Master of Science Dietetic Internship (MSDI)
Michigan State University's Master of Science Dietetic Internship (MSDI) is a 16-month program that provides a supervised practiced experience with a Master of Science in Nutrition and Dietetics. The program begins in the fall of each year and culminates in December of the following year, for a total of 4 semesters. The internship has a Community Education concentration while meeting all the required ACEND competencies for dietetic internships.
Mission Statement
The faculty and preceptors of the Michigan State University Master of Science Dietetic Internship (MSDI) Program will strive to prepare entry-level dietitian nutritionists for state-of-the-art practice in diverse and challenging healthcare, foodservice, and community settings.
MSU’s MSDI Goals and Outcomes can be found here. Outcome data is available upon request.
Accreditation Status
The Dietetic Internship at MSU is currently granted accreditation by the Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics (ACEND) of The Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, 120 South Riverside Plaza, Suite 2190, Chicago, IL 60606-6995, 312- 899-0040 x5400 or 800-877-1600 x5400.
Eligibility Information
Qualified applicants will possess a bachelor's degree from any U.S. regionally accredited college or university (or a foreign degree, verified as equivalent), and have completed an ACEND accredited Didactic Program in Dietetics. For recency of educational requirements, a course in medical nutrition therapy is required to have been taken within the last five years.
Effective January 1, 2024, the Commission on Dietetic Registration (CDR) will require a minimum of a master’s degree and the completion of a minimum 1000 supervised practice hours to be eligible to take the credentialing exam to become a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RDN). For more information about this requirement visit CDR's website. In addition, CDR requires that individuals complete coursework and supervised practice in program(s) accredited by the Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics (ACEND). Graduates who successfully complete the ACEND-accredited MSDI program at Michigan State University are eligible to take the CDR credentialing exam to become a RDN.
While state interpretations of statutes may vary, it is ACEND's considered opinion that the program meets the educational requirements for dietetics licensure and certification in all states. However, completing an ACEND-accredited academic program alone does not qualify an individual for licensure or certification as a dietitian in any state. Individuals should review their state's licensing statutes and regulations to understand the specific requirements, including supervised practice and examinations, needed to obtain a dietetics license. More information about state licensure and certification can be found at this link: State Licensure.
Of note, HB 4608 was recently signed into law formalizing licensure for the State of Michigan. The bill has now moved into the rules stage and additional information will be forthcoming.
Program Options
See below for links to information on each program type to learn more about application and admission requirements:
Michigan State University, in collaboration with the WIC Division of the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services works with Michigan State's Dietetic Internship to include up to three part-time positions per year for Michigan WIC employees. The purpose of this cooperative effort is to provide career advancement opportunities for WIC staff.
Please see the Dietetic Internship Handbook here for additional information regarding estimated costs, sample schedules, graduation requirements, and financial aid information. MSU’s academic calendar can be found here. The DI specific calendar can be found in the program guide and DI handbook.
Contact the MSDI Director:
Cheryl Coslow, MA, RDN
Department of Food Science and Human Nutrition
Michigan State University
Anthony Hall, 474 S. Shaw Lane, Rm 2112
East Lansing, MI 48824
Phone: 517-353-3410
E-mail: coslowch@msu.edu
Contact the MSDI Academic Coordinator:
Julia Louisignau, MS, RDN
Department of Food Science and Human Nutrition
Michigan State University
Anthony Hall, 474 S. Shaw Lane, Rm 2100E
East Lansing, MI 48824
Phone: 517-353-3430
E-mail: louisi85@msu.edu
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