Author(s)

Monica Sanchez, Deanna L. Pucciarelli

Department of Nutrition and Health Science, Ball State University, Muncie, IN, USA.

Background: The registered dietetic four-year degree educational structure has been intact since 1926. Master level nutrition programs exist in the U.S., but are not standardized or accredited unlike four-year degrees. Academic requirements for nutrition graduate programs vary regionally across the nation. Objective: To 1) quantify and describe the availability of Master level nutrition programs regionally; and 2) examine the current M.A. and M.S. program requirements for a nutrition graduate degree in the U.S. Methods: Nutrition graduate programs (n = 201) were analyzed and compared by geographical region. Data were collected between August 2017 and May 2018. Inclusion criteria were defined as: nutrition graduate programs listed in the American Society of Nutrition (ASN) database that had a nutrition graduate program website. Descriptive statistical analysis measured evaluated variables. Results: A total of 201 nutrition graduate programs in the U.S. were identified. The title of the programs was categorized into 29 main themes. The most common nutrition graduate program title was a M.S. in Nutrition, 55 institutions (27.4%). A total of 181 institutions offered a M.S. with a required thesis, whereas 95 offered a M.S. with a non-thesis option, and only eight offered a M.A. Region 3-South offered the highest number of nutrition graduate programs (66), followed by region 2-Midwest with 49 programs, region 1-Northeast offered a total of 46 programs, and 37 programs were offered in region 4-West. Conclusion: In 2024, as part of the RD eligibility criteria, it will be required that students possess a master’s degree. To date, only one master’s program in the U.S. is accredited, which assures the student a measure of confidence of program rigor and accountability. Dietitians’ three major professional concerns: respect, recognition and rewards are predicated on rigorous educational programs that meet ACEND standards. It is unlikely that all U.S. master level programs will be accredited by 2024.

Nutrition Graduate Program Requirements, Graduate Program Curriculum Rigor, Registered Dietitian Nutritionist Credential (RDN), RDN Requirements, Accreditation

Sanchez, M. and Pucciarelli, D. (2019) Master’s Degree, a New Requirement to Become an RDN by 2024: A Comparison of Nutrition Graduate Programs Offered in the USA. Food and Nutrition Sciences, 10, 1-14. doi: 10.4236/fns.2019.101001.