MPH, Dietetics

Admission Requirements 

Prerequisite coursework: for applicants who do not have a Verification Statement from an ACEND accredited Didactic Program in Dietetics (DPD), the following prerequisite. Coursework must have been completed within five years from an accredited institution:

1. Introductory Nutrition course (equivalent to MTSU’s 2220 Nutrition for the Health Sciences)
2. Community Nutrition course (equivalent to MTSU’s NFS 3260 Community Nutrition)
3. Food Science course (equivalent to MTSU’s 3200/01 Food Science)
4. Nutrition through the Lifespan course (equivalent to MTSU’s NFS 4275)
5. Organic Chemistry with lab
6. Biochemistry
7. Anatomy and Physiology I and II
8. Microbiology

Additionally, students must have a grade of B or better in each of the nutrition courses and a preferred B in the science courses.

• Overall undergraduate GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale 
• Completed DICAS application for the MTSU MPH – DC graduate program. 
• Completed MTSU graduate studies application. 

Application Instructions 

• Complete DICAS application for the MTSU MPH – DC graduate program.
• MTSU internal candidates may apply for the program without using DICAS. (Please discuss this opportunity with the Program Director)
• After acceptance into the MTSU MPH- DC complete the MTSU graduate studies application at Graduate Program Admission Requirements – Department of Health and Human Performance 
• Fall Cycle: Completed applications must be submitted by October 1st
• Spring Cycle: Completed applications must be submitted by February 1st
• Questions to address in your DICAS personal statement: 
  • Why did you choose to be a Dietitian/Nutritionist? 
  • What are your personal and professional aspirations and how will the MTSU MPH – DC program further equip you to pursue them? 
  • What strengths and skills will you bring to the MTSU MPH – DC program? 
  • What are your goals during the MTSU MPH-DC program, and what motivates you to achieve them? 
  • What are your personal and professional aspirations beyond the program, and how will the MTSU MPH-DC program further prepare you to pursue them?
• Include 3 references in the DICAS application (Undergraduate Program Director/ Academic Advisor, Professor, and Work/Volunteer Supervisor) 

A selection committee, consisting of MTSU MPH – DC program faculty,  and preceptors will review online applications. Each committee member individually considers GPA, extracurricular activities, work/volunteer experience, personal statement, and references. Virtual Interviews will be conducted and recorded for members of the selection committee who were unable to participate in the online interviews. The MTSU MPH – DC program will notify students of acceptance based on the fall and spring key dates outlined by ACEND. 

Academic Map

MTSU Master of Public Health, Dietetics Concentration, Program of Study – 18 months

SEL= Supervised Experiential Learning; HLTH= MPH courses; DIET= Dietetics concentration courses

Program Costs and Expenses

Current university tuition costs and expenses are on the MTSU tuition website.

Students are responsible for identifying their own SEL/SP sites and/or practitioners, with support and guidance from the SEL Clinical Program Coordinator. If a student is unable to secure a site or preceptor, the MTSU MPH-DC program faculty will assist by arranging an appropriate placement.

Students must provide their own transportation to and from their assigned sites and are responsible for any related expenses.

Books and Supplies:  Books and supplies for MTSU classes will average $250-$400 per semester with the first summer book costs being as high as $600.

Students may choose where they want to live.  The SEL Clinical Program Coordinator will assist and provide guidance in locating SEL experiences in the student’s location of choice. If a student is unable to secure a site or preceptor, the MTSU MPH-DC program faculty will assist by arranging an appropriate placement..

Health: Students are required to be covered by health insurance during Dietetic SEL training. Students may seek out private health care insurance options or enroll via a government health care exchange. The student must maintain his/her health insurance through his/her tenure in the program and must provide proof of insurance (copy of health insurance card or letter from insurer) during the Dietetic SEL orientation. 

International students are required to purchase and maintain health insurance for the duration of their stay in the United States. For more information on health insurance for international students, visit Purchasing Mandatory Health Insurance | Middle Tennessee State University.  

Professional Liability:  Students must secure professional liability insurance coverage.  The SEL Clinical Program Coordinator can provide options for professional liability insurance.

Automobile: Students must carry and be able to provide proof of automobile insurance, including personal liability. Students assume all liability for safety in travel to and from assigned Dietetic SEL rotation sites, professional development trainings or events and/or VUMC.

Academic and Program Calendar or Schedule

The MTSU MPH – DC will follow the MTSU Academic Calendar. 

 
2027-2028 Academic Calendar  

Graduation and Program Completion

Program completion occurs when the student completes the following requirements: 

• Meets all requirements on the MTSU graduation checklist
• A minimum of 1000 hours of supervised experiential learning. Any missed hours of SEL/SP must be made up assuring that a minimum of 1000 hours were satisfied.
• A minimum GPA of 3.0
• Completion of the Commission on Dietetic Registration Exit Packet including Registration Eligibility Application Form, RDNE and RDE Mis-Use Form, and demographic information on the CDR REPS portal 
• Students completing all requirements will receive a verification statement issued by the GP Program Director

Graduation events are scheduled in coordination with Middle Tennessee State University. 

Financial Aid

The mission of the MTSU Office of Financial Aid and Scholarships is to provide financial assistance to students in pursuit of their educational and career goals. The Office of Financial Aid works closely with the MT One Stop whose integrated responsibilities include responding to student and parent inquiries regarding financial aid eligibility.

https://www.mtsu.edu/financial-aid/

Guidance About Distance Education Components

https://www.mtsu.edu/online/

Resources for online students

https://www.mtsu.edu/online/student-resources/

MTSU graduate students should have a computer that meets the following specifications: 

• Processor: A multi-core processor, like an Intel i7 or i9
• RAM: At least 16 GB, but 32 GB is preferred
• Storage: A solid-state drive (SSD) of at least 512 GB
• Video card: A high-resolution video card
• Operating system: The latest version of Windows
• Connectivity: USB-C, Wi-Fi (6 or higher), webcam, and microphone
• Support coverage: Optional, but recommended 3-year support coverage

MTSU students can also download and install Microsoft 365 and OneDrive for free. OneDrive provides storage, file versioning, and automatic backups. 

MTSU also has computers available for students to use in the library. These include: Windows desktop PCs, Windows laptops, Macs, Linux desktops, and VR/AR/3D computers

Prior Learning Assessment

The MTSU MPH – DC program does not grant credit for prior learning. 

MPH Dietetics Concentration Program Timeline – 18 Months

Program Length: 18 months May (first year) – December graduation (second year)

The MPH Dietetics Concentration is a cohort-based program designed to integrate didactic coursework with supervised practice in a structured sequence aligned with the university academic calendar. Students progress through the program in a prescribed order to ensure achievement of required competencies. In addition, all students are required to complete a minimum of 1000 hours of supervised practice.

Summer Term (May–August, Year 1) – Program Initiation

Students enter the program and complete foundational coursework in public health and nutrition. Orientation to program expectations and initial supervised practice activities occur during this term. Complete 75 supervised experiential learning hours in the didactic courses,

Fall Term (August–December, Year 1) – Applied Practice I

Students begin coordinated supervised practice learning with an emphasis on clinical nutrition and food systems management. Didactic and supervised practice learning are integrated to support competency development. A minimum of 450 hours of supervised practice is completed during this semester.  

University Holidays/days off include Labor Day, Fall break, and Thanksgiving break. These days will be off or worked per preceptor and Director discretion/needs.

University Holiday Break mid-December, Year 1, through mid-January

Spring Term (January–May, Year 2) – Applied Practice II

Students continue supervised experiential learning with expanded experiences in clinical and community nutrition settings. Emphasis is placed on the application of evidence-based practice and skill development across settings. A minimum of 450 hours of supervised practice is completed during this semester.

University days off include spring break and will be worked or not per preceptor and Director discretion.

Summer Term (May–August, Year 2) – Public Health Integration

Students take 6 credit hours of core public health coursework focused on population health and environmental health. This term emphasizes didactic learning with limited or no supervised practice learning requirements.

Fall Term (August–December, Year 2) – Program Completion

Students complete remaining coursework and final supervised experiential learning requirements. This term focuses on integration of knowledge and skills, preparation for entry into practice, and program completion. Complete final 25 didactic hours of supervised learning experience.

Program Requirements

• Total Credits: 42 graduate credit hours
• Supervised Practice Learning: Minimum of 1,000 hours
• Program Structure: Cohort-based, sequential progression
• Completion Requirement: All coursework and supervised practice hours must be completed to meet graduation and eligibility requirements

Supervised Practice Learning Absence and Make-Up Policy

Students enrolled in the MPH Dietetics Concentration are required to complete a minimum of 1,000 hours of supervised practice learning to meet program requirements and eligibility for graduation. Attendance at all scheduled supervised practice experiences is expected.

Absences

Students are expected to notify both their preceptor and program faculty as soon as possible in the event of an absence. Absences may be considered excused (e.g., illness, emergency) or unexcused, as determined by program faculty.

Repeated absences, excessive tardiness, or failure to communicate appropriately may result in corrective action in accordance with program policies.

Make-Up of Missed Supervised Practice Hours

Any missed supervised experiential learning hours must be made up in full to ensure completion of the required 1,000 hours.

• Make-up hours must be completed under the supervision of an approved preceptor.
• The schedule for completing make-up hours must be approved by program faculty and coordinated with the preceptor.
• Make-up experiences should align, when possible, with the original rotation objectives and competencies.
• Students are responsible for arranging, with the assistance of the program coordinator and director, and completing make-up hours in a timely manner.

Scheduling and Program Progression

Failure to complete required Supervised practice hours as scheduled may delay progression in the program and/or the anticipated graduation date. Availability of make-up opportunities is dependent on preceptor and site capacity and is not guaranteed within the original program timeline.

Documentation

Students and preceptors must accurately document all completed Supervised practice hours, including make-up time, in accordance with program requirements. All hours are subject to verification by the preceptor and program faculty.

Compliance

Completion of all required Supervised practice hours is mandatory. Students who do not meet the minimum hour requirement will not be eligible for program completion or graduation.