Distance Learning Master of Science ProgramWhat are the advantages of an MS in Dietetics and Nutrition?
• Advancement: Registered dietitians with a Master's degree are often hired and promoted to management, research and specialized clinical positions.
Research experience is more important than ever in today's healthcare fields. Registered dietitians are required
to conduct outcomes
research and utilize evidence-based practice to translate research findings to clinical practice.
• Satisfaction: Participating in research and applying research findings to dietetics and nutrition practice are useful and valued skills. Advanced knowledge of biochemical, pathological and physiological processes of disease builds a better understanding of disease
prevention
and treatment.
• Competence: The role of the dietetics professional is continually evolving. Individuals must ethically take responsibility for determining their own competency to provide a specific service. Characteristics of dietetics professionals who seek advanced degrees are those who seek to acquire an expert knowledge base and develop complex decision making skills for expanded practice.
What are the advantages of an MS for professionals who are not registered dietitians?
Why Choose KU?
Our program stands apart from others for many reasons, including the outstanding faculty and the flexible program design (12-15 credit hours of electives) allowing students to study full-time or part-time to meet individual career objectives. Many courses are offered in the evening or online to accommodate busy schedules, and thesis and non-thesis options are available.
Located in an urban academic medical center, KU provides students with opportunities not available at small universities or healthcare facilities. KU is a “good value” – high quality at low cost – according
to the US New and World Report.
Graduate Assistantships
Graduate teaching assistantships and research assistantships are available through the KU Department of Dietetics and Nutrition
for full-time MS students on a competitive basis. The time commitments and wages vary semester between semesters.
Students should contact the department to apply for an assistantship.
Prerequisite courses for regular admission are one course each in biochemistry, physiology and nutrition.
Curriculum |
Thesis Option |
Non-Thesis Option |
| DN 834 Methods of Research | 3 h | 3 h |
| DN 895 Advanced Macronutrients & Metabolism | 3 h | 3 h |
| Biostatistics (700-800 level) | 3 h | 3 h |
| DN 896 Advanced Micronutrients & Metabolism | 3 h | 3 h |
| DN 817 Seminar in D&N I | 1 h | 1 h |
| DN 818 Seminar in D&N II | 1 h | 1 h |
| DN 819 Scientific Writing for the Nutritional Sciences | 1 h | 1 h |
| Research
(See below for differences between options) |
3
h min. DN 899 |
3
h DN 854 |
| Electives*
(Up to 6 hours may be outside D&N program) |
12 h | 15 h |
| Total | 30 h | 33 h |
* Students completing the dietetic internship and the MS program will have limited hours available for electives due to courses completed during the internship program |
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Differences in Research Experiences for the Two Options: |
||
DN 899 |
Characteristics |
DN 854 |
Includes all aspects of the research process |
Scope of research |
Involves doing a part of the research process |
Usually three semesters |
Time period |
Usually one semester |
Written research proposal; collection of research data; written thesis; oral research defense; and 30 min oral exam |
Written and oral presentation |
One-page proposal; final written report, project defense, one hour oral exam |
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