The mission of the Master of Science in Nutrition & Dietetic Practice program at Thomas Jefferson University is to provide an educational experience that will prepare caring, competent, entry-level registered dietitian nutritionists for practice in diverse settings throughout the region, nation, and world. We are committed to providing our students a learning experience of the highest quality that emphasizes interprofessional practice, sustainability, and equity. We intend to inspire graduates to engage in lifelong learning and social justice advocacy. We aspire to create a diverse and inclusive environment, knowing this is imperative to achieving excellence in education and patient care, as it allows people to bring their whole selves to all classroom and professional interactions. We aim to provide our community with masters-prepared registered dietitian nutritionists who apply critical thinking and evidence-based nutrition information in an ethical, responsible, and collaborative manner. We engage in fair and open conduct that enhances student, faculty, and preceptor morale.
Graduate Program in Nutrition & Dietetics (Future Education Model)
Thomas Jefferson University offers a new and innovative graduate program in Nutrition and Dietetics to prepare students to become future Registered Dietitian Nutritionists RDNs. Upon completion of this program, graduates who successfully complete all program requirements will be awarded an MS degree in Nutrition & Dietetic Practice and will be eligible to take the national RDN exam. Once registered nationally, RDNs are required to be licensed in some states, including Pennsylvania.
Becoming a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RDN) Overview
Becoming a Licensed Dietitian Nutritionist in your state
Program Overview
Beyond foundational knowledge, the Jefferson MS/RDN program is designed to emphasize keystone aspects of dietetic practice: communication, interprofessional practice, sustainability, leadership, management, and research. In our program, students will be trained to look beyond the disease and see the whole person. They will be required to examine the disparities in our healthcare system and consider how RDNs can help combat these inequities. We expect our graduates to be professionals who practice with integrity, compassion, and a commitment to equitable care and social justice advocacy.
Video: I Am a Nutrition and Dietetics Student
Hear from our students firsthand on their experiences of being a Nutrition & Dietetics major.
Program Mission Statement, Goals & Objectives
Program Goals
Goal 1:
Program graduates will be competent, highly qualified entry-level registered dietitian nutritionists who are well prepared to work in interdisciplinary teams and in a variety of practice settings.
Objectives
- At least 80% of program graduates complete program/degree requirements within 29 months (150% of the program length).
- At least 90% of program graduates take the CDR credentialing exam for dietitian nutritionists within 12 months of program completion.
- At least 90% of alumni survey respondents rate themselves as “prepared” or “very prepared” to be a competent, professional, entry-level, registered dietitian nutritionist in their employment setting.
- At least 90% of alumni survey respondents rate themselves as “prepared” or “very prepared” to work as a member of an interdisciplinary team.
- The program’s one-year pass rate (graduates who pass the registration exam within one year of first attempt) on the CDR credentialing exam for dietitian nutritionists is at least 80%.
- Of graduates who seek employment, at least 90% are employed in nutrition and dietetics or related fields within 12 months of graduation.
- At least 90% of employers who complete a survey on program graduates report that the graduate “meets” or “exceeds” expectations for entry-level registered dietitian nutritionists in terms of professional knowledge and interprofessional skills.
Goal 2:
Program graduates will engage in social justice advocacy and activities that promote social, professional, and/or environmental sustainability.
Objectives
- At least 80% of graduate survey respondents report engaging in at least one social justice leadership or active service effort within three years of program completion.
- At least 80% of graduate survey respondents report engaging in at least one effort that promotes social, professional, and/or environmental sustainability within three years of program completion.
Program outcomes data are available upon request. To request this data, please contact Program Director Kati Fosselius, MS, RDN, LDN.
Accreditation Information
The Thomas Jefferson University MS in Nutrition & Dietetic Practice/RDN Program has been granted candidacy for accreditation status by the Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics (ACEND) of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics. After successfully completing all program requirements, our students are recognized as graduates of an ACEND-accredited program.
Academy of Nutrition & Dietetics
120 South Riverside Plaza, Suite 2190, Chicago, IL 60606-6995
ACEND@eatright.org | 1-800-877-1600 ext. 5400
Program Costs
Jefferson MS/RDN students who follow the Suggested Curriculum Path will be full-time graduate students throughout the program and are eligible to apply for federal finanical aid. Please contact the Financial Aid Office for more information.
Jefferson MS/RDN students may be eligible for departmental scholarships. Please contact the Office of Admissions for more information.
Applicants are encouraged to review the published graduate tuition and fees for the MS/RDN program.
Applicants are also encouraged to review the section titled Tuition and Fees in the MS/RDN Student Handbook for a complete breakdown of tuition, fees, and additional program-specific costs. Expenses listed include estimated expenses for travel, housing, books, insurance, medical exams, and uniforms, in addition to program fees and tuition.
Request More Information
For more information, please contact the Office of Admissions, 215-951-2800, or Program Director Kati Fosselius, MS, RDN, LDN, 215-503-9824.