Structure
The TWU MS/DI program offers some variety within the program to meet the needs of students in a diverse environment. The specialized format aims to optimally prepare the graduate level dietetic intern for entry-level practice. Interns complete the graduate coursework and the dietetic internship in 16 months, with the majority of the supervised practice component of 6.5 months or 27 weeks occurring between June and December of the second year. Research projects and/or additional coursework by students can add an additional semester to the completion of the master’s degree.
The NFS department offers two-degree options for the Master of Science degree; (1) Thesis option (minimum 30 credit hours) requiring a thesis project; and (2) Coursework option (minimum 36 credit hours) requiring completion of a capstone seminar. Refer to the Graduate Catalog for specific graduation requirements for each plan. Interns are recommended to choose the MS Nutrition (Dietetics track) or MS Exercise and Sports Nutrition (Dietetics track).
If a qualified student has earned a prior advanced degree in the area of nutrition or a closely related area to departmental degrees, i.e., food science, food systems administration, public health, etc., no additional degree is required. The DI Director determines if the prior degree can be approved. However, all students are required to meet the coursework and supervised practice requirements of the dietetic internship. If a qualified student has earned an advanced degree in a non-related area, i.e., communications, psychology, marketing, etc., then enrollment in either the MS in Nutrition or MS in Exercise and Sports Nutrition degree program is required.
Students begin their coursework the first summer or fall semester after their acceptance into the program. They take 0-6 credit hours during the optional first summer, 9-12 credit hours during the first fall, 9-12 credit hours during the spring semester, then 6-9 credit hours during the second summer and 3-6 credit hours during the second fall semester. See proposed course order and plan of study here.
Classes are scheduled weekdays or online. Some courses may be offered via video to the TWU Denton campus, with the instructor being present on the Houston campus. On-line courses and some face-to-face courses may require a lap top or tablet in order to take exams. Once full rotations begin in the summer of the second year, they are 40-45 hours per week for 27 weeks. In supervised practice experiences, interns receive one-on-one instruction with experienced preceptors. Supervised practice experiences are divided into the following content areas: clinical, foodservice management, community, pediatrics or geriatrics, and specialty/elective. The affiliated facilities providing the major supervised practice experiences are located in the Dallas Ft. Worth metropolitan area. TWU interns receive one-on-one training with experienced preceptors throughout the program. During the program, interns gain experience and practice skills in facilities such as major regional medical centers, community hospitals, public school foodservice facilities, private practice RDNs, bariatric, dialysis and diabetes centers, telehealth, eating disorder clinics, sports nutrition, WIC, long term care, and various community/preventive health agencies. Although the DI Director determines most rotation placements, interns are encouraged to select other sites that reflect their career goals and educational needs. These vary from year to year, and no placement at any particular site can be guaranteed. In some specialty rotations, preceptors without large office space may have some students complete some of the rotation projects from home with frequent contact via phone, video conference, or email. If any virtual/remote rotations are offered, they will compose less than 15% of the 1100 required internship hours.
Page last updated 11:02 AM, October 2, 2023