Dietetics

The M.S. in dietetics is a 57-credit program combining coursework and applied learning experiences. Students build technical expertise while gaining hands-on experience in the field.

View the online dietetics graduate handbook

Explore program courses in the University Catalog   

Learning objectives

• Learn and integrate: Apply foundational sciences to food and nutrition knowledge to meet the needs of individuals, groups and organizations.
• Principles and practice: Apply and integrate client/patient-centered principles and competent nutrition and/or dietetics practice to ensure positive outcomes when addressing real-world nutrition issues.
• Management skills: Apply food systems principles and management skills to ensure safe and efficient delivery of food and water.
• Professional communication: Demonstrate professional and effective written and oral communication skills and behaviors in all nutrition and/or dietetics interactions.
• Health theory: Apply community and population nutrition health theories when providing support to community or population nutrition programs through diverse global perspectives.
• Leadership and management: Demonstrate leadership, business and management principles to guide practice and achieve operational goals.
• Learn and integrate: Integrate evidence-based approach, research principles and critical thinking into practice.

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

Related clubs and organizations  

• Food and Nutrition Club
• Food Recovery Network  
• Phi Upsilon Omicron 

University of Idaho is committed to making graduate education accessible and helping students navigate the cost of earning an advanced degree. In addition to financial aid and scholarship opportunities, many graduate students receive funding through assistantships, research opportunities and other forms of academic support.

Here are a few key resources to help you understand graduate tuition, funding opportunities and available financial support:

• Submit your FAFSA: Completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is an important first step in accessing federal financial aid and certain institutional funding opportunities.  
• Estimate your cost of attendance: Visit U of I’s cost of attendance page to explore estimated tuition, fees and living expenses associated with your graduate program.  
• View a breakdown of tuition and fees: Visit the Student Accounts page to explore current tuition rates, fees and detailed cost information based on your program, residency status and enrollment level.
• Explore scholarships and graduate funding opportunities: Graduate students may qualify for scholarships, fellowships and other funding opportunities based on academic achievement, area of study and professional experience.  
• Learn about assistantships: Many graduate programs offer Research Assistantships (RAs), Teaching Assistantships (TAs) or Graduate Assistantships (GAs), which may provide tuition support, stipends and valuable professional experience. Assistantship availability and funding levels vary by program and department.  
• Connect with your program: Some graduate funding opportunities are coordinated directly through academic departments or faculty research projects. Prospective students are encouraged to review department funding information and speak with program representatives about available opportunities.  

If you have questions about financial aid, scholarships or graduate funding, U of I’s experienced financial aid counselors and graduate program staff can help you explore options and make informed financial decisions throughout the admissions process.  

View financial aid resources

Have questions about the program, research opportunities or the graduate student experience? Connect with our program team for personalized guidance about curriculum, faculty mentorship, application requirements and graduate funding opportunities. 

Family and Consumer Sciences contact: 
Hydee Becker
hydeeb@uidaho.edu

For questions related to admissions, application materials, transcripts or enrollment steps, contact Graduate Admissions:

Graduate Admissions contact: 
graduateadmissions@uidaho.edu 
208-885-4001

Interested in research areas or finding a faculty mentor? Explore faculty expertise, research interests and advising opportunities on the department’s faculty page. 

Find dietetics program faculty advisors

Applicants for the M.S. in dietetics must meet the following admission requirements: 

Program availability

The program accepts 18 students into each cohort

• Concentration: Non-thesis
• Semester intake: Fall (other terms may be available with the academic program’s permission)
  • Eligible for 3+2 enrollment for U of I undergraduate students in senior year
  • Eligible for out-of-state tuition waiver through the Western Regional Graduate Program (WRGP) for qualifying applicants
  • Open to international applicants, including those requiring F-1 visa status
• Applications for external students must be submitted in DICAS.
• Deadlines: General application deadlines
• Start dates:  
  • View the academic calendar to see start and end dates

University requirements

• Education level: Bachelor's degree in a similar or related field from an accredited or recognized institution (earned or expected before the start of the graduate program)
  • Transcripts for all post-secondary education will be required. Unofficial transcripts may be used for initial admission review. View more information on the Graduate Admissions page.  
• GPA: 3.0 (Applicants with a lower undergraduate GPA who have relevant professional experience in the field, have already earned a graduate degree, or have completed graduate-level credits may still be considered for admission with approval from the academic program.)
• GRE: Not required
• Letters of recommendation: Three
• Resume  
• Statement of Purpose  
• Valid picture ID (required to verify students’ identity and will be kept confidential)
• English proficiency (for applicants whose education was completed in countries where English is not an official language).  
• Accepted tests: TOEFL: 4.5, IELTS: 6.5, Duolingo: 115, PTE-A: 58. Learn what qualifies as proof of English proficiency.  

Other requirements

• 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

Application and admission process

Applications are submitted in DICAS and are specific to the program and term selected.

Before submitting an application, applicants must provide personal and academic information from all post-secondary institutions attended, recommender information, required program-specific materials, and their intended program and start term.

Applications are reviewed for admission by the academic program. Only complete applications, including required letters of recommendation and payment of the application fee will be reviewed. Applicants are strongly encouraged to complete their applications early to allow sufficient time for a thorough review.

International students seeking F-1 or J-1 visas must provide financial documentation demonstrating their ability to cover the cost of attendance. This documentation is required only after admission.  

Visit Graduate Admissions to learn more and start your application.

This program is accredited by Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics. See accreditation and program plan.