Coordinated Master in Nutrition and Dietetics, MS

Program Requirements

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 2190, 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:

1. 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).
2. 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.