MS Applied Nutrition with Dietetics Focus Area

Program Overview

The University of New England's Online Master of Science in Applied Nutrition (MSAN) Dietetics Focus is a unique program that allows students with diverse backgrounds to earn a Master's in Applied Nutrition Dietetics Focus without a prior nutrition-specific degree. The program is accredited by ACEND®️ and prepares students for leadership roles in nutrition through online coursework and supervised experiential learning hours. Students can complete the 48-credit program in 2 years as a full-time student, with no travel to campus required.

Program Outline

Degree Overview:

The University of New England's Online Master of Science in Applied Nutrition (MSAN) Dietetics Focus is unique in structure and design. Students who hold a bachelor's degree in nutrition or any field (a bachelor's in dietetics or nutrition is not required) can apply to the program, making it accessible to career-changers as well as those with a background in another science or allied health field. The MSAN Dietetics Focus requires prospective students to take an enhancement pathway with only 3 foundational courses prior to beginning the MSAN Dietetics Focus. This design allows people from diverse backgrounds, with bachelor's degrees in a variety of fields, to earn their Master's in Applied Nutrition Dietetics Focus, without going back to school for a nutrition-specific degree first. This program is also ideal for those with a background in nutrition who may be able to waive the enhancement courses for admission and who want to complete their MS and supervised practice at the same time. The MSAN Dietetics Focus Graduate Program (GP) is accredited through The Accreditation Council for Nutrition and Dietetics’ (ACEND®️) Future Education Model (FEM). Students participate in both didactic learning courses and complete required Supervised Experiential Learning (SEL) hours in co-occurring lab courses, allowing consistent experiential learning and application of knowledge in real dietetics practice settings. The RDN credential demonstrates that the holder is a clinically competent food and nutrition expert, and it opens up job opportunities in a variety of settings. Promising career outcomes are projected by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics and practicing Registered Dietitian Nutritionists. A recent report determined: An 11% job growth rate for dietitians by 2028, more than double the national average for all occupations A median salary, for Registered Dietitian Nutritionists with 4 years or less experience, above $60,000, with median salaries above $90,000 for Registered Dietitian Nutritionists serving in business, education, and research A high rate of job satisfaction

Objectives:

To prepare individuals for leadership roles in the field of nutrition, to advance knowledge and expand skills that promote excellence and innovation in all areas of nutrition practice, and to emphasize evidence-based best practices to support the well-being and health outcomes of individuals, families, and communities through education, research, and scholarship.

Program Description:

The MSAN Dietetics Focus is a 48-credit program, designed to be completed in 2 years as a full-time program, inclusive of summers. The program utilizes online technologies and Brightspace D2L learning management system to deliver didactic coursework and content to students 100% online, while Supervised Experiential Learning (SEL) hours are completed in the geographical location of the students choice, with no travel to campus required. The program is structured with two 3-credit didactic courses paired with two 1-credit lab courses per semester, year round. The courses are divided over a traditional 16-week semester; each semester has two 8-week terms with A term for the first 8 weeks and then B term for the second 8 weeks. Each 3-credit course and the 1-credit lab that it is paired with is offered in either A or B term. The Capstone and its co-requisite course are 16 weeks long and are completed over the whole semester (AB term). Students will participate in a total of 1214 hours of Supervised Experiential Learning (SEL) hours. 1050 of these hours are incorporated into lab courses and are attained at the pre-approved precepted site(s). The didactic courses have 164 hours of SEL interwoven in their curriculum as well. UNE Online is proud to be one of only a few institutions in the nation to offer the MS Applied Nutrition Dietetics Focus that combines coursework and Supervised Experiential Learning (SEL) and can be completed where the student is located, making it most convenient for our students.

Assessment:

Students in the program continuously track competency completion as part of the lab coursework, supported by documentation from preceptors, and verified by faculty.