Master of Science Nutrition & Dietetics
About the Program
The Master of Science in Nutrition and Dietetics (MSND) at St. Catherine University prepares students for successful careers as registered dietitians in a variety of settings, providing safe, ethical and effective nutrition services for diverse patients and clients.
Our program provides the graduate degree and supervised experiential learning hours that are required for entry-level practice. Completion of the program will build the foundation for a rewarding career that effects positive change in local and global communities. You’ll be prepared to:
• Communicate complex nutrition information to broad and diverse audiences.
• Identify, prioritize and implement nutrition risk reduction strategies for individuals, groups and populations
• Integrate the principles of cultural competence within the practice setting
• Understand the social determinants of health, and examine strategies to reduce nutrition inequities
Our Curriculum
The 48-credit MSND degree can be completed in two years. Courses meet in a weekday format on our St. Paul campus, with online learning between class meetings. Supervised experiential practice hours also take place during weekdays.
The MSND program offers an entry-level track for individuals who have (or will have) a completed bachelor’s degree at the start of the program. A dual-degree track is available for current St. Kate’s students who are pursuing the Nutrition and Dietetics undergraduate program in the College for Women.
MSND students complete 1,035 hours of supervised experiential learning through a combination of simulation and in-person experiences (on and off campus), interacting with patients, clients and healthcare practitioners. Graduates will be eligible to take the national registration exam to earn their registered dietitian (RD) credential
Our program provides a small, supportive community with close guidance from faculty mentors. You’ll benefit from our connections with leading regional health employers, and combine classroom learning with internship experiences that will contribute to your potential for professional success.
Tuition and Fees
The 2024–25 tuition rate for the MSND degree is $760 per credit. Additional costs include fees for student services and technology ($330 per term) and books (prices vary by course).
How to Apply
The application priority deadlines for Fall 2025 enrollment are December 1 (dual-degree) and February 1 (entry-level). Applications received after the deadline will be considered on a spaceavailable basis
To be eligible for admission, applicants must have:
• A bachelor’s or graduate degree from an institution accredited by a nationally recognized, regional accrediting association, or an approved dual-degree plan for completing the bachelor’s degree during the MSND program
• A cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher. If the GPA is less than 3.0, an explanatory statement should be submitted.
• A minimum of 125 hours of recent volunteer or paid work experience in a relevant setting
• Entry-Level applicants complete prerequisite courses in the following areas:
o Human Anatomy & Physiology (with lab)
o Chemistry (with lab)
o Microbiology (with lab)
o General Psychology
o Statistics
o Foundational nutrition course
The MSND application requires the following materials:
• All applicants (Dual-Degree and Entry-Level):
o Admission essay
o Transcripts from degree-granting and prerequisite schools
• Entry-Level applicants must also provide:
o Two professional or academic references
o Official scores from TOEFL or IELTS (if native language is not English)
o Credential evaluation from World Education Services (if college/university coursework was completed outside the U.S.)
Visit our website for detailed application information, or to learn more about the MSND program.
Accreditation
Our program has candidacy accreditation status by The Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics (ACEND).
This document provides information about graduate studies at St. Catherine University. The information may change at any time. Contact the Office of Graduate Admission to confirm program and application details.
8.2024
MS in Nutrition & Dietetics Sample Plan of Study
Start in the fall and complete the 48-credit Nutrition & Dietetics graduate program in two years of full-time, campus-based learning.
Sample Plan of Study: Fall Start
Year 1
Nutrition Education and Counseling
Advanced Nutrition
Professionalism in Dietetics
Life Cycle Nutrition: Pediatrics
Year 2
Foodservice Operations and Production
Food Science
Community Nutrition II
Medical Nutrition Therapy II
Life Cycle Nutrition: Adults
Foodservice and Nutrition Management
Community Nutrition I
Medical Nutrition Therapy I
Current Issues in Nutrition
Culinary and Experimental Food and Nutrition
Applied Research
Practicums
FALL
SPRING
Sample Plan of Study: First Semester
8:109:40
Cycle Nutrition: Pediatrics (Reserved for Supervised Experiential Practice/work hours)
Cycle Nutrition:
(Reserved for Supervised Experiential Practice/work hours) (Reserved for Supervised Experiential Practice/work hours) 9:5011:20