University of Washington School of Public Health
MS in Nutritional Sciences with the Graduate Coordinated Program in Dietetics (GCPD)
The Masters of Science in Nutritional Sciences with the Graduate Coordinated Program in Dietetics (GCPD) provides interdisciplinary training in nutritional sciences and dietetics. Applicants apply to the Nutritional Sciences Program for the degree, and to the dietetics program (GCPD) for the coursework and supervised practice necessary to sit for the RD exam. The GCPD is granted accreditation by the Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics (ACEND) by the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics. A research-based master's thesis and 1200 hours of supervised practice are required. After completing this program and passing the national exam, students have the MS RD credentials.
Likely Careers
As master's level Registered Dietitians, graduates of our program engage in clinical dietetics, client-centered health promotion, disease prevention, medical nutrition therapy, research and private sector dietetic practice.
At a Glance
Administering Department:
Interdisciplinary Program
- Required Credits: 62, plus 30 internship credits
- Time to complete: 2-2.25 years (8-9 quarters, including summers)
- Program Website
- Nutritional Sciences program flyer
Degree Admission Requirements
GCPD Admissions Requirements
Application Deadline: Dec. 1 for Autumn Quarter entry
Upon satisfactory completion of the MS/GCPD in Nutritional Sciences, graduates will be able to:
- Meet the generic SPH learning objectives for the MS degree;
- Describe human nutrient requirements and their relationship to metabolic pathways and physiological function;
- Assess the nutritional status of individuals and groups;
- Develop individualized dietary recommendations utilizing behavior change theories;
- Describe how nutritional factors across the lifespan affect etiology, incidence, and prevalence of major diseases, quality of life, and productivity at work and school in the population;
- Design effective and appropriate nutritional education programs for individuals and groups;
- Describe the process, rationale and issues related to establishing nutrient requirements and dietary guidance for the population;
- Apply appropriate research methodologies (critically evaluate literature, study design, statistical analysis) according to area of interest and career goals;
- Apply conceptual models of evidence-based approaches to promoting nutritional health; and
- Meet the competencies for the Graduate Coordinated Program in Dietetics as set by the ACEND Accreditation Standards for Dietetic Education Programs leading to the RD credential.
