Master of Science in Nutrition/Dietetic Internship (MSDI)
The Master's of Science/Dietetic Internship (MSDI) program allows students to earn their master's degree in nutrition while gaining the supervised practice experience necessary for becoming a registered dietitian.
UMass Amherst offers two tracks for students pursuing an MSDI program: Accelerated (4+1) MSDI and MSDI. Visit MS requirements and DI webpage for more information.
Accelerated (4+1) MSDI is open to matriculated UMass Amherst students who will be receiving a DPD verification statement upon their undergraduate graduation. This program is 16 months with the MS degree completed in two semesters. Supervised practice begins immediately following graduation in May with completion typically mid-December.
MSDI is open to non-UMass Amherst students that hold a DPD verification statement from an ACEND accredited university. This program is 21-24 months with the master's degree program beginning in the fall and completed in three full semesters. Supervised practice begins in the summer after the spring semester and resumes after graduation in January with completion in early June.
Interested applicants should apply separately through DICAS and the UMass Graduate School.
Benefits list
Get Your Master's and Supervised Practice
In the MSDI degree program, you can earn your master's degree while gaining the supervised practice experience necessary for becoming a registered dietitian -- all in 16 to 21 months.
ACEND Accreditation
The UMass Amherst Dietetic Internship (DI) program is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics (ACEND) of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, 120 South Riverside Plaza, Suite 2190, Chicago, IL 60606-6995, (312) 899-5400, https://www.eatrightpro.org/acend,
Featured Faculty
Christy Maxwell
Director, Dietetic Internship Program
Focus on clinical dietetics, nutrition counseling, and nutrition education
Application information & deadlines
Interested applicants should apply separately through DICAS (both Fall and Spring cycles) and the Graduate School.
Nutrition
Offering an interdisciplinary approach to the study and application of the relationship between diet, foods, and health.
Accreditation
The University of Massachusetts (UMass) Amherst Dietetic Internship program is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics (ACEND) of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, 120 South Riverside Plaza, Suite 2190, Chicago, IL 60606-6995, 312.899.5400, https://www.eatrightpro.org/acend. Graduates who successfully complete the DI program at UMass Amherst are eligible to take the CDR credentialing examination to become a credentialed Registered Dietitian (RD)or Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RDN). Additionally, successful completion of the UMass Amherst DI program entitles graduates in good standing the eligibility to apply for state licensure in Massachusetts as well as many other states. However, please be advised that completion of any ACEND-accredited academic program alone does not provide an individual with licensure, nor does it automatically credential the graduate as a Registered Dietitian (see CDR exam). Interested individuals should review their state's licensing statutes and regulations to understand the specific requirements, including supervised practice hours and examinations required to become a Licensed Dietitian/Nutritionist and/or credentialed Registered Dietitian. More information about state licensure and certification can be found on our website or by visiting this link: State Licensure.