Department of Health, Nutrition, and Exercise Sciences
Master's Degree (MS) Program In Human Nutrition 

Program Description: The Master’s Degree Program in Human Nutrition enables students to pursue their interests through an individualized program of study with either a thesis or non-thesis option.  Both options include a core of  required credits in nutrition and research methods, after which students work with an advisor to develop a customized elective program that fulfills the remainder of the program credits.

Areas of potential program specialization include nutrition science, nutrition education, community nutrition, and management of food and nutrition services.  A variety of courses within the department and across the university provide exceptional opportunities for tailoring the degree to the student’s interests. Information about faculty, requirements for the degree, recently finished thesis titles, financial aid, and courses offered can be found in Program Description.  

Combined M.S./Dietetic Internship Program: The combined M.S./Dietetic Internship (MS/DI) enables students to complete the M.S. in Human Nutrition and the university’s dietetic internship in a two-year period. This is an accelerated program for post-baccalaureate students with a current verification statement from an accredited didactic program in dietetics. The program prepares students to successfully complete the Registration Examination with the Commission on Dietetic Registration and helps students develop critical reasoning, analytical and problem-solving skills so that graduates are positioned to be leaders in their chosen areas of dietetic practice.

Criteria for Selection: Undergraduate cumulative index 2.75, 3.00 in major field; 3 letters of reference; The recommended minimum combined verbal and math GRE score is 1000.  International students applying for a teaching assistantship must report a paper-based TOEFL score of at least 600 (250 or better on the computer-based TOEFL) and Test of Spoken English (TSE) score of at least 45. A score of 575 or better (231 or better on the computer-based TOEFL) is required for international students who do not apply for a teaching assistantship. Prerequisite course requirements for admission to regular status include physiology; inorganic, organic and biochemistry; and one semester of nutrition at a level requiring a biochemistry prerequisite.  Some prerequisites may be completed during the first semester of the program. Additional admission requirements for the MS/DI program can be found at the Requirement Summary page. You may also find more detailed information about the Requirements for Admission from the Graduate Catalog.

Procedure for Application:  Applications may be submitted online. Detailed instructions and online application forms can be found at http://www.udel.edu/gradoffice/  Alternatively, you may submit a completed application form, test scores, 3 letters of reference, official transcripts and application fee to the Office of Graduate Studies at the University of Delaware, Newark, DE  19716-1501.  If you have any questions, please contact the Nutrition and Dietetics graduate program secretary Cindy Chapman, at (302) 831-8976 or email at cchapman@udel.edu; or the graduate coordinator, Dr. Chengshun Fang at (302) 831-1020 or e-mail at rfang@udel.edu. 

Application Deadlines:  The general university deadline for application submission is December 1 for Spring admission,  July 1 for Fall admission. Early submission of application is recommended, especially if you request for teaching or researching assistantships. 

Dietetic Internship: The Department also offers the opportunity to pursue the registered dietitian credential through its post-baccalaureate Dietetic Internship.  This is a non-degree certificate program.  Four graduate credits are earned in the internship and can be applied toward the master’s degree.  For additional information contact the internship director, Ms Ann Rucinski at (302) 831-2079, e-mail at rucinski@udel.edu or visit the Dietetic Internship Web site: http://www.udel.edu/NTDT/internship/