Masters of Science in Nutrition and Dietetics

Future Education Model Graduate Program (FEM GP) where the Supervised Experiential Learning hours are integrated into courses

Welcome to the Olivet Nazarene University (ONU) Master of Science (MS) in Nutrition & Dietetics program.  The M.S. in Nutrition & Dietetics provides the education requirements for entry-level practice as a registered dietitian nutritionist (RDN) for applicants who have a minimum of a bachelor’s degree and a DPD verification statement (and the required prerequisite coursework) from an Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics (ACEND) accredited program. The M.S. in Nutrition and Dietetics is a graduate Future Education Model (FG) program that integrates the required coursework with supervised experiential learning hours (SEL).  Graduates of this program are eligible to take the national registration exam for dietitians.

Program Overview

The ONU Future Graduate program prepares students for entry-level nutrition and dietetics practice.  Students in the program complete both the didactic and the SEL, in a cohort model, with a program length of 24 months.  Classes are in person and students complete SEL hours as arranged by program faculty at locations throughout Illinois and Indiana (within a radius of 100 miles of the campus).

Mission, Goals and Objectives

It is the mission of the Master’s program in Nutrition & Dietetics at Olivet Nazarene University to prepare graduates with the advanced knowledge, skills, and competencies to successfully practice as entry-level registered dietitian nutritionists dedicated to enhancing the health and well-being of individuals and diverse populations and promoting healthy sustainable communities. Further, this faith-based program strives to empower and motivate graduates to become lifelong learners, advancing the dietetic profession.

Program Goal 1

The FG program shall prepare graduates by providing an advanced skill set that will enable them to be competent, entry-level registered dietitian nutritionists (RDNs) focused on advancing the dietetic profession through the use of evidence-based practice in the workplace.

Program Objectives for Goal 1

1. At least 80% of program graduates complete program/degree requirements within 3 years (150% of the program length).
2. Of graduates who seek employment, 75 percent are employed in nutrition and dietetics or related fields within 12 months of graduation.
3. At least 80% of employers who respond to our employer satisfaction survey will rank our graduates on a 5-point Likert scale as 3 or higher (3 being satisfactory).
4. 80 percent of program graduates take the CDR credentialing exam for dietitian nutritionists within 12 months of program completion.
5. 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%.
6. At least 80 percent of the graduates who respond to the alumni survey will indicate that they felt they were at least adequately prepared with the skill set needed to be a competent entry level registered dietitian nutritionist.

Program Goal 2

The FG program will prepare graduates to advocate for changes appropriate to achieve the goal of healthy sustainable communities.

Program Objectives for Goal 2

1. One year post-graduation 80% of graduates who respond to the alumni survey will indicate engagement in professional organizations.
2. One year post-graduation 80% of graduates who respond to the alumni survey will indicate involvement in community health initiatives to advance public policy.

3. One year post-graduation 80% of graduates who respond to the alumni survey will indicate involvement in

Program outcomes are available upon request.

Graduation & Program Completion Requirements

The student will be eligible for graduation with a MS in Nutrition & Dietetics and receive a Verification Statement in order to apply for the RDN credentialing exam upon successful completion of the following:

The following general requirements apply to the Master in Nutrition and Dietetic degree

1. A minimum of 45 semester hours of credit; included in the course credit is 1000 hours of SEL (per ACEND and Illinois board of professional regulations). Students needing to increase the number of SELs to ensure that program competencies are met will be supported.
2. Completion of the orientation workshop (0 credit).
3. A minimum grade point average of 3.0.
4. A consistent ranking of 4 or greater (on a 9-point scale) for coursework or SEL rotations.
5. Participation in a comprehensive examination (like the STEP exam) to ready a student to take the RDN examination.
6. The student must file an application for the degree with the Registrar six months prior to the expected date of graduation.
7. Student will request an official transcript upon the completion of the program to be sent to the program director.
8. Program director will justify the transcript and the total SEL to award the verification statement.

University Academic/Program Calendar

Download the University/Program calendar here.

MS faculty will work with preceptors and facilities to schedule SEL. While completing SEL students will follow the University’s academic calendar for important dates, such as withdrawal, drop, grad deadlines, and applying for graduation.

Program Curriculum

Download the proposed FEM MS in Dietetics Curriculum (traditional 2-year Master’s program) here.

Accreditation

A letter was received March 21, 2019 to advise the program of the action of the Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics (ACEND) board regarding the demonstration program application submitted by Olivet Nazarene University for a Future Education Model Graduate Degree Program. During its March 11, 2019 meeting, the ACEND board voted to accept the application as a program eligible for candidacy for accreditation.

The Graduate Degree Programs in Nutrition & Dietetics (FG) Self Study Report was submitted August 17, 2021.  A virtual site visit was conducted November 7-9, 2021 with an onsite follow up visit on November 11, 2021.  An interim report was submitted December 9, 2021.  The Program received final approval of candidacy for accreditation on April 22, 2022.

ACEND of The Academy of  Nutrition and Dietetics
120 South Riverside Plaza, Suite 2190,
Chicago, Illinois 60606,
(312) 899-0040, ext. 5400

Financial Aid

Information about financial aid and scholarships >>

Information about loans and loan deferral >>

Competitive scholarship applications are available from AND, South Suburban Academy of Nutrition and Family and Consumer Science organizations. In addition, various groups provide applications on related scholarship on occasion. It is the student’s responsibility to seek out scholarship information.

Disclaimer: Scholarship applications are updated on a yearly basis. Please make sure that you are applying for the correct academic year. Faculty can help with AND & SSAND scholarship opportunities. Also, see ONU based scholarships listed in the online catalog.