Earn your master's in nutrition science (MS) degree and become part of the solution to our global health crisis. At Widener, you'll graduate prepared as registered dietitian nutritionist ready to make a difference in the field.
The master's in nutrition science program at Widener University prepares students to become work-ready registered dietitian nutritionists (RDNs) within the dynamic, evolving field of nutrition science.
With nutrition and diet-related diseases such as hypertension, obesity, and diabetes steadily on the rise, the role of qualified preventative services and disease management professionals has never been more important or more in demand.
Through our multidisciplinary nutrition master's program, you'll receive close faculty mentorship, supervised experiential learning practice, research and publication opportunities, as well as a uniquely interprofessional, innovative education.
You'll graduate with the critical thinking and analytical skills needed for positions in advanced-level clinical practice, wellness, public health/community management, leadership, and advocacy.
The master’s in nutrition science at Widener University has been granted accreditation candidacy by the Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics (ACEND). The program is eligible to enroll students to complete an advanced degree, supervised experiential learning, and sit for the Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RDN) registration exam.
Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics:
120 South Riverside Plaza, Suite 2190, Chicago, IL 60606-6995
1-800-877-1600 ext. 5400
ACEND@eatright.org, www.eatright.org/ACEND
The nutrition science master's program is a 21-month program that includes supervised experiential learning on- and off-campus. Students will connect with faculty and students interprofessionally across the other departments through shared academic experiential opportunities that support holistic approaches to care. Students' schedule will follow and observe holidays and semester breaks based on the university's academic calendar.
View the Loading... for a detailed list of classes and semester structure.
Students are expected to complete 49 credit hours with a grade of "B" or higher. Competencies may be met in course work, simulation exercises, professional meetings, nutrition assessment lab, and supervised experiential learning activities. Students must complete the program within 21 months.
The Department of Nutrition Science Student Handbook will be posted soon for details regarding staying in good standing as a student, academic policies, and graduation requirements.
To prepare graduates to be leaders in the field of nutrition by excelling in research, evidence-based practice, community engagement, and advocating for public policies to improve health and wellness outcomes in diverse and underserved communities.
Program graduates will:
Goal 1: Program graduates will be competent, diverse, and culturally sensitive entry-level Registered Dietitians who serve in diverse and underserved communities.
Goal 2: Program graduates will pursue lifelong learning, research, and be leaders in nutrition/dietetics profession.
External supervised experiential learning will begin at the end of your first year (summer semester) and continue into the fall and spring of your second year. Over the course of the program, you will complete a minimum of 1,000 hours of supervised experiential learning in order to meet program requirements. Overall performance is competency-based and performance indicators will be evaluated to determine competency not the number of hours completed.
An attempt is made to match the students to sites and/or experiences to support their interests and career goals. Students will have the opportunity to gain additional experience based on their preference and interest in Self-select rotation. Students will be assigned to facilities/sites in Chester, PA and surrounding cities including Philadelphia, PA; Harrisburg, PA; and Camden, NJ. Supervised experiential learning will be completed at traditional sites (e.g. hospitals and nursing homes) and non-traditional (high-fidelity simulation labs, telehealth, and health coaching) practice.
Sites/facilities may include:
Widener University does not pay or provide a stipend or other forms of compensation to students for supervised experiential learning activities.
Commission on Dietetic Registration (CDR) establishes requirements for eligibility to take the entry-level registration examinations for dietitians and dietetic technicians. Current requirements include academic preparation, supervised practice, and confirmation of academic and practice requirements by verification. These requirements are periodically reviewed and are subject to change.
Minimum of a baccalaureate degree granted by a U.S. regionally accredited college/university or foreign equivalent. Effective January 1, 2024, a graduate degree will be required for Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RDN) credentialing.
Completion of an Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics (ACEND) accredited Didactic Program in Dietetics (DPD). Original DPD verification statement must be submitted through the application process.
The supervised experiential learning is for educational purposes and that the students should not be used to replace or eliminate employees. Supervised experiential learning stipulates completion of one of the Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics (ACEND) accredited pathways. Widener University offers the Future Education Graduate Model Degree (FEM) pathway.
The Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics (ACEND) released the Future Education Model Accreditation Standards Graduate (FG) Degree Programs in 2016. This a competency-based education (CBE) program that integrates classroom learning with hands-on supervised experiential learning activities. The model fosters work-readiness. In the Future Education Model (FEM), the curriculum is guided with the competencies and their respective performance indicators, which are clearly defined based on the desired behaviors and job skills targeted. Students are required to complete a minimum of one thousand (1,000) supervised experiential learning hours.
Other pathways not offered at Widener include:
Accredited Dietetic Internship Program
Accredited Coordinated Program
Individualized Supervised Practice Pathway (ISPP)
For more information about educational pathways to become a RDN visit eatrightpro.org.
Forty-seven (47) states have enacted legislation regulating the practice of dietetics. State licensure and state certification are entirely separate and distinct from registration or certification by the Commission on Dietetic Registration. Information on state licensure and certification is provided at https://www.cdrnet.org/state-licensure
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). For more information about this requirement visit CDR's website: https://www.cdrnet.org/graduatedegree.
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). Graduates who successfully complete the ACEND-accredited graduate program at Widener University are eligible to sit for the CDR credentialing exam to become an RDN.
In most states, graduates also must obtain licensure or certification to practice. Students of Widener University will be eligible for licensure in all states that requires a license to practice as a licensed dietitian. For more information about state licensure requirements visit cdrnet.org.
For more information about educational pathways to become a RDN visit eatrightpro.org.
Widener reviews applications on a rolling basis. Please apply by September 1st, 2023 for the Fall, 2024 cohort. The deadline will be April 30th, 2024.
Widener University welcomes and encourages students from diverse academic, cultural, and ethnical backgrounds to apply to our MS in nutrition science program.
Prospective applicants are strongly encouraged to obtain prior nutrition/health-related work experience (volunteer or paid) to demonstrate their ability to be confident communicators, team players, and self-directed learners in order to successfully complete the rigors of the program.
OR
AND completion of the following courses:
GPA requirements:
Completed graduate application, which includes:
Additional Requirements for International Students: International student applicants from non-English speaking countries a TOEFL minimum score of 79 internet based or 213 computer based is required.
Admission Deadline for Fall 2024 Class - April 30, 2024.
A nonrefundable $100 down payment is due upon acceptance to the program (April). Refunds are based on the University’s policies will be found in the Department of Nutrition Science Student Handbook which will be published shortly.
Students are responsible for their own living expenses, transportation, books, lab coats and other program required materials or expenses. During the program students are expected to attend a professional conference, the expense associated with this activity may be the graduate student’s responsibility. Students are eligible for on-campus housing.
Estimated Budget
Students are eligible for financial aid through federal loans and grants. Students are also eligible to apply for scholarships.
Students are welcome to apply for academic scholarships offered by Widener as well as additional industry-related scholarships such as the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics and other state or local dietetic associations.
Widener's Department of Nutrition Science offers annual scholarships to students in the master's in nutrition science program. The scholarships reflect the university's commitment to the program and student's success.
In our state-of-the-art simulation and assessment lab, you'll learn in an environment that simulates realistic clinical situations, preparing you for the real world sooner. With our expansive library and helpful library staff, you'll have the research you need at your fingertips.
There are a multitude of other resources for students including housing, financial aid, health services, career services, and counseling and psychological services.
You'll build a solid foundation and master skills to excel in your field through innovative, integrated learning experiences, research, supervised clinical rotations, and more.
Through close collaboration with faculty and students from other professional health care programs, such as nursing, physical therapy, and occupational therapy, you'll graduate with an in-depth understanding of multi-disciplinary health fields to better support your patients and clients.
We want to help establish you as a leader. That's why we'll provide you with multiple leadership opportunities to promote health, wellness, and equity. By utilizing the “train the trainer” model, you'll interact with a diverse group of leaders in the private, public, non-profit, and social sectors to gain hands-on practical and relevant experience.
At Widener, you'll develop research, presentation, and publication skills with the help of close faculty mentors. You'll conduct a research project and present your findings at a professional meeting or conference, and receive encouragement and guidance to submit your work for publication in peer-reviewed journals.
As a nutrition expert, you will graduate with the expertise you need to provide care as a dietitian or nutritionist.
Hyatt Hall
14th St
Chester, PA 19013
Hyatt Hall
Office #312
Founders Hall
Room 323