Dietetics
Master of Science
Living well through smart eating
Improve people’s health, wellness and quality of life through good nutrition by becoming a registered dietitian nutritionist (RDN).
In this program, you’ll learn how to assist people with disease prevention or management, allowing them to lead healthier, longer lives. Build your food and nutrition expertise by taking courses in topics such as nutrition education, nutrition counseling, medical nutrition therapy and food and nutrition management and leadership.
Experiential learning is a big part of the program. You’ll build career skills through case studies, role play, simulations, research and on-the-job experiences in hospitals, school districts and other professional settings. Completion of the program will make you eligible to sit for the Commission on Dietetic Registration’s credentialing exam, which is required to practice professionally as an RDN.
Overview
Related Topics
Feed your future
Degree fit
This program will be a good fit if you:
- Want the qualifications to become a registered dietitian nutritionist
- Are interested in food, nutrition and wellness
- Are strong in chemistry and biology
- Enjoy working with people
Career outcomes
Current job openings
252 in ID, WA, OR, MT and HIPotential careers and starting salaries
- Dietitians and Nutritionists
$50,017 - Dietetic Technicians
$35,692
* Career data provided by Lightcast.
Financial aid and scholarship opportunities
Financial aid
Paying for college can feel overwhelming, but U of I’s Financial Aid Office is here to help. Our experienced financial aid counselors can assist you in exploring financial aid options, making informed financial decisions and addressing common concerns.
For information on FAFSA deadlines, financial aid types and eligibility requirements, visit the University of Idaho Financial Aid Office website.
Plan ahead—estimate your cost of attendance with U of I’s Cost Calculator.
Clubs and involvement opportunities
Hands-on learning
- Study abroad opportunities in Ireland, Taiwan, China, Mexico and Spain
- Complete the final semester of supervised experiential learning in Moscow, Boise or Coeur d’Alene
- Develop quantity food production skills in our newly renovated Carmelita Spencer Foods Laboratory
- Work with RDNs in various community and clinical care settings
- Have interactive rotations in food production facilities such as schools, campus dining and hospitals
- Attend state or national Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics conferences
Clubs
- Food and Nutrition Club
- Phi Upsilon Omicron
Application information
Applicants for the M.S. dietetics program must meet the following admission requirements:
- Education level: Bachelor's
- GPA: 3.0
- GRE: No
- TOEFL/IELTS: 79/6.5
- Number of references: 3
- Other requirements: Yes
- Applicants must have earned a bachelor’s degree or be part of the University of Idaho 3 + 2 program.
- Prerequisite course completion:
Students may be enrolled with up to fifteen credits of outstanding prerequisite courses the semester they apply to the program and must demonstrate proof of enrollment in those courses in their application.- Human Anatomy
- Human Physiology
- Chemistry
- Carbon Compounds or Organic Chemistry
- Biochemistry
- Introduction to Microbiology plus Lab
- Introduction to Psychology
- Pre-Calculus Algebra
- Principles of Statistics
- Human Nutrition
- Nutrition in the Lifecycle
- Advanced Nutrition or Macro and Micro Nutrient Metabolism
- Introductory Foods or Food Science with a lab
- Meal Management or equivalent (this can be taken during the first fall semester of the program)
- Interview
The program accepts 18 students into each cohort.
See further requirements and program information. Visit Graduate Admissions to learn more and start your application.