Master of Science in Nutrition and Food Science – Dietetic Internship
The Master of Science in Nutrition and Food Science is structured to provide knowledge and skills in human nutrition, principles of management and food science. This internship is designed to allow students to complete the requirements for the Dietetic Internship and a master's degree in one year. The 12-month program begins in January or May/June and comes to completion at graduation after three semesters (Spring, Fall, and Summer). Upon completion of this Dietetic Internship (DI), students are eligible to take the Registration Examination to become a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RDN).
Students with a DPD or FDE Verification Statement who have been admitted to the UCO graduate degree program prior to applying for the DI program will be admitted into the Dietetic Internship after having gone through the DICAS application process, met the requirements of the DI Program and been selected as an intern into the DI Program. Issuance of verification will be contingent upon completion of both the DI and a graduate degree. Students who have been admitted to the UCO graduate degree program who have not earned a DPD or FDE Verification Statement and who wish to be eligible to apply to the DI must first complete the DPD requirements at UCO.
Students who have been admitted to the UCO graduate degree program who have not earned a DPD or FDE Verification Statement and who wish to be eligible to apply to the DI must first complete the DPD requirements at UCO. Students may apply to the DI if they have already obtained a graduate degree from another University, or are already in process of obtaining a degree at UCO, or if they are in process of obtaining a degree from another University and are transferring to UCO to complete the graduate degree. In any case, 15 graduate credit hours at UCO are required for the DI.
Student Learning Objectives
- Evaluate emerging research for application in dietetics practice.
- Design, implement and evaluate presentations to a target audience.
- Perform the Nutrition Care Process and use standardized nutrition language.
- Analyze quality, financial or productivity data and develop a plan for intervention.
Accreditation
The Nutrition and Food Science internship at The University of Central Oklahoma is currently accredited by the Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics (ACEND) of The Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, 120 South Riverside Plaza, Suite 2910, Chicago, Illinois 60606-6995 (Phone: 800/877-1600).
For information on the program’s mission, objectives and accreditation, please refer to the student handbook.
Effective January 1, 2024, the Commission on Dietetic Registration (CDR) will require a minimum of a master’s degree to be eligible to take the credentialing exam to become a registered dietitian nutritionist (RDN). In addition, CDR requires that individuals complete coursework and supervised practice in program(s) accredited by the Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics (ACEND). In most states, graduates must also obtain licensure or certification to practice. Oklahoma requires licensure. Graduates who successfully complete the ACEND-accredited DI program at UCO are eligible to take the CDR credentialing exam to become an RDN.
Career Opportunities
- Food or Sensory Scientist
- Research and Development for food companies
- Food sales and Marketing
- Quality Assurance or Food Safety Specialist
- Food Technologist
- Food Production Manager
Professional Organizations
