Master of Science / Dietetic Internship

The Master of Science in Nutrition/Dietetic Internship (MS/DI) Program provides a combined graduate degree and supervised experience in clinical, community, and administrative dietetics. After completion of a minimum of 1,000 hours of supervised practice and required graduate coursework, as well as the fulfillment of other program requirements, MS/DI graduates are eligible to receive a verification statement and take the national registration exam for dietitians.

All applicants to the combined ISU MS/DI program must apply for both the Dietetic Internship and Master in Nutrition. Thus, applications must be submitted through both DICAS and the ISU Graduate School. No exceptions will be made.

Currently, 18 seats are offered on two ISU campuses (Pocatello/Twin Falls and Meridian). Interns complete over 1,000 hours of supervised practice in many healthcare and community settings.

The MS/DI is a full-time, 16-month, four-semester program (fall, spring, summer, and fall). Students rotate through the program with an established group of other MS/DI candidates. During their first fall semester, MS/DI students focus on coursework. In the remaining three semesters, students engage in a combination of practicum rotations and graduate coursework.

The Master's coursework is offered in a hybrid model. Classes are 100% online. Some require students to go to a distance learning classroom; others offer remote access via video conferencing software.  In addition, some classes are self-directed, requiring students to work autonomously. Online courses require students to have the following supported technologies: reliable computer; reliable Internet connection (Broadband connection highly recommended); web browser (Mozilla Firefox highly recommended); soundcard with microphone and headphones (a headset with microphone/headphones is highly recommended); webcam (optional in some courses, but required for online proctoring); additional software may be required by your instructor (e.g. Microsoft Word, Adobe Acrobat, etc.).

The practicum part of the program provides approximately 1,240 hours of "hands-on" educational experience. Interns can expect to spend 40 hours per week in rotations, with additional time required for completion of practicum assignments, coursework, and some travel opportunities.  Each intern must complete the DI by the end of 16 months scheduled over the academic year.

The MS/DI program is fast-paced with all required supervised practice hours, coursework and other learning activities designed to be completed within the specified time frame. In extreme circumstances which might include medical emergency or the need for educational remediation, an intern’s individual learning time frame may be extended beyond the 16 months up to 24 months (150% of original 16-month plan). Decisions to extend an MS/DI student's time are made on an individual basis by the program director with input from the student’s advisor, instructors, and preceptors.

Program Eligibility and Admission

1. Candidates must have a Bachelor of Science degree in Dietetics, Nutrition, or related field AND have ​earned a verification statement by completing the Didactic Program in Dietetics requirements as established by ACEND of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics.
2. A minimum DPD grade point average of 3.00 is required for admission.

The ISU MS/DI program has eight seats in Pocatello, two seats in Twin Falls, and eight seats in Meridian.  We participate in the spring match and the Twin Falls seats are included with Pocatello in D&D Digital for a total of 10 seats available.  Meridian's eight seats are matched separately in D&D Digital.  Applicants can apply to Pocatello/Twin Falls only, Meridian only, or both.  

The Graduate School application is separate from the DICAS application and an offer of admission into the Graduate School does not indicate a guaranteed match to the internship.   Matched students will indicate acceptance of admission to the graduate program after match day in April.

Total Dietetic Internship Experience = 1,240 TOTAL HOURS

The MS/DI in Nutrition is 36 credits with the supervised practice rotations contributing 9 credits. Transfer credits may be awarded for the electives (maximum 8 credits), but not core courses. Advisor approval is required. Students should follow the graduate school policy and form for transfer credit requests. 

Online courses require students to have the following supported technologies:

• Reliable computer
• Reliable Internet connection (Broadband connection highly recommended)
• Web browser (Mozilla Firefox highly recommended)
• Soundcard with microphone and headphones (A headset with microphone/headphones is highly recommended)
• Webcam (optional in some courses, but required for online proctoring)
• Additional software may be required by your instructor (e.g. Microsoft Word, Adobe Acrobat, etc.)

The culminating activity for the MS Nutrition is a Capstone Project.

Capstone Project: A scholarly activity, requiring students to write, present and defend their project. It consists of all of the following components:

• Selecting a case study patient from one of your first- or second-semester rotations.
• Conducting a review of the research literature on the case study patient’s condition.
• Evaluating the research studies identified in the literature review using the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics Evidence Analysis Center/Library (EAC/EAL) process.
• Writing a 6-10-page literature review.
• Preparing a presentation of the case study including the literature review, case description and nutrition therapy provided based on the Academy’s Nutrition Care Manual.
• Successfully presenting and defending the capstone project.

Together, the written literature review, oral presentation and defense represent the final evaluation.

The table below lists the estimated fees of the MS/DI program expenses (actual costs may vary).  Many students apply for financial aid and scholarships to help with these costs.

Housing

Students placed in Pocatello may choose to live on campus or in a variety of off-campus sites. In Boise and Twin Falls, no university housing is available.

Transportation

Each student should have his or her own car or, at least, access to one during the practicum part of the program. Some rotation sites are up to fifty miles away (e.g. Pocatello to Idaho Falls).

Liability for safety in travel to and from assigned rotation sites will rest on the individual MS/DI student. In no way do Dietetic Programs or Idaho State University assume liability for students for safety in travel to and from assigned rotation sites.

*Tuition and fees are subject to change by the Idaho State Board of Education.

**Student fees are charged only during the practicum portion of the MS/DI program (Spring, Summer and final Fall semesters). Fees are made in three payments, $1,089 is due during each of these three practicum semesters.