MS in ESN FAQ

No, while having a kinesiology, nutrition or other health-related bachelor’s degree may be helpful in this program, it is not a requirement. However, you will need to take some nutrition and science pre-requisite courses to be accepted into the program. See our Graduate Catalog or the main ESN website to learn more about the required pre-requisites.

This degree alone may not earn you the necessary credentials to be hired by a sports team or other organization to do one-on-one education and counseling. Many employers prefer to hire Registered Dietitian Nutritionists (RDN) to work with their teams. However, if you have the RDN credential or intend to earn it, teams often look for individuals with special training and education in sports. Some of our graduates have been able to turn their practicum experiences in the ESN program into paid positions after graduation. If you are interested in earning the RDN credential, you may want to apply to TWU as a post-bac student and take our undergraduate Didactic Program in Dietetics courses so that you can do a dietetic internship along with your MS in ESN degree.

Yes, you absolutely can do the ESN degree first. However, once you have been a graduate student, if you enroll to take undergraduate courses, you will have to pay graduate student rates for those courses.

No, the ESN degree will help you attain knowledge and skills in exercise, physiology and nutrition. However, to become an RDN, as indicated above, will require completing certain courses and practicum hours in an accredited program, as well as taking the RDN exam.

There are many internship programs. TWU Denton and Houston both have programs. You may read about the types of programs available to help you earn the RDN credential on the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics’ website. You can also select a program type and search for programs nearby.

The practicum sites will be selected in consultation with the student but will also be based on what sites are available. If you have a strong interest in working with collegiate or professional sports teams, we will endeavor to place you accordingly if your skills are adequate and the site is available.