MS Applied Nutrition with Dietetics Focus Area
| Program start date | Application deadline |
| 2024-04-15 | - |
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.
University of New England
Overview:
University of New England (UNE) is a private university located in Maine, with additional campuses in Tangier, Morocco, and an online presence. It is Maine's largest private university and is recognized for its strong focus on health professions, particularly in providing healthcare professionals for the state. UNE is also known for its commitment to hands-on learning, career-ready skills development, and a supportive, welcoming community.
Services Offered:
UNE offers a wide range of services to its students, including:
Academic and Career Advising Center:
Provides guidance on academic planning and career exploration.Student Academic Success Center:
Offers support services for academic success, such as tutoring and study skills workshops.Internships:
Facilitates internship opportunities for students to gain practical experience in their chosen fields.Honors College:
Provides a challenging and enriching academic experience for high-achieving students.Library Services:
Offers access to a comprehensive collection of resources and research support.Office of Innovation:
Fosters innovation and entrepreneurship among students.Registrar:
Handles student records, course registration, and graduation.Office of the Provost:
Oversees academic affairs and faculty development.Student Life:
Provides a variety of resources and activities to enhance the student experience, including clubs, activities, wellness programs, and housing options.Research:
Supports research activities through various centers and offices, including the Office of Research and Scholarship, Office of Sponsored Programs, and research centers focused on areas like aging and health, public health, and the neurosciences.Global Affairs:
Offers opportunities for international study and collaboration through study abroad programs and partnerships with institutions around the world.Student Life and Campus Experience:
UNE provides a vibrant and engaging campus experience for its students. Students can expect:
Active and supportive community:
A welcoming and inclusive environment where students can connect with peers and faculty.Opportunities for involvement:
A wide range of clubs, organizations, and activities to pursue interests and develop leadership skills.Hands-on learning:
Opportunities for practical experience through internships, research, and service learning.Global experiences:
Study abroad programs and international collaborations to broaden perspectives and gain global skills.Beautiful campuses:
Two coastal Maine campuses and a campus in Tangier, Morocco, offering diverse and inspiring learning environments.Key Reasons to Study There:
Strong return on investment:
UNE graduates are highly sought after by employers, with a high employment rate and strong career earnings potential.Focus on health professions:
UNE is a leading provider of healthcare professionals in Maine, offering a wide range of programs in fields like medicine, dentistry, pharmacy, nursing, and physical therapy.Hands-on learning and career-ready skills:
UNE emphasizes practical experience and skills development through internships, research, and service learning.Supportive and welcoming community:
UNE fosters a sense of belonging and provides a strong support system for students.Inspiring locations:
UNE's campuses in Maine and Morocco offer unique and beautiful learning environments.Academic Programs:
UNE offers a wide range of undergraduate and graduate programs across various disciplines, including:
Arts and Sciences:
Liberal arts, humanities, social sciences, and natural sciences.Business:
Business administration, accounting, finance, marketing, and management.Dental Medicine:
Doctor of Dental Medicine (DMD) program.Health Professions:
Programs in fields like pharmacy, nursing, physical therapy, occupational therapy, and physician assistant studies.Osteopathic Medicine:
Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine (DO) program.UNE Online:
A variety of online programs in fields like business, education, healthcare, and technology.Other:
Entry Requirements:
- Bachelor’s degree or above from a regionally accredited institution or equivalent
- See International Admissions for details regarding the evaluation of international degrees for grade and degree equivalency.
- Students graduating from a Bachelor’s program soon can apply for conditional acceptance pending receipt of a final official transcript.
- Undergraduate GPA of 3.0 or above. Applicants with a GPA lower than 3.0 will be considered for admission with a statement of the rationale for GPA and plans for future success.
- Earned B- or better in the enhancement pathway courses (comparable courses will be considered for transfer credit pursuant to the transfer credit policy) including:
- Applied Anatomy and Physiology
- Applied Nutritional Biochemistry
- Applied Food Innovation
- OR
- A Verification Statement indicating completion of ACEND Accredited DPD program in the United States
- Actively working on approval of 400 hours (equivalent to all SEL hours required for the first year of courses) under the guidance of the Assistant Director MSAN/Director Dietetics Focus.
- Computer with an internet connection, including the hardware and software requirements described in the Technical Requirements.
