Master of Science / Dietetic Internship

The Master of Science in Nutrition/Dietetic Internship (MS/DI) Program provides a combined graduate degree and supervised experience in clinical, community, and administrative dietetics. After completion of a minimum of 1,200 hours of supervised practice and required graduate coursework, as well as fulfillment of other program requirements, MS/DI graduates are eligible to receive a verification statement and take the national registration exam for dietitians.

The combined MS/DI program is new. This program is being launched for the DICAS 2019 application year. With this change, ISU will no longer offer a stand-alone Dietetic Internship program.  All applicants to the combined ISU MS/DI program must apply for both the Dietetic Internship and Masters in Nutrition. Thus, applications must be submitted through both DICAS and the ISU Graduate School. No exceptions will be made.

Currently, 18 seats are offered on two ISU campuses (Pocatello/Twin Falls and Meridian). Interns complete over 1,200 hours of supervised practice in many health care and community settings.

The newly launched MS/DI is a full-time, 16-month, four-semester program (fall, spring, summer, and fall). Students rotate through the program with an established cohort of other MS/DI candidates. During their first fall semester, MS/DI students focus on coursework. In the remaining three semesters, students engage in a combination of practicum rotations and graduate coursework.

The Master's coursework is offered in a hybrid model. Classes are 100% online. Some require students to go to a distance learning classroom; others offer remote access via video conferencing software.  In addition, some classes are self-directed, requiring students to work autonomously.

The practicum part of the program provides approximately 1,429 hours of "hands on" educational experience. Interns can expect to spend 40 hours per week in rotations, with additional time required for completion of practicum assignments, coursework and some travel opportunities.  Each intern must complete the DI by the end of 16 months scheduled over the academic year.

The MS/DI program is fast-paced with all required supervised practice hours, coursework and other learning activities designed to be completed within the specified time frame. In extreme circumstances which might include medical emergency or the need for educational remediation, an intern’s individual learning time frame may be extended beyond the 16 months up to 24 months (150% of original 16-month plan). Decisions to extend a MS/DI student's time are made on individual basis by the program director with input from the students’s advisor, instructors and preceptors.

Program Eligibility and Admission

1. Candidates must have a Bachelor of Science degree in Dietetics, Family and Consumer Sciences (Home Economics), or Food and Nutrition and have completed Didactic Program in Dietetics requirements as established by ACEND of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics
2. A minimum grade point average of 3.00 is required for admission
3. GRE test results: 40th percentile on at least one area of the GRE

Eighteen (18) students (10 in Pocatello/Twin Falls and 8 in Meridian) will be admitted to the program with the April computer match, with a start date in August. Two of the interns accepted to the internship in Pocatello will complete their rotations in Twin Falls, Idaho.

NOTE: Enrollment in the Idaho State University and/or fulfillment of specific requirements does not ensure admission into the Dietetic Internship Program.

Total Dietetic Internship Experience = 1,429 TOTAL HOURS

The MS/DI in Nutrition is 33 credits with the supervised practice rotations contributing 9 credits. Transfer credits may be awarded for the electives (maximum 8 credits), but not core courses. Advisor approval is required. Students should follow the graduate school policy and form for transfer credit requests. Students who opt for a thesis project, may find it beneficial to increase the thesis credits and decrease the elective courses. Please discuss this option with your faculty advisor.

Culminating activities for the MS Nutrition include either a Capstone Project or Thesis:

Capstone Project: A scholarly activity, requiring students to write, present and defend their project that may include a range of activities such as:

• Grant writing and submission
• Analysis of a current data set and preparation of a manuscript
• Development and execution of a small research study leading to submission of a presentation abstract as determined appropriate by the advising faculty member and student

Optional Thesis: Students may choose to do a thesis in place of the capstone

The table below lists the estimated fees of the MS/DI program expenses (actual costs may vary).  Many students apply for financial aid and scholarships to help with these costs.

Housing

Students placed in Pocatello may choose to live on campus or in a variety of off-campus sites. In Boise and Twin Falls, no university housing is available.

Transportation

Each student should have his or her own car or, at least, access to one during the practitum part of the program. Some rotation sites are up to fifty miles away (e.g. Pocatello to Idaho Falls).

Liability for safety in travel to and from assigned rotation sites will rest on the individual MS/DI student. In no way does the Dietetic Programs or Idaho State University assume liability for students for safety in travel to and from assigned rotation sites.

*Tuition and fees are subject to change by the Idaho State Board of Education.

**Student fees are charged only during the practicum portion of the MS/DI program (Spring, Summer and final Fall semesters). Fees are made in three payments, $1,000 is due during each of these three practicum semesters.