Impact Individual and Community Nutrition and Health
Designed for those committed to making a meaningful impact on health and nutrition status in their communities, Antioch University’s Master of Science in Nutrition and Dietetics (MSND) prepares graduates to become registered dietitians practicing dietetics in a variety of employment settings. Graduates will meet all the requirements to sit for the credentialing exam to practice as registered dietitians. This program combines evidence-based nutrition science with hands-on learning experiences in hospitals, clinics, schools, and more. The MSND program has a strong focus on social justice and health equity. Whether you’re looking to advance your career in clinical practice, public health, community nutrition, or advocacy, Antioch’s values-driven approach will prepare you to lead with purpose.
Program Overview
Antioch University’s Master of Science in Nutrition and Dietetics (MSND) prepares students to become competent, compassionate, and equity-driven registered dietitian nutritionists (RDNs). As a Future Education Model Graduate Program (GP) granted Candidacy status by the Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics (ACEND) of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, our curriculum blends evidence-based nutrition science with hands-on supervised experiential learning (SEL) at program-provided sites throughout Central Ohio—including hospitals, clinics, schools, and public health organizations.
Students benefit from a collaborative learning environment, expert faculty, and a focus on addressing health disparities through nutrition care. With a mix of online coursework and in-person workshops at Otterbein’s campus, this program is designed for those who want to make a lasting impact in their communities while advancing their careers in nutrition and dietetics as licensed registered dietitians.
Key Features of the Program:
Students engage in experiential learning across the food system, including local food production with area farmers to food banks and public health programs, building a systems-level understanding of food distribution, sustainability, and the dietitian’s impact on improving health outcomes.
Students examine the structural drivers of food insecurity, health disparities, and diet-related disease while developing competencies in food access initiatives, nutrition education, and community-based public health strategies that strengthen equitable and sustainable food systems.
Expert Faculty: Learn from experienced educators and industry experts who are passionate about nutrition and dietetics, providing insights into current trends and challenges in the field.
Program-Provided SEL sites in Central Ohio. Students will not be required to locate your supervised professional experiences. Through Antioch’s extensive network, students will be placed in various professional settings in central Ohio to apply didactic principles, practice required skills, and demonstrate competency achievement. These sites include acute care, long-term care, outpatient clinics, health departments, food banks, and schools.
Graduates of the MSND program are fully prepared and eligible to sit for the Commission on Dietetic Registration (CDR) exam to become registered dietitian nutritionists (RDN).
The MS in Nutrition and Dietetics is a distance learning program with program-provided SEL sites. At various points, students will be expected to come to Otterbein’s campus for 2–3-day workshops. For this reason, and for SEL placement, students are expected to reside in Central Ohio.
Beginning January 1, 2024, students must have a master's degree to be eligible to take the credentialing exam to become a registered dietitian nutritionist (RDN).
To prepare well-rounded, collaborative leaders and advocates to be entry-level dietitians striving to eliminate health disparities by improving nutrition and health outcomes of all future patients and communities from diverse social, racial, and economic backgrounds.
Graduates from this graduate program within the Graduate School of Nursing and Health Professions will earn a master’s degree (MS in Nutrition and Dietetics) and complete all required supervised experiential learning (SEL) in alternative and professional settings. Students will earn their verification statement required for the credentialing exam.
All graduates from the Master of Science in Nutrition and Dietetics at Antioch University are eligible for the Commission on Dietetics Registration’s (CDR) credentialing exam for dietitian nutritionists (RDN).
Completion of an ACEND-accredited dietetics program
Complete a minimum of a master's degree
Complete the required supervised practice and experience
Pass a national CDR exam
Meet state requirements for licensing, if applicable
“While state interpretations of statutes may vary, it is ACEND's considered opinion that the program meets the educational requirements for dietetics licensure and certification in all states. However, completing an ACEND-accredited academic program alone does not qualify an individual for licensure or certification as a dietitian in any state. Individuals should review their state's licensing statutes and regulations to understand the specific requirements, including supervised practice and examinations, needed to obtain a dietetics license. More information about state licensure and certification can be found at this link: State Licensure.”
Successful completion of the MSND program meets all of the requirements to practice in Ohio after graduates pass the CDR exam.
Program graduates will be compassionate and competent dietitians providing evidence-based nutrition care, working in a variety of employment settings.
Program graduates will demonstrate effective leadership, communication, and teamwork within interdisciplinary healthcare and community settings to promote evidence-based nutrition and health practice.
Program graduates will implement nutrition and health interventions that address health disparities by being responsive to the cultural, social, and economic needs of individuals and communities to improve outcomes for diverse populations
Program Completion: At least 80% of program students complete program requirements within 32 months (150% of the program length).
Graduate Employment: Of graduates who seek employment, at least 80% are employed in nutrition and dietetics or related fields within 12 months of graduation.
Graduate Performance on Registration Exam: At least 80% of program graduates take the CDR credentialing exam for dietitian nutritionist within 12 months of program completion.
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 nutritionist is at least 80%.
Employer Satisfaction: Eighty percent of graduates consistently exhibit professional and ethical behavior, along with quality entry-level knowledge and skills in their respective workplaces.
Eighty percent of program graduates will work to develop, implement, and evaluate holistic nutrition plans of care for diverse individuals, groups, and populations.
Provide High Quality Nutrition Care Prepare competent and compassionate dietitian nutritionists providing evidence-based nutrition care, working in a variety of employment settings
Develop Collaborative Leadership Skills Demonstrate effective leadership, communication, and teamwork within interdisciplinary healthcare and community settings to promote evidence-based nutrition and health practices.
Advocate for Health Equity Implement nutrition and health interventions that address health disparities by being responsive to the cultural, social, and economic needs of individuals and communities to improve outcomes for diverse populations.
Deliver Evidence-Based Nutrition Care Students will synthesize evidence-based information and apply it to all areas of dietetic practice
Exhibit Compassionate Professionalism and Leadership Students will demonstrate professional practice expectations for the role of dietitian and develop leadership skills that embrace professional growth
Integrate Public Health and Nutrition Science Students will develop, implement, and evaluate holistic nutrition plans of care for diverse individuals, groups, and populations
Lead Collaborative Efforts Students will apply principles of management and systems in providing services to individuals and organizations, fostering social justice
Career Opportunities with an Advanced Degree in Nutrition and Dietetics
Media and Communications Dietitian
Clinical Dietitian
Community Dietitian
Outpatient Wellness Dietitian
Specialized Dietitian
Foodservice Manager
Research and Industry Dietitian
Clinical Research Dietitian
Nutrition Educator
Government and Policy Dietitian
The Master of Science in Nutrition and Dietetics is a candidacy program seeking accreditation by: Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, 120 South Riverside Plaza, Suite 2190, Chicago, IL 60606-6995 (312) 899-0040 x5400 [email protected], http://www.eatrightpro.org/resources/acend
All applicants to Antioch University’s Master of Science in Nutrition and Dietetics program must submit their application through the Dietetic Internship Centralized Application System (DICAS). Required materials—including official transcripts, resume/CV, and other required documents —must be uploaded directly to the DICAS system.
Application Process: Apply through the Dietetic Internship Centralized Application System (DICAS).
Deadline: July 14, 2025
Admissions: Approximately 13 students are accepted each year.
Antioch uses a tiered admissions model based on institutional partnerships:
Admissions: Approximately 13 students are accepted each year.
Tier 1 (CCG Partner Schools):
Guaranteed admission for students who meet all minimum requirements.
First-priority admissions window: Application deadline is September 15
Tier 2 (Affiliated Institutions):
Guaranteed admission and reserved seats for students who meet requirements.
Priority admissions window: Application deadline is October 1
Tier 3 (General Applicants):
Open to all other applicants.
Admissions window: Application deadline is February 1.
If capacity is not met, rolling admissions and final review will continue until July 1 or until seats are filled.
All qualified applicants may also complete a virtual interview as part of the admissions process. Early submission is encouraged to ensure priority review and seat availability.
Admissions Criteria
A bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution, cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher on a 4.0 scale
To honor a more holistic approach, each application is reviewed individually using a set rubric. Applicants whose GPA is less than a 3.0 may submit a written statement explaining their circumstances.
Completion of the following prerequisite courses with a grade C or above for each of the following courses:
Biology for science/health professionals, 2 semesters
Chemistry, 2 semesters
Organic Chemistry, 1 semester
Biochemistry, 1 semester
Anatomy
Physiology
Statistics
Medical Terminology
Fundamentals of Human Nutrition/Introduction to Nutrition course
Food Science course, with lab
Sanitation and Safety course or ServSafe Certification
1 additional nutrition course (examples include Community or Public Health Nutrition, Lifecycle Nutrition, or other upper-level nutrition courses)
Official transcripts must be submitted directly from all institutions where courses and degrees were completed.
A CV or resume
Applicants may wish to highlight nutrition classes or work-related projects that align with their educational or career goals.
2 letters of recommendation that speak to the applicant’s ability to handle graduate course work, communication and collaboration skills, and potential success as a graduate student and registered dietitian.
1 letter from nutrition or health-related faculty
1 letter from a professional mentor
Applicants may be requested to have an interview with the program director and/or program faculty. The interview may be either face-to-face or held virtually using Zoom.
The MSND program requires Supervised Experiential Learning (SEL) experiences throughout central Ohio. Students are responsible for their own transportation to and from all SEL sites and other required activities. This includes, but is not limited to, supervised experiential learning hours, practice assignments, or travel to required professional meetings. All transportation and parking costs are the responsibility of the student. Public transportation and/or rideshare are not recommended due to the need for consistency and reliability.
The MSND program is a distance education course with academic coursework being completed in an online environment.
To fulfill the requirements of this program, students need the following:
Typhon competency-based software (included in technology fee)
Windows or Mac laptop
Webcam/integrated computer camera
High-speed internet access
Access to a printer
Presentation (e.g., PowerPoint or Google Slides) and word processing software (e.g., Word, Google Docs)
Applicants may request that their previous work or volunteer experience be assessed to determine whether they have already met some of the supervised experiential learning (SEL) required by the program. To qualify for APL credit consideration, a student must have worked or volunteered for a minimum of 1040 hours in that role (40 hours/week for 6 months or 20 hours/week for 1 year) in a relevant job or volunteer role.
Hours must be documented and submitted along with (1) a work product, (2) student portfolio and/or additional artifacts demonstrating competency completion, and (3) justification for the specific ACEND competency they wish to receive credit for. A previous work supervisor will be asked to sign off on the accuracy and thoroughness of an APL application. Students must state which specific ACEND competencies they are submitting for completion approval.
Note: All competencies identified by ACEND as an “Enhanced Competency” must be completed in the MSND program and are not considered for prior learning.
APL allows students to replace up to 280 hours (about 4 weeks) towards the required SEL hours and assignments.
All requests for APL are reviewed by the program director and/or additional faculty to determine eligibility. Submissions will be evaluated based on a rubric that aligns with ACEND standards. Decisions are made on a case-by-case basis before the first day of the first class. Tuition and fees for the program remain the same regardless of the amount of APL credit awarded.
Note: Coursework or experience obtained while completing a Didactic Program in Dietetics (DPD) will not count towards APL credit.
To be considered for APL, students should reach out to the program director to review the proposed APL and start the formal review process
Financial Aid:
Many students finance their education through some form of financial aid. You may not be sure which federal, state, public, and private aid packages – such as loans, scholarships, and grants – are right for you. Our staff is here to help you so you can focus on what’s most important: beginning your academic program.
Antioch University is proud to partner with several schools and employers to offer scholarships and/or special educational benefits to employees, students, and alumni of select partner institutions. To learn more about these scholarships and to find out if you are eligible, talk with Admissions.
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