Online: M.S. in Applied Nutrition
Continue to main content
Applied Nutrition by the Numbers
-
98%
Successful Outcomes Rate
Students graduating with degrees from the Department of Allied Health, Kinesiology, and Sport Sciences report being employed or furthering their education six months after graduation.
-
$63k+
Dietitians and Nutritionists
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, dietitians and nutritionists can earn an average of $63,090 annually.
-
8%
Projected employment growth through 2029
The Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts that employment of dietitians will grow 8 percent from 2019 to 2029.
Applied Nutrition Degree Map
Explore the courses you'll need to complete your degree
Program Information
- Multiple supervised practice location options
- In-person supervised practice locations in Missouri, Illinois, Texas, Florida, Louisiana, North Carolina, Georgia, and Oklahoma.
- Stipends available for students in TX, FL, LA, NC, GA, and OK locations through the Nutritious Lifestyles option.
- Build a customized experience with our Remote Distance option to complete supervised practice hours anywhere in the United States.
- 100% online coursework
- Complete graduate coursework from anywhere at your own pace, while completing your supervised practice hours in person!
- Guidance and supervision from faculty, capstone project mentors, program directors, supervised practice preceptors throughout the program.
- Coursework includes a 12-week course focused on preparation for the RD Exam.
- 15-month program
- Begin in May 2024 and become eligible to take the RD Exam in August 2025!
- Graduate with a Master of Science in Applied Nutrition and FEM GP Verification. Statement in 15 short months!
- Integrated Capstone Research Project
- Conduct original, IRB approved, research at one of your supervised practice locations.
- Guidance from the Capstone Project Coordinator, faculty mentor, and site preceptors.
- Prepare to publish or present your findings in a professional platform.
- Now accepting applications for the May 2024 cohort!
- DPD students apply through DICAS!
- Application deadline for the first round of admission is January 15, 2024.
- January 15 applicants will receive acceptance decision by February 5, 2024.
- After January 15, you may still apply. If enrollment seats remain open, applications will be reviewed with a rolling deadline until the program is full or until May 1, 2024.
- Southeast students accepted into the DPD program may apply through our Pre-Select process anytime!
Applicant Handbook
The applicant handbook provides detailed instructions and information on how to apply to our multiple supervised practice locations, Pre-Select, and Prior Learning Credit.
Applied Nutrition Application and Course Information
Students can only apply for summer admission to the program.
In addition to the criteria established for general admission to graduate studies, applicants must have the following:
- A baccalaureate or advanced degree from a regionally accredited college or university or a foreign degree evaluated as equivalent to a U.S. baccalaureate degree
- An undergraduate GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale
- A verification statement from a Didactic Program in Dietetics (DPD) accredited by Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics (ACEND) or completed list of approved DPD equivalent courses approved by program director
- Evidence the applicant has accumulated a minimum of 750 hours experience from any combination of the following:
- Volunteer experience (unaffiliated with course requirements)
- Paid work experience
- Collegiate athletics
- Student organizations
- Leadership experiences
- Other extracurricular experiences
- Completed these application requirements
- DI graduates only need to submit a verification statement or proof of RD credentials, transcripts, resume, and three references to apply.
- Field experience courses are waived for DI graduates or RDN’s. Some applicants may qualify for other prior learning credit. Ask Program Directors for more information.
Required courses
- FN600 Advanced Application of Medical Nutrition Therapy (3)
- FN607 Food Science and Technology (3)
- FN610 Strategic Management of Food Service Operations (3)
- FN611 Foundations in Dietetics Practice (3)
- FN615 Culinary Nutrition (3)
- FN617 Applied Statistics in Health Sciences (3)
- FN619 Metabolic Considerations in Performance and Wellness Nutrition (3)
- FN620 Community Nutrition Programming: Advanced Concepts and Application (3)
- FN622 Nutrition Counseling and Education: Advanced Concepts and Application (3)
- FN624 Research Methodology (3)
- FN628 Applied Nutrition Field Experience I (1)
- FN629 Applied Nutrition Field Experience II (1)
- FN645 Capstone Project in Applied Nutrition (1)
- FN650 Professional Skills and Emerging Trends in Dietetics Practice (3)
Choose one with advice of program coordinator:
- GR698 Master’s Final Comprehensive Examination (0)
- GR699 Master’s Oral Examination (0)
Recommended Sequence of Required Course Work
Because of the intensive workload for this program, all courses must be completed in order in rotation with the cohort.
- For students who need the FEM Graduate Program in Nutrition and Dietetics verification statement, the total program cost for tuition and program fees is $15,642. That includes 36 credit hours at $409.50 per credit hour, $100 course fee for GR698, and program fees at $800.
- Note: This estimate does not include additional costs such as textbooks, transportation, etc.
- For students who are only completing the MSAN degree program without the field experience and do not need the Graduate Program verification statement, the total cost for tuition will vary depending on the number of courses you will take. Please email msan@semo.edu for an estimate. The general cost is $409.50 per credit hour.
The mission of the Master of Science in Applied Nutrition is to provide integrated innovative graduate coursework and experiential learning to prepare high-quality Registered Dietitian Nutritionists that utilize evidenced-based practice and professional skills in the dynamic world of food, nutrition, and health throughout the region and beyond.
Program Goals
- Goal 1: Graduates will demonstrate evidence-based practice and professional skills expected of an entry-level dietitian throughout coursework, research, and supervised experiential learning activities.
- Goal 2: Program graduates will demonstrate competence to practice as entry level dietitians in administrative, clinical and community dietetics.
The MSAN program is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics (ACEND) as a Future Education Model Graduate Program.
Email: ACEND@eatright.org
Phone: (800) 877-1600, ext. 5400
Mail: 120 South Riverside Plaza / Suite 2190 / Chicago, IL 60606-6995
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). In order to be approved for registration examination eligibility with a bachelor’s degree, an individual must meet all eligibility requirements and be submitted into CDR's Registration Eligibility Processing System (REPS) before 12:00 midnight Central Time, December 31, 2023. For more information about this requirement visit CDR's website. 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 FEM-Graduate MS Applied Nutrition program at Southeast Missouri State University are eligible to apply to take the CDR credentialing exam to become an RDN.
In most states, graduates also must obtain licensure or certification to practice. Visit CDR's website for more information.
More information about educational pathways to become an RDN.
College of Education, Health and Human Studies
This degree is housed within the College of Education, Health and Human Studies. The college boasts programs that train students in mind, body, and soul. So, whether you want to teach, to care, to support, or to fix, we have a program to get you there.
Nutrition Instructor in the Department of Allied Health, Kinesiology, and Sport Sciences
"This program is intense, flexible, practical, and rewarding. In 15 months, you’ll earn a master’s degree in Applied Nutrition, complete over 1000 hours of experiential learning activities, complete a customizable capstone research project, and earn the verification statement required to attempt the Registration Examination for Dietitians. This program provides an opportunity to apply the skills you have learned from your undergraduate and graduate coursework in real situations under the supervision of outstanding preceptors."
Joel Ramdial, EdD, RD, LD
Online Learning at Southeast
When it comes to your success, we do whatever it takes. Online learning at Southeast takes the same reputable college courses taught by Southeast faculty and makes them available anytime, anywhere.
Become a Redhawk.
Do more than dream about the future. Take the first steps to make it all happen.
Getting the Job
Your education is just one piece to launching an extraordinary career. Once you’ve mastered the material, you still have to find the job you want, make the right connections, sell your knowledge and experience—and if all this is giving you anxiety, don’t panic. SEMO’s Career Services office is here to help you with the next step. They’ll provide the expertise and support you need, so you’re landing your dream job in no time.
Accreditations
Additional Resources
Questions?
Cape Girardeau, MO 63701
Cape Girardeau, MO 63701
Cape Girardeau, MO 63701