New Master’s Program Offers Fast Track to Dietitian Career
Published: May 12, 2023 | Author: Brenda Christensen | Read Time: 2 minutes
College students working to become Registered Dietitian Nutritionists can meet their academic requirements faster and more affordably through a new Master of Nutrition and Dietetics program at Southern Utah University.
“Through this on-campus program, students are able to complete both a bachelor’s and master’s degree in five years, rather than the traditional six years,” said Celesta Lyman, SUU’s Dietetics program director. “Our structured, lock-step program prepares students to meet the necessary academic requirements for professional licensure as Registered Dietitian Nutritionists.”
Coursework includes topics such as nutrition through the life cycle, food science, medical nutrition therapy, weight management, cultural competence, research, and counseling.
Students apply for the new master’s program in the 3rd year of their Nutrition bachelor’s program. Once accepted into the Dietetics graduate program, students take prescribed courses over the next two academic years. At the end of the first year, they receive their bachelor’s degree. After their second year, they receive their master’s degree and didactic verification statement, which qualifies them for accredited internships required for licensure.
“This is essentially a one-year master’s program, which is considerably faster than traditional dietetics programs,” said Steve Meredith, SUU’s associate vice president of Graduate and Online Enrollment. “With one less year of school and the possibility of scholarships and other aid programs, SUU’s new Dietetics master’s program is both faster and more affordable.”
Due to the strict nature of the curriculum requirements, interested undergraduate students should consult the curriculum map to ensure they take the needed courses prior to applying for the program. At present, the on-campus program can accommodate 15 new students each year.
About SUU Graduate & Online
In its 125-year history as Utah’s first experiment in distance education, Southern Utah University’s Online Department continues its pioneering legacy by offering to students across the globe affordable and flexible college degrees: 15 master’s, 16 bachelor’s, and two associate degrees. This includes several master’s degrees that can be finished in 12 months, and one of the most affordable bachelor’s degrees in the nation. SUU Online’s combination of affordability, flexibility, and vast student success programs provide an extraordinary education, anytime, anywhere.
Tags: Graduate Programs SUU Online