As the critical role of nutrition in the prevention and treatment of illness becomes increasingly evident, the demand for registered dietitian nutritionists (RDNs) with graduate degrees is growing faster than ever. In addition, beginning in 2024, all new RDNs must have a graduate degree.
With excellent academics and top-notch faculty, Ball State’s graduate program in nutrition and dietetics will prepare you for success in one of the country’s most promising job markets.
Choose your path
Ball State offers two master’s programs in nutrition and dietetics. The admission requirements and application process differ depending on whether you are currently a registered dietitian or aspiring to become a dietitian.
Find admission requirements for:
What You Will Learn
Tailored exclusively for current and aspiring registered dietitian nutritionists, our program provides a rigorous course of study that includes classes in:
- nutrition assessment
- nutrition science
- life cycle nutrition ( i.e., maternal and infant, pediatrics, geriatrics)
- medical nutrition therapy (i.e., renal nutrition, cardiovascular nutrition, oncology)
- food and nutrition policy
Pursuing a MS Degree in Nutrition and Dietetics
The program offers both a thesis and non-thesis option, so you can choose the path of study that’s right for you.
For those aspiring to become a registered dietitian, it also includes an ACEND-approved dietetic internship with a medical nutrition therapy focus, which is required to sit for the dietetic registration examination.
In short, it gives current and aspiring RDNs superior opportunities in a single, convenient place.
If you are a registered dietitian nutritionist seeking a master’s degree, the program can be completed entirely online.
If you are an aspiring dietitian, you will required to come to Ball State's campus for your Orientation Week (first week of your Dietetic Internship). Your Dietetic Internship will be completed off campus at one of Ball State's affiliated medical centers and community sites. All regular graduate courses will be completed online.
Program Requirements
To be eligible for the MS Nutrition and Dietetics program as an Aspiring Dietitian, applicants must have a DPD Verification Statement and apply to the Ball State Dietetic Internship either via the Early Access or DICAS application processes. The department will use those applications to select up to 24 students annually. For more information on the Dietetic Internship, click here.
Due to federal immigration regulations, students holding F1 visas are not eligible to enroll in this predominantly online program. Please consult with an immigration advisor in the Office of International Admissions and Services for guidance on your visa eligibility (intadmit@bsu.ed).
Program of Study
Your program of work will include the following:
- Research Component: 9-12 credits
- Nutrition Core Courses (Nutrition Assessment, Macronutrients, Micronutrients): 9 credits
- Electives: 15-18 credits (9 credits for the Dietetic Internship)
Those students enrolled in the thesis option will enroll in thesis hours as some of their elective hours.
For a complete list of all the courses you will take and their descriptions, please see our Graduate Catalog.
View Catalog
What Can You Do with a Master of Science Degree in Nutrition and Dietetics?
The demand for dietitians is projected to exceed supply for the next 10 years due to the increased role of nutrition in the prevention and treatment of illness. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the employment of dietitians and nutritionists will grow 15 percent between 2016 and 2026—faster than all other jobs. That means graduates from our program enjoy a wealth of career opportunities.
Paying for Your Education
Ready to Apply?
To be eligible to apply to our program, you need to already have an academic background in nutrition and dietetics, either as a current Registered Dietitian Nutritionist or as a current student earning a DPD Verification Statement. More information on how to apply, click on the Get Started tab below.
More Information
If you would like to learn more about this program or about Ball State’s Graduate School in general, please complete our online form to request more information. Or, if you’d like to speak with someone in our department directly by phone or email, please contact us.