Nutrition & Dietetic Practice/RDN Program

College

College of Health Professions

Degree

Master of Science

Campus

Center City

Format

On Campus

Duration

19 Months

Curriculum

The MS/RDN program is composed of both didactic coursework and supervised experiential learning (SEL). These two modes of learning are integrated as the didactic courses include experiential learning activities (such as case studies, site visits, on-site activities, and simulations) and the SELs include didactic coursework (such as reflections and written assignments). Didactic workshops are provided at the beginning of many SELs, to refresh students on relevant foundational knowledge and resources prior to applied practice.

Pre-Fall Year 1 Credits
RDN 531: Integrative Nutrition Across the Life Cycle* 3
RDN 511: Nutritional Biochemistry & Physiology* 3
RDN 535: Food Science & Safety* 3
RDN 537: Culinary Nutrition, Functional Foods & Diet Planning* 3
Total Credits 12
 
Fall Year 1 Credits
RDN 571: Medical Nutrition Therapy 1 3
RDN 661: Management in Nutrition 3
RDN 612: Nutrition Communication, Education & Leadership 3
SCJU 631: Social Justice Seminar: Food, Weight & Health 1
RDN 712: SEL – Nutrition Communication, Education & Leadership Experience 1
RDN 762: SEL – Food Service & Culinary Experience 1
Total Credits 12
 
Spring Year 1 Credits
RDN 671: Medical Nutrition Therapy 2 3
RDN 614: Nutrition Counseling (Health Mentors 2) 3
RDN 622: Global & Public Health Nutrition* 3
SCJU 632: Social Justice Seminar: Interprofessional Perspectives 0.5
RDN 761: SEL – Nutrition Management Experience  1.5
RDN 771: SEL – Introduction to Nutrition Therapy Experience 1
Total Credits 12
 
Pre-Fall Year 2 Credits
RDN 681: Nutrition Research 3
SCJU 633: Social Justice Seminar: Systemic Barriers & Challenges  1
RDN 675L: Nutrition Support  (lab) 0.5
RDN 714: SEL – Nutrition Counseling Experience 1.5
RDN 772: SEL – Clinical Experience 1 3
Total Credits 9
 
Fall Year 2 Credits
RDN 692: Capstone Course 1
RDN 665: Sustainable Nutrition Practice 1
SCJU 634: Social Justice Seminar: Analysis & Advocacy (Health Mentors 3) 1
RDN 773: SEL – Clinical Experience 2 3
RDN 782: SEL – Individualized Professional Experience 1.5
RDN 765: SEL – Sustainable Nutrition Experience 0.5
RDN 722: SEL – Public Nutrition Experience 1
Total Credits 9
OVERALL TOTAL CREDITS 54

SEL = Supervised Experiential Learning (SEL may contain one or more rotations with different preceptors).

*Students who apply and receive Advanced Standing status through our Prior Learning Process may bypass these five foundational courses and start in the fall semester. These students are not receiving Jefferson academic credits for prior learning or transferring credit from other institutions. Students who achieve Advanced Standing status will earn a total of 39 credits throughout the entire program. For more information, please visit this page.

The schedule of the suggested curriculum path will follow the academic calendar and will include the pre-fall semester. The curriculum path may be altered for students transferring in credits or bypassing courses. The timeline for SEL courses may be altered based on site availability. The program director reserves the right to modify the course schedule indicated in the suggested curriculum path as needed.

Students who have completed an ACEND-accredited didactic program in dietetics (DPD) and earned a verification statement no more than five (5) years prior to their anticipated Jefferson matriculation date may opt to request credit for demonstrated prior learning, earning them advanced standing in the program.

Program Completion Requirements

In order to successfully complete this program and graduate with a MS in Nutrition & Dietetic Practice, students must complete all of the required courses in the MS/RDN curriculum sequence, earning a grade of C+ or better in each of those courses, as well as earn a “meets expectations” rating or higher on all summative competency-related performance measures. Please see the MS/RDN Student Handbook for more information.

Distance Learning Experience Expectations

Jefferson MS/RDN didactic courses are delivered in person with the exception of extenuating circumstances or unique learning opportunities. In these cases, the program may utilize live, synchronous remote class sessions.

All SEL rotation courses can be completed in person. However, certain rotation sites offer only remote or hybrid experiential learning. Only students specifically interested in completing a rotation at one of these sites would be assigned to them. These students would engage in distance learning during the relevant rotation(s).

For these reasons, it is necessary that MS/RDN students be equipped to successfully complete some remote learning experiences. When students join the program, they should be prepared and willing to use basic computer hardware and software to complete selected learning experiences. Expectations include but are not limited to use of electronic communication, online videoconferencing platforms, and cloud-based document collaboration tools. 

The Jefferson MS/RDN program requires these components for successful distance learning: 

  • Reliable internet access, with a recommended minimum internet speed of 512 kbps
  • Access to a laptop, desktop computer, and/or tablet
  • A working webcam, microphone, and speakers
  • The most recent release of the web browsers Chrome, Firefox, and/or Safari
  • Ability to access satellite or wireless communication 

As students of Thomas Jefferson University, all MS/RDN students will be granted free access to additional tools and resources that support effective distance learning. 

Please see the MS/RDN Student Handbook for more information regarding distance learning experience expectations in the MS/RDN program. 

Academic Schedule

Orientation – Orientation will typically occur the week prior to the first week of the first fall semester.

Fall semester – Online registration for the fall semester will typically start in the beginning of April. The fall semester will typically start the last week of August or the beginning of September and classes will end in mid-to-late December.

Spring semester – Online registration for the spring semester will typically start in the beginning of November. The spring semester typically begins in early January and ends in late April. 

Pre-Fall semester – Online registration for the pre-fall semester will typically start in the beginning of April. The pre-fall semester for second-year students typically begins in mid-to-late May and ends mid-August. The pre-fall semester for first-year students typically begins in early June and ends mid-August. 

Please see the posted academic calendar for each school year for exact dates. 

Vacations/Holidays

Vacation is defined as the time between semesters. This typically provides a 3-week break between fall and spring semesters, a 3-week break between spring and pre-fall semesters, and a 2-week break between pre-fall and fall semesters. This time will be utilized to address a student’s remediation plan if appropriate and needed.

The MS/RDN program will not hold didactic classes on holidays recognized by the University. Thomas Jefferson University understands that some students may wish to observe religious or cultural holidays that fall on scheduled class days. Any class absences that a student takes for the purpose of a religious observance (when advance notification is provided) will be considered an excused absence and there will be no penalty with regard to course grading or academic standing; alternate assignments or assessments will be made available when applicable. Please see the University’s Student Religious Observance Policy for further guidance. Students engaged in on-site supervised learning experiences will refer to their preceptor for expectations of attendance on holidays. The polices of the assigned organization or facility regarding religious observance are expected to be followed. If you have questions about absences during Supervised Experiential Learning rotations or would like further guidance on this policy, please contact the Program Director.

Thanksgiving Break (late November – 4 days)

Martin Luther King Jr. Day (January – 1 day)

Spring Break (mid-March – 1 week)

Memorial Day (May – 1 day)

Independence Day (July – 1 day)

Labor Day (September – 1 day)