EIU Master of Science Nutrition & Dietetics

MSND: Dietetic Internship Option (NDDI)

2021 - 2023 EIU Graduate Catalog 

This degree program offers the Dietetic Internship that is necessary to become a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist. Degree-seeking students who match with EIU's Dietetic Internship through D & D Digital and who are admitted, will take 2(two) academic semesters of graduate coursework. Once the student completes the coursework, he/she will relocate to the location of his/her dietetic internship. The dietetic internship is granted accreditation status by the Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, 120 Riverside Plaza, Suite 2190, Chicago, IL 60606-6995, (312) 899-5400.

Our program focus is nutrition education. What does that mean? Our program provides emphasis on building and delivering evidence based nutrition communication strategies, whether that happens in a hospital room, outpatient office, a public health facility, a private practice, a food service establishment, a public school, an athletic training facility, or any number of other places Registered Dietitian find themselves engaged. Our program will provide you ample experience in clinical settings to prepare you for your clinical career if that is your desired path. However, if you have other plans, a foundation in evidence based nutrition education and communication will be a valuable asset, no matter where you find yourself after graduation. So, join us for a well-balanced approach to preparing you for your future.

Certification of Comprehensive Knowledge (CCK)

The CCK policy states that the MSND student must successfully complete  the systematic review as presented in Systematic Reviews in Nutrition and Dietetics (NTR 5610) as determined by this rubric.

Core Courses (33 hours)

NTR 5150 - Medical Nutrition Therapy 

NTR 5151 - Nutrition in Public Health

NTR 5154 - Medical Nutrition Therapy

NTR 5155 - Nutrition Education, Behavior, and Communication 

NTR 5156 - Leadership Development in Nutrition and Dietetics

NTR 5600 - Research Methods in Nutrition and Dietetics

NTR 5610 - Systematic Reviews in Nutrition and Dietetics 

NTR 5981 - Dietetic Internship 

NTR 5982 - Dietetic Internship 

NTR 5983 - Dietetic Internship

NTR 5984 - Dietetic Internship

Elective Course(s) (3 hours)

Options include:

1. 1-3 semester hours of an individualized independent study/thesis with a faculty mentor

2. 1-3 semester hours of additional courses selected from this list.

Graduate Study Plan Stipulations

1. You must complete 36 semester hours. 

2. In consultation with Dr. Hodge, your graduate advisor, draft your graduate study plan and submit for approval by her within the first few weeks of your second semester taking courses.