Spring Submission Timeline
| Complete application in DICAS | by January 15, 2027, 11:59pm CT (9:59pm AZ Time) |
|---|---|
| Interviews for finalists | End of January |
| Final decisions | Mid-February |
MS/DI Standard Track – Two-Year Combined Program
The Master of Science in Nutritional Science and Dietetic Internship (MS/DI) standard track at Arizona State University is a two-year, ACEND-accredited graduate and supervised practice program designed to prepare students for entry-level practice as Registered Dietitian Nutritionists (RDNs).
Through integrated graduate coursework, supervised practice, research, and applied learning experiences, interns develop advanced skills in clinical nutrition, foodservice management, community nutrition, leadership, and evidence-based practice.
Integrate research into practice
- Graduate education (33 credits) with the option to complete either a research thesis or applied project
- Approximately 1,100 hours of supervised practice completed full-time during year two
- Opportunities to participate in specialized experiences including Sports Nutrition and Maternal & Child Health initiatives
Specialized Opportunities
Sports Nutrition Opportunity
Interns interested in sports nutrition may apply for additional specialized experiences during supervised practice.
Selected interns may participate in:
A competitive sports nutrition rotation including:
- 5 weeks of paid foodservice experience with the Aramark Performance RD team
- 2 weeks with the ASU Sports Nutrition Registered Dietitian team
Students may also have the opportunity to apply for a part-time position with the ASU Sports Nutrition department during their first year of graduate coursework.
Maternal & Child Health (MCH) Opportunity – TRANSCEND Program
Interns interested in maternal and child health may apply to participate in the TRANSCEND program (pending continued funding availability).
TRANSCEND trainees may receive:
- A $15,000 stipend distributed across Fall and Spring semesters
- Potential eligibility for in-state tuition
- Travel support for professional and research conferences
Participation includes:
- Research mentorship with MCH faculty
- Completion of a publishable research paper
- Leadership and professional development
- Interprofessional clinical and community experiences
- Cultural competency training
- Teaching and mentoring opportunities
- Policy and advocacy experiences
Participation in TRANSCEND requires approximately 10 hours/week of research involvement with an assigned faculty mentor.
Earn Resume-Building Credentials
Graduates earn:
- A Master of Science in Nutritional Science
- A Dietetic Internship Verification Statement
- Eligibility to take the Commission on Dietetic Registration (CDR) credentialing exam for Registered Dietitian Nutritionists (RDNs)
Learn more
Detailed information regarding program costs, schedules, supervised practice experiences, policies, and applicant requirements can be found in the Dietetic Internship Handbook.
Program overview
The MS/DI standard track combines graduate coursework, research, and supervised practice experiences over a two-year period designed to prepare students for entry-level practice as Registered Dietitian Nutritionists (RDNs).
Admission requirements
- Hold a bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution
- Provide a Didactic Program in Dietetics (DPD) Verification Statement from an ACEND-accredited program
Program completion requirements
- Successfully complete all supervised practice competencies and rotation requirements
- Successfully complete a thesis or applied project
- Satisfy all MS degree requirements (33 credits)
Steps to apply
- DICAS deadline: January 15
Step 1
Submit your application through the Dietetics Inclusive Centralized Application System (DICAS)
Required materials
- Verification statement from an accredited DPD program (within last five years)
- Resume (include relevant nutrition or health-related experience)
- Transcripts from all colleges or universities attended
- Three letters of recommendation
- Personal statement (≤ two pages, double-spaced) addressing:
- Your interest in nutrition and dietetics and motivation for applying to the ASU Dietetic Internship
- Experiences, strengths, and skills that will support your success in graduate coursework and supervised practice
- Your ability to work with diverse populations and contribute to compassionate, evidence-based nutrition care
- Optional: indicate interest in Sports Nutrition or Maternal and Child Health specialized opportunities and previous experience
- $50 application fee.
Selection criteria
| Ranking |
|---|
| 1. Personal statement |
| 2. Interview |
| 3. Dietetics-related work experience |
| 4. GPA (DPD-Professional) |
| 5. Volunteer and research experience |
| 6. Letters of recommendation |
| 7. Non-dietetics-related work experience |
Step 2: Apply to ASU Graduate Admissions
Students should NOT apply to ASU Graduate Admissions until they have been formally accepted into the ASU Dietetic Internship Program.
After acceptance into the Dietetic Internship, applicants will receive instructions for completing the ASU Graduate Admissions application for the MS in Nutritional Science.
Your application must include the following
- Official transcript confirming bachelor’s degree
- Same resume and personal statement from DICAS
- In the recommendation fields, enter: Robin DeWeese, [email protected] (no additional letters required)
- Applicants may optionally indicate interest in Sports Nutrition or Maternal & Child Health specialized opportunities
Do not list degree prerequisite courses
- $70 application fee.
More information and details
For information about ASU Dietetic Internship costs, schedules, policies and procedures, please see the ASU Dietetic Internship Handbook.