor and MS/DI Director
program details
Ouachita General Graduate Admissions Requirements:
- Conferred bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited institution
- 2.5 minimum GPA on a 4.0 scale (individual programs may require a specific GPA)
- Completed Ouachita graduate application with a statement of purpose
- Three references
Review the master’s in nutrition and dietetic internship program admissions requirements.
To gather information about specific course schedules, supervised practice opportunities and more, view the MS/DI program requirements.
2024-2025 Nutrition & Dietetics Degree Cost of Attendance
- Tuition per graduate credit hour: $750
- Estimated total tuition and fees for full 36-hour program: $27,685
Explore Graduate & Professional Studies program costs and financial assistance.
Program Goal 1: To prepare graduates who are competent to practice as an entry-level Registered Dietitian Nutritionist
Objective 1. Program Completion objective required by ACEND: "At least 80% of interns complete program requirements within 22.5 months (150% of the program length)."
Objective 2. Graduate Employment objective required by ACEND: "Of graduates who seek employment, at least 70% are employed in nutrition and dietetics or related fields within 12 months of graduation."
Objective 3. Graduate Performance on Registration Exam objective required by ACEND: "At least 80% of program graduates take the CDR credentialing exam for dietitian nutritionists within 12 months of program completion."
Objective 4. RD exam pass rate objective required by ACEND: "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 5. Employer satisfaction objective required by ACEND: “At least 75% of employers who respond to an Employer Satisfaction Survey will rate graduates during the first year of employment as either average or above average for entry-level practice.”
Objective 6. Program Specific Objective: At least 75% of graduates who respond to
the alumni survey said they were adequately prepared for an entry-level Registered
Dietitian Nutritionist job.
Program Goal 2: To prepare graduates with knowledge and experiences that promote lifelong learning, professional growth and Christian leadership and service
Objective 1. At least 50% of graduates who responded to the alumni survey said they attend a minimum of one local, state or national dietetic meeting each year.
Objective 2. At least 50% of graduates who respond to the alumni survey report leadership service in the nutrition and dietetics profession and/or the community.
Objective 3. At least 50% of graduates who respond to the alumni survey report Christian leadership and service in the community.
*Program outcomes data are available upon request.
If you’re interested in applying to a Ouachita graduate program but are not a U.S. citizen, contact your graduate admissions counselor, Angie Schleiff, at [email protected] before submitting an application. Due to visa requirements, admission requests from non-U.S. citizens are addressed on a case-by-case basis and take extra time. Please inquire early in the process.
Minimum English proficiency requirements for international students are:
- Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL):
- At least a 79 on the internet-Based TOEFL (iBT)
- At least a 550 on the paper-based TOEFL
- International English Language Testing System (IELTS):
- At least a 6.5 on the IELTS exam
Limitless Opportunities for Growth
Ouachita's dietetic interns gain more than 1,000 hours of supervised practice, with a choice of more than 100 rotation sites across Arkansas including prominent healthcare facilities such as the Arkansas Department of Health, Baptist Health, CHI St. Vincent, Arkansas Children’s Hospital and DaVita Dialysis. With diverse and extensive experiential learning placements, our interns have daily opportunities for learning, growth and exploration.
Coursework You'll Enjoy
In our nutrition & dietetics program, you study a variety of subjects like nutrition counseling, nutrition trends, pediatric nutrition and eating disorders so you can explore different areas within the field and pursue the ones you’re most passionate about. Our commitment to academic excellence ensures you’ll be challenged and teaches you how to problem-solve.
Faculty Invested in Your Success
Ouachita’s Department of Nutrition & Dietetics is home to approachable professors with extensive field experience and academic expertise. Our welcoming department sees you as more than just a number, providing personalized feedback and support as you advance in your training and career.
Come for Undergrad, Stay for Your Master’s Degree
Students who enroll in Ouachita's Department of Nutrition & Dietetics as freshmen can complete their bachelor’s and master’s nutrition & dietetics degrees in just 5 ½ years. With the guidance of caring professors, their transition from undergraduate to MS/DI is seamless. Undergrads are also assured priority admission to the MS/DI program. Ouachita's nutrition & dietetics programs fully prepare students with practical experience in clinical, community and administrative settings for the Registered Dietitian examination, boasting a 100% pass rate across the department.
In their words
hear from a student and faculty member in our nutrition & dietetics program.
GRADUATE & PROFESSIONAL STUDIES
Ouachita Baptist University's Graduate and Professional Studies programs cater to individuals committed to lifelong learning or seeking career advancement. The programs employ innovative modalities in diverse fields, ensuring that students find success professionally and spiritually. Emphasizing a sense of community, Ouachita cultivates meaningful relationships among students and professors for a supportive and enriching educational experience.
Get in Touch
Take the first step toward an impactful career in nutrition — connect with us to discover how Ouachita Baptist University’s master’s in nutrition and dietetic internship degree program can elevate your opportunities for helping others live healthier lives.