The IDEA MS Dietetics program is no longer available to enroll in.
Online Master of Science in Dietetics | NDSU
The Department of Health, Nutrition, and Exercise Sciences at North Dakota State University (NDSU) offers an Online Master’s program in Dietetics to students through its collaboration with The Innovative Digital Education Alliance (IDEA) member universities (a consortium of 19 universities). Each university brings a unique strength to the multi-institution academic programs.
What will I learn in the Dietetics master’s degree?
The Innovative Digital Education Alliance (IDEA) online master’s degree in dietetics is diverse, just like the dietetics profession. Registered Dietitian Nutritionists (RDN) or RDN Eligible (RDNE) learners will apply cutting-edge information in food, nutrition, food service management, and wellness to enhance practice. This program will teach RDN or RDNE learners to think independently and critically to evaluate and apply new research concepts and theories to advance dietetics professional careers.
Curriculum
The Innovative Digital Education Alliance (IDEA) online master's degree in dietetics requires 36 credit hours of coursework. To see a full list of courses, visit The Innovative Digital Education Alliance (IDEA) Dietetics interactive Course Planner.
Core Courses (9 credit hours)
The three core courses include (1) current issues and trends; (2) basic statistics; and (3) research methods. These courses will ensure your success throughout the remainder of your program. See the Course Planner in the link above for course offerings by semester.
Elective Courses (21 credit hours)
Elective courses allow you to choose a focus that best fits your needs and interests. Electives include:
- Clinically-oriented nutrition courses
- Community or public health nutrition courses
- Healthcare administration
- Management-oriented courses
- Food science
- Foodservice management
Thesis, Comprehensive Paper, or Project (6 credit hours)
North Dakota State University offers Plan A (Thesis), Plan B (Comprehensive Paper), or Plan C (Internship/Capstone). Current students seeking supervisory committee members should contact their advisor for a list of available faculty members.
Career Outlook
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts that the number of jobs for registered dietitians and nutritionists will increase by 11% between 2018 and 2028. This projection indicates a significant need for more RDN’s in the field to help combat preventable disease and conditions on the rise such as diabetes, cardiovascular disease, hypertension, certain types of cancer and osteoporosis.
Studying Online through The Innovative Digital Education Alliance (IDEA)
The Innovative Digital Education Alliance (IDEA) master’s degree in dietetics offers flexibility, choice, and academic excellence. Our program is offered completely online which means you can complete your coursework when it is convenient for you. You are given the opportunity to build your own degree program. With 21 credit hours of elective courses, you have many options to create program that fits your needs and interests. While your degree will be granted through NDSU, you will have the benefit of having your courses taught by PhD/RDNs from around the nation. Learn More.
Common Price Cost: $610/credit hour
Advance your Dietetics career with NDSU’s Online Master’s Degree
A graduate degree prepares RDN’s to study a specific area of interest more in-depth. A master’s degree can provide RDN’s with more opportunities to obtain managerial or other high-level positions, which can help prepare you for advanced-level practice and see an increase in income. Obtaining a master’s degree may can lead to better prepare you to become a board-certified specialist, or obtain other advanced practice credentials.