University of Pittsburgh

Apr 20, 2024

2016-2017 Graduate & Professional Studies Catalog [Archived Catalog]

Department of Sports Medicine and Nutrition

Coordinated Master in Nutrition and Dietetics/Master of Science

Preparation for a career in dietetics as a Registered Dietitian requires the completion of an approved 4-year college degree program, completion of an accredited supervised practice experience (providing a minimum of 1200 hours), and successful performance on the National Registration Examination for Dietitians. Effective January 1, 2024 the requirement for dietitian registration eligibility will require a minimum of a graduate degree from an ACEND-accredited program.

The Coordinated Master in Nutrition and Dietetics is currently granted continuing accreditation by the Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics, 120 South Riverside Plaza, Suite 2000, Chicago, IL 60606-6995, 312/899-5400.

Contact Information

Deborah Hutcheson, DCN, RDN, LDN
Department of Sports Medicine and Nutrition
School of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences
4036 Forbes Tower
412-383-6747
Fax 412-383-6636
E-mail: dhutches@pitt.edu
http://www.shrs.pitt.edu/cmd/

Admissions Requirements/Application Process

Prerequisites:

Foundations of Biology 1 with Lab, 4 credits
Genetics or Foundations of Biology 2, 3 credits
Human Physiology, 4 credits
Introduction to Microbiology, 3 credits
General Chemistry 1 with Lab, 4 credits
General Chemistry 2 with Lab, 4 credits
†Organic Chemistry 1, 3 credits
†Organic Chemistry 2, 3 credits
*Biochemistry, 3 credits
Public Speaking, 3 credits
Economics, 3 credits
Introduction to Sociology, 3 credits
Introduction to Psychology, 3 credits
English Composition/Writing, 6 credits
Algebra, 2-4 credits
*Introduction to Nutrition, 3 credits
Introduction to the Profession of Dietetics, 1 credit
Social Cultural Determinants of Food Behavior, 3 credits
Nutrition Assessment 1, 3 credits
Nutrition Education and Counseling, 3 credits
Macronutrient Metabolism, 3 credits
Micronutrient Metabolism, 3 credits
Food Science 1 with Lab, 4 credits
Food Service Management, 3 credits
Nutrition in the Life Cycle, 3 credits
Nutrition Therapy 1, 3 credits
Nutrition Therapy 2, 3 credits

*These courses need to have been completed within the past five years.

†CHEM 0350 (3 cr.) offered each Spring Term will satisfy the Organic Chemistry requirement. Students who do not take CHEM 0350 must take OCHEM 1 & 2 (6 cr.).

+Genetics is preferred; however, a Biology 2 course with a strong genetics component will fulfill the requirement.

Application Deadline:

March 15; however, we encourage students to apply prior to the deadline as the program will begin reviewing applications in January.

All applicants must:

Complete the SHRS ApplyYourself online application;
Submit a self-evaluation essay, discussing strengths, skills, and experiences that will contribute to success in the CMD Program and your professional goals as a registered dietitian;
Submit resume demonstrating evidence of adequate exposure to the field of dietetics and an appreciation of the breadth, depth, and scope of practice. This can be accomplished through either volunteer or paid work experience in a nutrition and dietetics related settings; there is no minimum number of hours required;
Submit three letters of recommendation: one from a registered dietitian, one from a supervisor in volunteer or work experience and one form a college professor. These letters should address the applicant’s academic, professional and personal attributes and potential for meaningful graduate study. At least one letter should speak to your leadership experience and commitment to service;
Submit official transcripts from all colleges and universities attended;
Submit Graduate Record Exam (GRE) score to the University of Pittsburgh institution code 2927. Achieve minimum scores at the 50th percentile on the verbal and quantitative sections and a score of 3.5 or better on the analytical writing section of the Graduate Record Examination (GRE).

Applications can be submitted when course requirements are in progress.

Admission is for the fall term only.

International Applicants

International applicants who have not completed a Didactic Program in Dietetics (DPD) in the US please visit the Post Baccalaureate Year for the Coordinated Master in Nutrition and Dietetics.

Technical Standards

All candidates and graduates must possess the essential physical, cognitive, and behavioral abilities considered necessary for students admitted to this program to achieve the knowledge, skills, and competencies of an entry-level dietitian. Candidates with disabilities will be considered on a case by case basis. The following link provides detailed information on the technical standards.

Please note that this program requires students to complete portions of their education (e.g., supervised practice experiences) at facilities external to the University to meet requirements for graduation. Many of these external facilities require screening measures such as, but not limited to, criminal background check, child abuse clearance, health appraisal, fingerprint-based background check and/or drug test prior to placement at the facility. The results of these requirements may limit and potentially eliminate placement options for the student which can, in turn, result in an inability to meet graduation requirements. Additionally, conviction of a misdemeanor, felony, or felonious or illegal act abuse may prevent the student from becoming credentialed and/or licensed to practice in the field.

The University of Pittsburgh, as an educational institution and as an employer, values equality of opportunity, human dignity, and racial/ethnic and cultural diversity. Accordingly, the University prohibits and will not engage in discrimination or harassment on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, ancestry, sex, age, marital status, familial status, sexual orientation, disability, or status as a disabled veteran or a veteran of the Vietnam era. Further, the University will continue to take affirmative steps to support and advance these values consistent with the University’s mission. For information on University equal opportunity and affirmative action programs and complaint/grievance procedures, contact the Office of Affirmative Action, 901 William Pitt Union, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15260, 412-648-7860412-648-7860.

The Coordinated Master in Nutrition and Dietetics is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics (ACEND) of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics (A.N.D.), (ACEND@eatright.org), phone (1-800-877-1600 or 1-800-877-1600 x5400), or mail (120 South Riverside Plaza, Suite 2000, Chicago, IL 60606-6995).

Registration

This graduate curriculum provides students with a Master of Science degree and the accredited supervised practice component. The MS program will offer supervised experiences in a variety of major health care and community settings including the renowned University of Pittsburgh Health Care System (UPMC). Upon successful completion of the MS program, graduates are eligible for the National Registration Examination for Dietitians.

Graduation Requirements

Graduation from the Coordinated Master in Nutrition and Dietetics requires completion of 53 credits as follows:

26 credit hours of core academic requirements.
20 credit hours of supervised practice. This will provide the minimum of 1200 hours of supervised practice as specified by ACEND.
7 credit hours of research requirements.

Program Mission and Goals

The mission of the Coordinated Master in Nutrition and Dietetics program is to prepare entry-level registered dietitians at the master’s level with increased competence and advanced skills to better meet the needs of the complex evolving health care environment of today.

The program goals are:

To prepare registry-eligible master’s degree graduates who will have attained both the competence required of all dietitians upon entry into practice and the additional entry-level competence in the emphasis area of Nutrition Therapy (NT).
To prepare graduates who will meet the needs of consumers in Western Pennsylvania and other regions of the country for entry-level master’s prepared Registered Dietitians with additional entry-level competence in the emphasis area of nutrition therapy.

Program outcomes are available upon request.

Master of Science Degree in Health and Rehabilitation Science with a Concentration in Wellness and Human Performance

The Advanced MS in HRS will focus on wellness and human performance for those students seeking graduate training to develop knowledge and skills related to nutrition and exercise in maintaining and improving health and physical performance. The Advanced Program will include the integration of course work, clinical education, and research pertaining to nutritional aspects of health, fitness, and athletic training/performance. This Advanced MS Program in HRS with a concentration in wellness and human performance will parallel the Advanced MS with a concentration in sports medicine and provide students with access to the sports medicine research facilities and faculty.

Contact Information

Matthew Darnell, PhD, RD, CSSD, SCCC
Assistant Professor
Program Director MS in Wellness and Human Performance
Department of Sports Medicine
University of Pittsburgh
School of Health & Rehabilitation Sciences

Warrior Human Performance Research Centers
Neuromuscular Research Laboratory Conference Center
3860 South Water Street
Pittsburgh PA 15203
Tel: 412-246-0475
Email: med30@pitt.edu

Admission Requirements and Application Process

Prerequisites

Students must have a bachelor’s degree in any field and the following prerequisites or their equivalents in order to be eligible to apply:

Physiology, 4 credits
Introduction to Nutrition, 3 credits

Admission Requirements

For admission to full, unrestricted status, the applicant must have completed an undergraduate degree program with an overall quality point average (QPA) of 3.0 or better (based on a 4.0 scale).

An applicant with a QPA of less than 3.0 in overall undergraduate and professional programs but with favorable professional credentials may be admitted on provisional status upon recommendation of the admissions committee.

Application Deadline: March 15.

Application Requirements
All applicants must:

Complete the SHRS ApplyYourself online application
Submit the application fee of $50 (U.S.)
Submit an essay-a description of professional and educational goals that are realistically attainable during enrollment in the graduate program
Submit three letters of reference, preferably from individuals who have instructed you in academic settings and/or supervised research activities. These letters should address the applicant’s academic, professional and personal attributes and potential for meaningful graduate study
Submit official transcripts from all colleges/universities you have attended
International Applicants are required to submit an Academic Credential Evaluation. View more information on the SHRS website
A visit to the school for an interview may be required if requested by the Admissions Committee.

Note: Application can be submitted when course requirements are in progress

Master of Science Degree in Health and Rehabilitation Sciences with a Concentration in Sports Medicine

The Master of Science in Sports Medicine is a two-year intensive program focused on enhancing the knowledge base in the prevention, assessment, treatment, and rehabilitation of athletic injuries and illness. The program accomplishes this by providing a core curriculum that is central to the pathokinesiology of joint injury and the principles by which restoration of joint function is accomplished.

Students are provided with a research experience within the Neuromuscular Research Laboratory. A clinical experience is available for some students through graduate student assistantships in exchange for providing certified athletic training services. The research experience in the Neuromuscular Research Laboratory (home of the Warrior Human Performance Research Center) focuses on issues central to clinical research in orthopedics and sports medicine. Research includes the use of electromyography, motion analysis, isokinetic dynamometry, physiological, proprioceptive, and balance assessment modalities for the purpose of defining and restoring function as well as optimizing performance in military personnel, injured athletes, and in physically active individuals. Weekly seminars sponsored by the Departments of Orthopaedic Surgery and Sports Medicine provide students with access to the most current research and clinical developments related to patient care. Master’s degree candidates must successfully defend a thesis research project or scholarly paper (non-thesis track) in the second year for completion of the program.

Contact Information

Katelyn Allison, PhD
Assistant Professor
Program Director MS in Sports Medicine
Department of Sports Medicine
University of Pittsburgh
School of Health & Rehabilitation Sciences

Warrior Human Performance Research Centers
Neuromuscular Research Laboratory Conference Center
3860 South Water Street
Pittsburgh PA 15203
Tel: 412-246-0460
Email: katelyn.allison@pitt.edu

Admission Requirements and Application Process

All applicants must:

Complete the SHRS ApplyYourself online application
Submit the application fee of $50 (U.S.)
Submit a self-evaluation essay addressing your purpose for applying to the program, your ability to successfully complete the program, and your goals (short and long term)
Submit three letters of reference, preferably from individuals who have instructed you in academic settings and/or supervised research activities. These letters should address the applicant’s academic, professional, clinical (as appropriate) and personal attributes; as well as potential for meaningful graduate study
Submit official transcripts from all colleges/universities attended
Additional requirements for international applicants can be found on the SHRS website

Application deadline is March 15.

Applicants (certified athletic trainers) applying for Assistantship must apply by January 15. There is a mandatory, on-campus, interview with program faculty for the assistantship. You will be contacted by the department to schedule if qualified.

Both MS and PhD students may be eligible for the following Scholarships

George I. Carson Graduate Fellowship of the University of Pittsburgh

Funds from the George I. Carson Graduate Fellowship are awarded to graduate students who are or were affiliated with an athletics program at the University of Pittsburgh as undergraduate and are or will be students at a University of Pittsburgh graduate or professional school. The recipients must be of high moral character, or outstanding undergraduate academic achievement, and demonstrate the potential for outstanding graduate study. Deadline for application will be approximately May 1 for the upcoming fall term and spring term. Students may apply for both the fall and the spring at the same time using the May deadline.

Sports Medicine Resource Fund

This graduate scholarship was created to help defray the cost of professional development activities. Eligible students are those individuals who have completed their undergraduate Athletic Training degree at the University of Pittsburgh and are now continuing their education at Pitt through the Master’s in Sports Medicine Program. This $1000 scholarship can be used toward travel and attendance at a professional meeting.

Freddie H. Fu, MD Graduate Research Award

The award is named for and presented in honor of Freddie H. Fu, MD for continued support of research in the field of Sports Medicine. The purpose of this award is to encourage graduate research activity by recognizing exceptional student research projects and defraying some of the expenses associated with the student research. Up to three Graduate Student Awards will be presented. In addition, one Dissertation Award is available to a Doctoral Student. The number of awards presented each year will be contingent on the number of quality proposals submitted and monies available.

Francis J. George Scholarship Award

The Francis J. George Scholarship Award will be awarded to Doctoral students (clinical as well as educational) who have displayed the same passion and commitment to the profession of athletic training as Frank did throughout his career. The amount of the scholarship is $4000.00. Deadline: October,15.

American College of Sports Medicine

Provides research grants and scholarships from the endowments and funds listed below, the American College of Sports Medicine Foundation helps provide the additional support for the College in areas such as education, minority scholarships, Foundation Research Grants, and much more.

NATA Research and Education Foundation Graduate/Doctoral Scholarship

The National Athletic Trainers’ Association provides a number of scholarships to eligible students on the basis of academic and clinical excellence as well as participation in campus and community activities that demonstrate qualities of leadership and service. Applicants must be student members of the NATA by November 1 of the year preceding submission of the application, be enrolled in an accredited curriculum program and intend to pursue the profession of athletic training as their means of livelihood and have a minimum GPA of 3.2 or higher. Completed applications must include a statement of support by a certified athletic trainer and verification of academic standing. The amount of each scholarship is $2300.00. Applications will be posted on the NATA website approximately September 1. Go to NATA Foundation for additional application information. Deadlines for portions of the application begin in January. Learn more about this scholarship.

NATA Research & Education Foundation Master’s/Doctoral Research Grant
View more about this grant.

Financial Aid

Graduate assistantships are available to master’s candidates who are athletic trainers and include appointments at the University of Pittsburgh. The yearly assistantships include tuition remission and stipend.

Academic Standards

An average of at least B (GPA=3.00) is required in all courses that make up the MS emphasis in sports medicine. A student who receives a grade lower than a B is required to retake the course according to School of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences policy.

Student Scholarship Appointment Standards

The Department of Sports Medicine and Nutrition, in accordance with the University of Pittsburgh and School of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences, defines a student scholarship as a teaching assistant, teaching fellow, graduate student assistant, or student employee trainee (TA/TS/GSA/SET). Although student scholarship appointments may not be made for more than one year, a student may be reappointed. While it is impossible to guarantee reappointments, most students making satisfactory progress toward a graduate degree and whose teaching or other service performance is satisfactory will receive at least one renewal of their appointment or an offer of other financial assistance. If it is impossible to offer renewal or other appointments, priority will be given to those with superior academic, teaching, and service qualifications.

The criteria for reappointment are the quality of assigned work and academic achievement. Unsatisfactory academic performance is a cumulative GPA below 3.00 or completion of fewer than 9 credits of graduate work per term. As such, students who have a cumulative GPA below 3.00 at the time of scholarship reappointment will not receive reappointment of their scholarship. This policy is in accordance with the University of Pittsburgh Policy Statement for Teaching Assistants, Teaching Fellows, and Graduate Student Assistants.

Programs

Master’s

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