Why Continue Your Education with an M.S. in Clinical Nutrition for Practicing RDNs?

Graduates of our MSCN have many career options and opportunities available after completing the program. They are prepared to assume leadership roles and receive recognition for excellence in clinical practice and leadership. 72% of alumni hold specialty certifications, and 44% hold a leadership positions in professional organizations.

$80,630
* average salary of a M.S. in Clinical Nutrition graduate.

* U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics

Program Highlights

Our M.S. in Clinical Nutrition program instills an appreciation for interprofessional collaboration and education, and provides opportunities to achieve expanded roles in health promotion, disease prevention, and intervention for a 21st Century multi-cultural society.

We offer:

• A graduate-degree program exclusively for RDNs
• This 30-credit program can be completed in 2-3 years on a part or full-time basis
• A curriculum integrating advanced clinical practice topics, critical thinking, scientific writing, evidence-based practice and research
• A Nutrition Focused Physical Examination (NFPE) course that integrates online learning with an in-person workshop
• A hybrid model with didactic courses offered through our web-based Learning Management System, supported with synchronous and asynchronous sessions providing flexibility for working adult learners

Beyond the Classroom

Student and Alumni Research Abstracts

Students and graduates of the program have researched a variety of topics.

Student and Faculty Presentations

Students and Faculty of the Program have presented posters and orally on a variety of topics.

Program Director
Dr. Rena Zelig

Students gain the critical thinking and scientific skills needed for advanced-level clinical practice, management, and leadership positions.

Learning Outcomes

Upon graduation, students will have the skills to:

• Provide medical nutrition therapy, utilizing the Nutrition Care Process model inclusive of standardized language for nutrition diagnosing, assessment, care planning, and monitoring of medically complex patients with acute, chronic, and terminal illnesses;
• Collaborate with health care team members in the interdisciplinary and interprofessional management of specialized nutrition modalities, conditions and illnesses;
• Establish nutrition practices for health promotion, disease prevention, and management independently or in collaboration with health care provider organizations;
• Become intelligent, critical consumers of research and scholarly work, able to incorporate the current scientific knowledge and emerging trends in science into practice;
• Utilize effective management, leadership, and information technology skills to guide dietetics practice into the future.
• Interpret and apply evidence-based research literature in clinical practice;
• Design, implement, and evaluate health and medical nutrition therapy interventions in a multi-cultural society;
• Assume roles as competent clinical practitioners;
• Become lifelong learners, using self-assessment and continuing education to persistently advance individual knowledge and skills;
• Comply with the Code of Ethics of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics and display ethical behavior in practice, education, and scholarly activities.

Questions? Email Program Director Rena Zelig.

Admission to the Master of Science in Clinical Nutrition program is offered once a year for the fall term.

Admission Requirements

• Prospective students must be Registered Dietitian Nutritionists (RDNs).
• International applicants must hold an equivalent credential that meets US standards set by the Commission on Dietetic Registration (www.cdrnet.org).
• International students must submit additional materials including:
  • Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL)
  • Official copy of a transcript evaluation prepared by a recognized transcript agency such as World Education Services
• A minimum GPA of 3.2 is required for admission. Applicants with a lower GPA may be considered on an individual basis.
• At least six months of clinical experience as an RDN by time of matriculation into program (September when the fall semester begins).
• Application materials include:
  • SHP application
  • An official copy of the transcript from the highest nutrition degree earned, and a certificate of completion/transcript from preprofessional practice program, if applicable
  • Copy of RDN card
  • Resume or CV
  • A letter of intent describing short and long-term goals for completing the MSCN program
  • One letter of recommendation from an individual with a graduate degree who is familiar with your professional work

Applicants who meet the admission criteria for the M.S. in Clinical Nutrition will be scheduled for an interview with select faculty in the Rutgers SHP Department of Clinical and Preventative Nutrition Sciences.

Questions? Email Program Director Rena Zelig.

The Master of Science in Clinical Nutrition is a 30-credit hybrid program that can be completed on a part- or full-time basis. Courses are offered through our web-based Learning Management System, supported with synchronous face-to-face virtual meetings and asynchronous sessions providing flexibility for working adult learners.

Our curriculum integrates critical thinking, scientific writing, and evidence-based practice in nutrition and dietetics. Requirements for graduation include successful completion of 30 credits.

Program Requirements and Course Descriptions

• Part-time
• Full-time
• Course Schedule

The MSCN-DCN Dual Enrollment Program provides an opportunity for prospective students to obtain the M.S. in Clinical Nutrition and Doctor of Clinical Nutrition degrees. These advanced practice degree programs emphasize interprofessional collaboration and evidence-based practice through hybrid (synchronous and asynchronous), a master’s research project, a mentored advanced practice clinical residency, and a practice-based research study.

Both the MSCN and DCN programs are advanced-level, clinically focused, graduate degree programs designed exclusively for Registered Dietitians (RD). The ideal candidates for this track are self-motivated RD practitioners who are committed to advancing their knowledge, skills, research and practice and would like to do so in an expedited time frame. Our graduates are innovative, autonomous, advanced dietetics practitioners and researchers with expert-level knowledge and skills, critical thinking proficiency, and aptitude in scientific inquiry.

Our dual degree program instills an appreciation for advanced clinical practice and research. Students complete a 350-hour mentored clinical nutrition advanced practice residency individualized to meet their professional goals and geographic resources. The residency is preceded by academic courses offered through our web-based Learning Management System, supported with synchronous face-to-face virtual meetings and asynchronous sessions providing flexibility for working adult learners. The residency is an approved advanced-practice residency by the Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics (ACEND).

This dual enrollment program is a hybrid program. Our cohort model groups students together for an enhanced educational experience which fosters academic success through an expedited course sequence which is designed to accelerate the completion of courses and both degrees within 5.5 years.

Admission is offered once a year for the MSCN-DCN Dual Enrollment program.
The application deadline is March 1 for the following Fall term.  Applications can be accessed at: http://gradstudy.rutgers.edu/apply/apply-now.

Resources and Quicklinks

• Canvas Online Learning platform
• Rutgers Online Library

Department Social Media

• Facebook
• LinkedIn

Rutgers Student Alumni Connect Portal

Where students and alumni can connect and network

What Our Students Say…

“The transformation I have experienced throughout this MSCN program at Rutgers University is remarkable. I have gained confidence in clinical practice and have significantly improved my critical thinking skills. I am deeply grateful for the opportunity to have attended this program and will continue to apply the lessons I learned throughout my career!”
– Nicole McLeer

“Completion of the Rutgers MS in Clinical Nutrition provided me with the tools and confidence to engage in research projects and present at professional conferences. The knowledge that I gained from the program enhanced my leadership skills and career growth.”
–Heather Stanner, MS, RD, LDN, CNSC

“The MSCN program at Rutgers University has helped me grow into a more skeptical and critical consumer of research, a leader in my area of practice, and a novice researcher. This program is exceptional for dietitians looking to refine and develop higher-level skills for dietetic practice.”
–Courtney Wedemire

“The master’s at the Rutgers SHP DCPNS is truly unique. I have learned a lot through many high-quality clinically focused courses, where I could always apply what I learned directly in the clinical everyday life/in direct patient care. On the other hand, practice-oriented research competencies are taught at a high level and this in a very structured, intensive mentoring-like approach. I would start the Master again at the Rutgers SHP DCPNS anytime and also highly recommend it to everyone.”
–Christina Gassmann, MS

“The MSCN program at Rutgers will challenge you to enhance your critical thinking and provide you with many opportunities to work with and learn from RD’s with unique experiences and perspectives across the country. I could easily apply the information I was learning to my professional practice and was encouraged to step outside of my comfort zone to pursue professional publication which is something I never thought I could do. I recommend this program to all RD’s looking to advance their professional potential.”
—Christine Lutes