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:
- Apply knowledge of human nutrient requirements in relation to genetics, metabolic pathways, and physiological function across the life course.
- Assess nutritional status of individuals and groups.
- Appraise how nutritional factors across the lifespan are linked to non-communicable diseases (NCD) and quality of life.
- Apply evidence-based approaches to improve diet quality and nutritional status.
- Apply appropriate methodologies to a research question.
- Explain, critique, and apply the process of public health practice and nutrition policy development.
- Describe the basic components and determinants of the US food and nutrition systems.
A. Meet the competencies established by the School of Public Health and the Council on Education for Public Health (CEPH) for all SPH students.
B. Meet the core competencies established by the Nutritional Sciences Program for all Nutritional Sciences students:
C. Translate knowledge and skills from Nutritional Sciences competencies to nutrition research or evidence-based clinical practice (when combined with dietetics training).
D. 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.
