the ms cpd prepares the student to enter the field of nutrition and dietetics as an entry-level registered dietitian nutritionist (rdn) through coordinated didactic coursework and experiential supervised practice. the program’s interprofessional focus on the effects of nutrition and exercise on human health allows students to specialize in dietetics and develop a solid grounding in the principles of exercise physiology, exercise testing, and exercise prescription. the program prepares students for the rdn exam administered through the commission on dietetic registration, in partnership with the academy of nutrition and dietetics.

the degree generally requires four semesters, and potentially one summer of 8-10 credits. students complete a minimum of 40 graduate-level credits. twenty credits are supervised practice rotations to meet the updated acend requirement of 1,000 hours of supervised practice. the ms cpd divides these hours amongst the following settings:

for students who enter the ms cpd without practical hours in exercise, they will complete two semesters of a practicum course to acquire 200 hours in this area.