MTSU’s Master of Public Health – Dietetics Concentration (MPH-DC) is offered as an online program through the College of Behavioral and Health Sciences. The Dietetics Concentration is an accredited Future Education Model Graduate Program in Dietetics. Upon completion, students will be eligible to sit for the Registration Exam for Dietitians. After passing the exam students will be a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist. MTSU’s MPH-DC is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics (ACEND®), 120 South Riverside Plaza, Suite 2190, Chicago, IL 60606-6995, 800-877-1600, ext. 5400.
Program Description
The Master of Public Health Dietetics Concentration Graduate Program (MPH-DC) at Middle Tennessee State University (MTSU) integrates MTSU’s comprehensive academic offerings with Supervised Experiential Learning (SEL) experiences. The mission of this program is to prepare graduates to become competitive entry-level dietitian nutritionists who are committed to community service and lifelong learning in a dynamic and global society through the use of collaboration and critical thinking skills.
Mission Statement
The mission of the Master of Public Health Dietetics Concentration Graduate Program (MPH – DC) is to prepare graduates to become competitive entry-level dietitian nutritionists who are committed to community and lifelong service in a dynamic and global society thorough the use of collaboration and critical thinking skills.
Program Goals and Objectives
The program’s mission is congruent with the missions of the university, college and department as indicated by the central themes of program graduates’ preparedness for future careers in a global society, lifelong learning, and community service.
Goal #1 To prepare graduates that are competent entry level registered dietitian nutritionists.
Objectives:
At least 80% of students complete program requirements within 27 months (150% of program length). ACEND requirement.
The program’s one-year pass rate (graduates who pass the registration exam within one year of first attempt) on the CDR credentialing exam for dietitian nutritionists is at least 80%. ACEND requirement
At least 80% of program graduates take the CDR credentialing examination for dietitian nutritionists within 12 months of program completion. ACEND requirement
Of graduates who seek employment, at least 80% are employed in nutrition and dietetics or related fields within 12 months of graduation. ACEND requirement
At least 80% of surveyed employer respondents will be “satisfied” with the graduates’ preparation for entry level practice. ACEND requirement
At least 80% of program graduates will rate the overall quality of the program as “good” or “excellent.”
At least 80% of surveyed preceptors will be “satisfied” with the graduates’ progress towards entry-level practice upon completion of their experience.
Goal #2 To prepare graduates who demonstrate commitment to developing dietetic knowledge, skills to practice self- management of lifelong learning needs, and a commitment to providing high quality nutrition care.
Objectives:
At least 50% of program graduates will report participation in at least one service activity within 12 months of graduation.
At least 80% of program graduates will report participation in continuing professional education opportunities within 12 months of graduation.
Of those living in states offering state licensure, at least 80% of graduates will obtain state licensure within 12 months of graduation.
Becoming a Registered Dietitian/Nutritionist (RDN)
Students who wish to become a Registered Dietitian/Nutritionist (RDN) must complete the following requirements listed below. Previously, MTSU had a Didactic Program in Dietetics (DPD). In response to this requirement from the Commission on Dietetic Registration, MTSU has made the decision to provide a Dietetics Graduate Program that aligns graduate courses and supervised experiential learning.
1. Complete a Bachelor’s Degree Complete a minimum of a Bachelor’s degree at a U.S. regionally accredited university or college or foreign equivalent, and coursework through an Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics (ACEND) accredited Didactic (DPD), Coordinated (CP), Future Graduate (FG) or Foreign (FDE) or International Dietitian Education (IDE) program. For a list of accredited programs, see www.eatrightpro.org/acend. Effective 1/1/2024, a master’s degree became a requirement to take the Commission on Dietetic Registration RDN credentialing exam.
2. Complete a Supervised Practice/Experience Complete a required supervised practice/experience through an ACEND accredited Dietetic Internship (DI), Coordinated (CP), Future Graduate (FG) or International Dietitian Education (IDE) Program or an Individualized Supervised Practice Pathway (ISPP) offered through an ACEND- accredited program. Information on ACEND-accredited programs at www.eatrightpro.org/acend.
3. Pass the CDR Examination Pass a national examination administered by the Commission on Dietetic Registration (CDR). For more information regarding the examination, refer to CDR’s Website at www.cdrnet.org. In order to maintain the credential, an RDN must complete continuing professional educational.
MTSU’s MPH-DC
Training Master’s – Prepared Dietitian Nutritionists
In response to this requirement from the Commission on Dietetic Registration, MTSU has made the decision to provide a Dietetics Graduate Program that aligns graduate courses and supervised experiential learning.
The MPH Dietetics Concentration is a 5 semester masters. Students will complete 1,000 hours of supervised experiential learning (SEL) during the program. The MPH-DC will provide students eligibility to take the registration exam for Registered Dietitian Nutritionists and will equip you to work at the forefront of food and nutrition practice for years to come. Upon completion of the MPH-DC, graduates will receive an MPH degree and a verification statement to establish eligibility to take the Registration Examination for Dietitians.
Students will demonstrate competencies according to both the Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics Graduate Programs (7 domains/37 competencies) and the Council on Education for Public Health (8 domains/22 competencies).
Program Outcomes
Note: Program outcomes data are available by request. Please send an email message to the program director, Dr. Liz Smith, at Elizabeth.Ann.Smith@mtsu.edu.
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:
Introductory Nutrition course (equivalent to MTSU’s 2220 Nutrition for the Health Sciences)
Community Nutrition course (equivalent to MTSU’s NFS 3260 Community Nutrition)
Food Science course (equivalent to MTSU’s 3200/01 Food Science)
Nutrition through the Lifespan course (equivalent to MTSU’s NFS 4275)
Organic Chemistry with lab
Biochemistry
Anatomy and Physiology I and II
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.
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
Students will be required to locate their own SEL sites and/or practitioners with the assistance and guidance of the SEL Clinical Program Coordinator. Students will need to provide their own transportation to the learning sites. Students are responsible for the costs associated with this transportation.
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.
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.
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.
A minimum of 1000 hours of supervised experiential learning.
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
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.
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.
Contact
Liz Smith, PhD, R.D., LDN Associate Professor, Nutrition & Food Science Director, Didactic Program in Dietetics Middle Tennessee State University Department of Human Sciences PO Box 86 Murfreesboro, TN 37132 615-898-5853 Elizabeth.Ann.Smith@mtsu.edu
