Nutrition and Dietetics
The Master of Science in Nutrition and Dietetics is a program that leads to the registered dietitian/nutritionist credential, RDN. The curriculum combines critical thinking, problem analysis and scientific inquiry to train graduate students to promote nutritional health and wellness to individuals and communities.
| ACADEMIC PROGRAM INFORMATION | APPLICATION DEADLINE | APPLICATION |
|---|---|---|
| Master of Science in Nutrition and Dietetics | Start term – Fall (August) 2025: August 15, 2025 Completed applications will be reviewed continuously leading up to the application deadline. | Fall (August) 2025: |
| Master of Science in Nutrition and Dietetics | Start term – Fall (August) 2026: Priority: March 1, 2026 Final: July 15, 2026 Applications will continue to be reviewed after the priority deadline on a space-available basis until our cohort is full. | Fall (August) 2026: The Fall 2026 Application will open September 15, 2025. |
Admission Requirements
- Shenandoah Graduate Admissions Application and $30 Application Fee
Please note: starting in 2026, the MS Nutrition and Dietetics program will accept applications through DICAS only. - A completed bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university with a minimum grade point average of 3.0 on a 4.0 grade scale.
- Required prerequisite courses completed a grade of “C” or better. Applicants can be enrolled and completing these courses at the time of application but we highly recommend at least 50% completion prior to applying. All prerequisite courses must be completed prior to starting in the program.
- Anatomy or Anatomy & Physiology I
- Physiology or Anatomy & Physiology II
- Statistics
- Introduction to Nutrition
- Required prerequisite courses completed a grade of “C” or better. Applicants can be enrolled and completing these courses at the time of application but we highly recommend at least 50% completion prior to applying. All prerequisite courses must be completed prior to starting in the program.
- Unofficial transcripts from all colleges and universities attended (or currently attending) for initial admission. Official transcripts must be sent prior to enrollment if admitted to the program.
- All transcripts from non-U.S.-based institutions must be course-by-course evaluated by a NACES or AICE academic credential evaluation company to obtain equivalency information on courses, grades, and degrees earned. Upload a copy of this course-by-course evaluation to serve as your unofficial transcript from that institution. Please note: If choosing to upload an unofficial evaluation, please contact the evaluating agency to ensure the same official version can be sent at a later date. Unofficial and official evaluations must be conducted by the same evaluation company to ensure consistency.
- Submit three letters of recommendation
- At least one recommendation from an academic source to indicate applicant’s ability to participate in the rigors of graduate school and at least one recommendation from a professional source to demonstrate traits the applicant possesses to be a future registered dietitian/nutritionist.
- Essay (no more than 2 pages, double-spaced) addressing the following prompt:
- Why have you chosen to apply to the MS Nutrition and Dietetics Graduate Program in the School of Health Professions at Shenandoah University? Our program follows ACEND’s Future Education Model, which means we provide competency based learning that incorporates experiential learning and hands-on training. Why do you believe this model will be best for you?
- Interview: Applicants who meet academic requirements will be invited to a virtual interview.
- Language Proficiency Requirement must be met. Submission of TOEFL, IELTS, PTE, or Duolingo English Test (DET) may be required. See our policy for full details.
Visit Options
The Office of Graduate Admissions offers campus visits, program-specific webinars and information sessions throughout the year. These events include time to speak with graduate admissions representatives and program faculty or deans.