Dietetic Internship (MS Degree Track — Spring Match)

The Master of Science degree Dietetic Internship track is a two-year combined program for individuals who have completed at least a bachelor’s degree as well as accredited Didactic Program in Dietetics coursework requirements. This track of the program is open to graduates of any DPD program. The dietetic internship provides the supervised practice experience that is required to be eligible to take the registration examination for dietitians. The combined program offers interns the opportunity to complete a Master of Science degree in nutritional science in addition to the required supervised practice component. The ASU MS degree Dietetic Internship program has a concentration in research and meets the competencies for entry-level practice as a registered dietitian. The program requires completion of a 33-credit master’s degree, research thesis, and approximately 1,100 hours (about eight months full-time) of supervised practice experience.

The first year of the combined MS/DI program consists mainly of graduate coursework in the nutrition program at ASU. Interns complete research under the guidance of graduate nutrition faculty. Supervised practice placements for the dietetic internship begin in September of the second year.

The intern must successfully complete the objectives for each supervised practice experience and meet all requirements for the master’s degree, including writing a thesis and passing the defense. Upon satisfactory completion of both the MS degree and the dietetic internship, students will be provided with an Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics (AND) Verification Statement indicating their eligibility to sit for the Registration Examination for Dietitians.

Applying

Admission to the MS of nutritional science degree with the dietetic internship requires concurrent admission to the ASU Graduate College. Applicants must complete two different online application forms, one for the internship using Dietetic Internship Centralized Application Services (see below) and one for ASU Graduate Admission. Students must apply to the MS degree in nutritional science (do not apply to the MS in nutritional science (dietetics) option, which is for current registered dietitians).

In addition, before beginning the ASU Dietetic Internship, all students must provide official transcripts showing completion of at least a bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university and also a signed verification statement from an ACEND-accredited Didactic Program in Dietetics.

Steps to apply

Step 1: Submit application in DICAS and D&D Digital for computer matching.

  • The MS degree track of the ASU Dietetic Internship uses the online DICAS application system and D&D Digital computer matching application process.
  • Program applications are submitted using DICAS, an online centralized internship application (email: DICASinfo@DICAS.org). The online application must be completed for our program by 11:59 p.m. Central Time on Feb. 15 each year. The fee to use DICAS is $50 for the first application submitted and $25 for each additional application.
  • Official transcripts from all colleges and universities attended should be sent to DICAS - Transcript Dept., PO Box 9118, Watertown, MA 02472.
  • Provide an Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics Verification Statement or Declaration of Intent to Complete a Didactic Program in Dietetics. This is submitted with the DICAS online application.
  • When completing the DICAS application form, applicants must include the name and an email address for at least three references. This will trigger an email message requesting completion of a reference form. References will complete the form online.
  • Applicants must also register online with D&D Digital for computer matching and select dietetic internship priority choices by 11:59 p.m. Central Time on Feb. 15 each year. There is a $65 computer matching fee.

Step 2: Submit application to the ASU Graduate College, ASU Graduate Application (https://admission.asu.edu/graduate/apply)

  • Official transcripts showing completion of at least a bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university must be sent to ASU (the bachelor's degree must be completed before beginning the program in August). Official transcripts must be submitted to both the DICAS online application as well as to the ASU Graduate College.
  • Request three letters of recommendation. If you are using the same references as were submitted in DICAS, you must still include the name and email address for each reference in the ASU Graduate application. This will trigger an email message requesting completion of a reference form for the graduate application. However, your reference can ignore this request since we have their recommendation in DICAS already.
  • Provide a resume or curriculum vitae. This is submitted with the DICAS online application as well as to the ASU Graduate College application.
  • Provide a one- to two-page personal statement that:
    1. Describes the significant professional responsibilities you have held.
    2. States your professional goals and reasons for desiring to enroll in this MS/DI program.
    3. Describes your strengths that will help you succeed in the program and in reaching your professional goals.
    4. Indicates your personal research interests as specifically as possible, including any previous research experience you may have acquired.
  • This personal statement should be submitted with the DICAS online application as well as to the ASU Graduate College.
  • You must have a GPA of 3.0 or higher (cumulative GPA or DPD GPA).
  • Deadline to apply to the ASU Graduate College is also Feb. 15.
  • Finalists will be interviewed via Zoom or phone call.

More information and details

For information about ASU Dietetic Internship costs, schedules, policies and procedures, please see the ASU Dietetic Internship Handbook.

General information

Openings in MS degree Dietetic Internship Track 16
Average number of applicants to ASU MS degree program 70
GRE score requirement GRE scores are not required.
Minimum GPA required 3.0
Average DPD GPA of enrolled students last 3 years 3.7
Interview Finalists will be interviewed via Zoom, Skype or phone call.
Ranking of importance for acceptance:

1. GPA

2. Dietetic-related work or volunteer experience

3. Personal statement

4. Interview

5. Research experience

6. Letters of recommendation