Department of Nutrition

The mission of the Department of Nutrition is to prepare diverse students for successful careers in food, nutrition, and dietetics by providing quality education that is culturally sensitive and instills a desire for lifelong learning.

DEI Statement

Bachelor of Science in Nutrition and Dietetics (with Didactic Program in Dietetics (DPD) option

Students who attain a Bachelor of Science degree with a major in Nutrition and Dietetics will be prepared for traditional, non-traditional, and entrepreneurial positions in health care that utilize knowledge of food, nutrition and dietetics.  Professionals trained in nutrition have numerous career options due to the growing emphasis on nutrition, health and wellness.

One of the career options for a student majoring in Nutrition and Dietetics is to become a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RDN). The Nutrition and Dietetics major includes a didactic program in dietetics (DPD) which is a required initial step in the education and training of dietetics professionals. In order to become a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RDN), a DPD Verification Statement is required.

Bachelor of Science in Nutrition Science

The Nutrition Science major provides students interested in graduate level nutrition study, food science study or professional health programs (e.g. physician assistant, medical doctor, physical therapy) a suitable pathway that prepares them for these ventures. The Nutrition Science major provides a heavier emphasis on the sciences than the Nutrition and Dietetics major. The Nutrition Science major does not prepare students to become Registered Dietitian Nutritionists and instead focuses on better preparing students interested in advanced study post-graduation.

Bachelor of Science in Nutrition Studies

The Bachelor of Science degree with a major in Nutrition Studies is intended for students who are interested in the scientific foundation of nutrition principles. This is a major for those who are not pursuing dietetic registration.

Minor in Nutrition

The Nutrition Minor complements a variety of majors including Biology, Health Care Management, Hospitality, Tourism & Events, Human Performance and Sport, and Integrative Health Care. Additionally, this minor provides valuable information that can be applied to a student’s lifelong health and well-being.

The Nutrition Minor will not meet educational requirements for qualification as a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RDN). A major in nutrition from an accredited institution, an approved internship, and passing a national exam are all requirements to obtain the RDN credential.

Accelerated B.S. to M.S. Concentration

The Department of Nutrition offers an Accelerated B.S. to M.S. Concentration within the Nutrition and Dietetics major that allows students to take 9 credits of graduate coursework that can be used to meet the requirements of the Nutrition and Dietetics major and reduce the total number of credits required in the Master of Science in Nutrition. Students interested in the Accelerated B.S. to M.S. Concentration will apply once they are enrolled as MSU Denver undergraduate students with a declared major in Nutrition and Dietetics.

Both undergraduate and graduate level coursework in nutrition includes the opportunity to conduct and analyze research, enhance critical thinking and effective communication skills, and participate in experiential learning opportunities.

Didactic Program in Dietetics (DPD) Post-Baccalaureate Certificate

Completing the Certificate Program requirements will allow students to earn a DPD Verification Statement, which in turn makes them eligible to pursue the dietetic internship or supervised practice and become credentialed as an RDN.

Prerequisites for a Nutrition Graduate Program (PNUT)

The Prerequisites for a Nutrition Graduate Program (PNUT) is an undergraduate program that allows you to complete prerequisites for the Master of Science in Nutrition or the Graduate Certificate in Nutrition Science.

Master of Science in Nutrition

Blending experiential learning with high quality education in a flexible hybrid format, this student-focused program will strengthen your research skills, expand your knowledge of advanced nutrition topics, bolster your communication skills, and set you up to be a leader in the field of nutrition and dietetics.

Effective January 1, 2024, the CDR will require a minimum of a master’s degree to be eligible to take the credentialing exam to become a RDN. In addition, students must obtain a Didactic Program in Dietetics (DPD) verification statement. The MSN program does offer a DPD option.

Dietetic Internship Homepage

The MSU Denver Dietetic Internship is committed to preparing you for a successful career in the field of nutrition. The program provides a thorough foundation in several domains of nutrition practice working with culturally-diverse populations in a variety of settings:

1. medical nutrition therapy (MNT) and the nutrition care process (NCP) in a clinical setting
2. community health nutrition and food-security
3. nutrition education and counseling
4. food systems management

The program builds knowledge and skills needed to become a competent nutrition professional, including presentation, communication, and writing skills. The program values diversity and provides opportunities to meet individual needs and interests.

The MSU Denver Dietetic Internship is a 8.5 month program which starts in mid-August and runs through early May. The program provides more than the required minimum of 1000 hours of supervised practice experiences (rotations) at different organizations throughout the Denver-metropolitan area.

Coordinated Program

The MSU Denver Coordinated program is committed to preparing you for a successful career in the field of nutrition. Year 1 of the coordinated program comprises didactic coursework only. Year 2 of the coordinated program provides a thorough foundation in several domains of nutrition practice working with culturally-diverse populations in a variety of settings:

1. medical nutrition therapy (MNT) and the nutrition care process (NCP)
2. community health nutrition and food-security
3. nutrition education and counseling
4. food systems management

Supervised practice is 33 weeks divided into rotations and provides more than the minimum required 1,000 hours of supervised practice. Supervised practice starts year 2 of the program, mid-August and runs through early May.

Lactation Consultant Training Certificate Program

The Lactation Consultant Training Certificate Program is housed in the Department of Nutrition and allows students to meet the eligibility requirements to complete the International Board-Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC) Exam and, once students pass the exam, work as a credentialed IBCLC.

Graduate Certificate in Nutrition Science

Curriculum in the Graduate Certificate in Nutrition Science focuses on providing advanced nutrition education tailored to current RDN’s, healthcare professionals, and individuals looking to grow personally or professionally through graduate level study.