University of North Dakota

What you'll study

This master's programme combines advanced coursework in clinical nutrition with applied practicum experiences and a research or capstone project. Core topics typically include advanced medical nutrition therapy across the lifespan, nutrition assessment and intervention, enteral and parenteral nutrition, disease-specific nutrition management (for conditions such as diabetes, renal disease, cardiovascular disease and critical care), lifecycle nutrition, and public health nutrition.

• Applied clinical skills: supervised practicum rotations in inpatient and outpatient settings, malnutrition screening and nutrition-focused physical exams.
• Research and evidence-based practice: research methods, biostatistics, critical appraisal of nutrition literature, and a thesis or capstone project to develop applied research skills.
• Interprofessional care and leadership: courses addressing healthcare systems, ethical practice, quality improvement and leadership in clinical and community settings.
• Electives and specialisms: options may include sports nutrition, paediatric nutrition, maternal health, community programme planning, and food service management.

Entry requirements

Prospective students should normally hold a bachelor's degree in dietetics, nutrition, or a closely related discipline. Applicants without a nutrition-specific bachelor’s degree may be considered if they have completed foundational prerequisite coursework, often including human anatomy and physiology, biochemistry, microbiology, food science, and introductory nutrition.

• Academic record: a competitive undergraduate GPA is expected; many applicants present a GPA at or above typical graduate admission thresholds.
• Documentation: a personal statement, curriculum vitae or resume, and academic references are usually required.
• Prerequisite coursework: completion of accredited Didactic Program in Dietetics (DPD) coursework is commonly required for those intending to pursue dietetic registration pathways; otherwise, prerequisite courses that demonstrate foundational knowledge will be requested.
• Additional requirements: some applicants may be asked for a background check, immunisation records, or clearance for clinical placements. Standardised tests (such as the GRE) may be requested in particular circumstances—check the programme’s admissions guidance for current requirements.

Career prospects

Graduates of the programme are prepared for clinical and leadership roles across healthcare and nutrition sectors. Typical career pathways include:

• Clinical dietitian/nutritionist working in hospitals, long-term care and outpatient clinics
• Community and public health nutrition roles with government agencies or non-profit organisations
• Nutrition education, programme management and policy development
• Industry positions in food, supplements, wellness and medical nutrition product companies
• Academic or research careers, particularly for graduates who complete a thesis and pursue further research or doctoral study

For those aiming to become a registered dietitian nutritionist (RDN), completion of required supervised practice hours through an accredited internship or coordinated programme is also necessary—students should confirm the programme’s pathways and current accreditation arrangements with the University.

Why study at University of North Dakota

The University of North Dakota offers an environment oriented to health professions education with close links to regional hospitals, clinics and community health services, which supports hands-on clinical learning. The programme benefits from interdisciplinary collaboration across health sciences, giving students access to a range of clinical placements and healthcare professionals.

• Clinical exposure: practicum placements in varied settings, including rural and urban healthcare centres, build practical experience in real-world clinical nutrition care.
• Faculty and research: opportunities to work with faculty on applied nutrition research and quality-improvement projects that address regional health priorities.
• Supportive cohort model: relatively small cohort sizes foster close mentoring, personalised supervision during practicum, and professional networking.
• Career support: university career services and health sciences alumni networks help graduates secure clinical placements and employment in a range of nutrition careers.

Prospective students should consult the University of North Dakota’s official programme pages for the most up-to-date information on admissions steps, clinical placement arrangements and any accreditation-related details relevant to dietetic registration.