Curriculum
Integrated, Competency-Based Curriculum
- The TWU–Houston GPND is a 16-month, full-time program that integrates graduate coursework with supervised experiential learning across four consecutive semesters. Students progressively develop and demonstrate the knowledge and skills required for entry-level practice as Registered Dietitian Nutritionists (RDN).
- The curriculum is aligned with ACEND accreditation standards for graduate programs. Students are informed through course syllabi and program materials where required competencies and performance indicators are introduced, reinforced and assessed. Competency achievement is documented throughout the program and verified before a Verification Statement is issued.
- Coursework is delivered through a combination of in-person, hybrid and online formats, while supervised experiential learning is completed primarily in person at affiliated practice sites throughout the Greater Houston area.
Program Structure
- Students complete either the Master of Science in Nutrition or the Master of Science in Exercise and Sports Nutrition concurrently with the GPND. Detailed degree requirements are available in the TWU Graduate Catalog. The recommended semester-by-semester course sequence is available in the GPND Course Sequence document.
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| Program Phase | Timing | Primary Activities |
|---|---|---|
| Fall 1: Orientation and Foundations | Begins with a six-week structured orientation, including two weeks before the university academic calendar | Orientation, foundational coursework, on-campus learning activities and preparation for supervised experiential learning |
| Fall 1: Initial SEL |
Following orientation |
Supervised experiential learning begins; Mondays are generally reserved for coursework and program activities, with rotations scheduled Tuesday through Friday |
| Spring | Second consecutive semester | Continued graduate coursework and supervised experiential learning across assigned practice settings |
| Summer | Third consecutive semester | Advanced coursework and supervised experiential learning with increasing responsibility and competency development |
| Fall 2: Integration and Completion | Final Semester | Completion of remaining coursework, supervised experiential learning, competency assessment and program completion requirements. |
| Scheduled Breaks | Throughout the program | Thanksgiving, winter break and spring break are observed according to the program schedule; other holidays and schedule changes may vary by rotation site |
| Transportation | Throughout all four semesters | Students must maintain reliable transportation to affiliated sites throughout the Greater Houston area |
Technology Requirements
Students must have access to a personal computer, reliable internet service and technology capable of supporting online coursework and virtual meetings. On-campus computer labs and technology support services are also available.
Supervised Experiential Learning (SEL)
Students complete a minimum of 1,010 hours of supervised experiential learning (SEL) across diverse settings designed to progressively develop entry-level competence.
Core Practice Areas
- Medical nutrition therapy (inpatient, outpatient, renal)
- Food systems and foodservice management
- Community and public health nutrition
- Elective experience in emerging and specialty areas of practice
Graduate Degree Options
Detailed degree requirements and course sequencing are available in the TWU Graduate Catalog. Students complete one of the following:
- Master of Science (MS) in Nutrition -- 36 semester credit hours
- Master of Science (MS) in Exercise and Sports Nutrition (ESN) -- 39 semester credit hours
Each degree pathway includes either a coursework option culminating in a capstone seminar systematic literature review or a thesis option that includes original research and an oral defense. Thesis completion may extend the overall timeline depending on the research topic and progression.
Competency-Development and Assessment Progression
The GPND curriculum integrates didactic coursework and supervised experiential learning across four semesters to support progressive demonstration of required ACEND competencies.
SEL Settings and Affiliated Sites
- Students complete supervised experiential learning across clinical, community, food systems and foodservice management, and elective practice settings throughout the Greater Houston area.
- The GPND maintains affiliations with healthcare systems, school districts, community organizations, public health agencies and other professional practice partners. Specific placements vary based on site availability, student learning needs, competency requirements and program scheduling.
- Examples of supervised experiential learning settings may include:
- Inpatient medical nutrition therapy
- Outpatient nutrition care
- Renal nutrition
- Hospital food systems and foodservice management
- School foodservice
- Community and public health nutrition
- Sports nutrition for students enrolled in the Master of Science in Exercise and Sports Nutrition
- Research, leadership and specialty practice experiences
- Elective experiences in emerging areas of nutrition and dietetics
- Students are generally assigned to affiliated sites within approximately 60 miles of the TWU Houston campus. Placements outside this area may be considered when requested by the student and approved by the program, or when arranged as part of an approved elective, international or other individualized experience.
- Students should expect to travel to affiliated sites throughout the Greater Houston area. Placement at a specific site is not guaranteed.
- Optional International Experience
- Students may have the opportunity to complete an optional supervised experiential learning experience in Barbados. Availability depends on site capacity, student readiness, program scheduling and other logistical considerations.
- The international experience typically includes approximately 96–128 supervised experiential learning hours and may be completed during a community or elective rotation period. Students who do not participate complete comparable supervised experiential learning experiences in the United States.
- International experiences are supervised by qualified preceptors, and students are assessed using the same competency expectations and evaluation methods applied to domestic rotations. Participation may involve additional travel, lodging, documentation and other expenses.
- Eligibility requirements, estimated costs, travel expectations and applicable program policies are provided to students before participation
Page last updated 4:05 PM, August 7, 2026