Entrepreneurial Nutrition Practice: MS in Nutrition

Graduate Program in Entrepreneurial Nutrition Practice

Mission Statement: The mission of Saint Elizabeth University’s Graduate Program in Entrepreneurial Nutrition Practice is to provide graduates with didactic and experiential learning experiences that meet the requirements of the Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics (ACEND) to prepare graduates for competent practice as Registered Dietitian Nutritionists (RDN). Rooted in the University’s institutional mission, Saint Elizabeth University’s Graduate Program in Entrepreneurial Nutrition Practice extends the University’s long history of academic excellence and quality education with strong faculty guidance to support the leadership, vision, professional development and lifelong commitment to service of each student with a focus on nutrition education and counseling of diverse populations.

The mission of the Graduate Program in Entrepreneurial Nutrition Practice supports the program’s intent to prepare students for nutrition and dietetics practice and careers by its commitment to carry out the educational requirements set forth by ACEND. Moreover, it does this by its commitment to prepare students for a lifelong commitment to service, with a focus on the nutrition education and counseling of diverse populations. With the ever-increasing diversity of the population of the United States and New Jersey, educational institutions must prepare future RDNs to best serve all populations of people in the quest to improve health outcomes for all. This philosophy strongly aligns with Saint Elizabeth University’s mission of service to others, particularly the underserved. 

To ensure program graduates are meeting the mission of the program, the following Goals and associated Objectives will be measured and monitored:

Goals and Objectives

Goal 1: Graduates will be prepared for competent entry-level positions in dietetics meeting the Core Competencies for the Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (CRDN) as established by the Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics (ACEND) with an emphasis on acquisition of knowledge and practice skills specific to nutrition education and counseling of diverse populations.

Goal 1 Objectives:

• At least 80% of students complete the program requirements within 3 years (150% of planned program length).
• Of graduates who seek employment, at least 80% are employed in nutrition and dietetics or related fields within 12 months of graduation.
• At least 80% of program graduates take the CDR credentialing exam for dietitian nutritionists within 12 months of program completion.
• The program’s one-year pass rate (graduates who pass the registration exam within 1 year of first attempt) on the CDR credentialing exam for dietitian nutritionists is at least 80%.
• 80% of employers of program graduates will indicate they feel interns were prepared for competent entry-level practice at a level of 3 or higher on a scale of 1-5 (5 highest) on a Targeted Employer Survey.

Goal 2: Graduates will demonstrate critical thinking and acquisition of skills specific to Entrepreneurial Nutrition Practice to evaluate and communicate nutrition information through completion of a research capstone experience and contribute to the evidence-based practice of RDNs by promoting health among diverse populations.

Goal 2 Objectives:

Students-Measured at the end of the Graduate Program in Nutrition and Dietetics

• Upon completion of the program, 100% of the student will complete an evidence analysis investigation
• Upon completion of the program, 100% of students will complete a capstone research experience
• Upon completion of the program, 100 % of students will complete a portfolio with self-reflections that reflects critical thinking and acquisition of skills specific to Entrepreneurial Nutrition Practice

Program Graduates – Measured one year post graduation

• Eighty percent of responding graduates surveyed will indicate that they utilize skills and knowledge acquired in the Graduate Program in Nutrition and Dietetics

• Eighty percent of responding graduates surveyed will indicate critical thinking, including aspects of evidence analysis and processes, when providing nutrition care.

 Employers of Graduates – Measured one year post-graduation

• Eighty percent of responding employers will rate graduates in use of evidence -based nutrition care at a level of 3 or higher on a scale of 1-5 (5 highest) on a Targeted Employer Survey.
  
  

Goal 3: Graduates will develop skills and a commitment to service through the exposure to community rotations and professional development coursework.

 Goal 3 Objectives:

• Upon completion of the program, 80% of graduates will indicate they have developed leadership and professional dietetic practice skills at a level of 3 or higher on a scale of 1-5 (5 highest) on an annual graduate survey.

Upon completion of the program, 80% of graduates will indicate they have developed a continued commitment to service at a level of 3 or higher on a scale of 1-5 (5 highest) on an annual graduate survey. [Examples of service: intent to/or continued volunteering in community nutrition organizations; intent to/or continued participation in professional organizations; intent to/or continued precepting; or other]

Program outcomes data is available upon request.

1. Complete a minimum of a master's degree at a U.S. regionally accredited university or college or foreign equivalent, and coursework through an Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics (ACEND) accredited Didactic (DPD), Coordinated (CP), Graduate Program (GP) or Foreign (FDE) program.
2. Complete required supervised practice/experience through an ACEND accredited Dietetic Internship (DI), Coordinated (CP), Graduate Program (GP) or an Individualized Supervised Practice Pathway (ISPP) offered through an ACEND- accredited program.

The Graduate Program of Entrepreneurial Nutrition Practice at Saint of Elizabeth University meets this requirement in the process to becoming an RDN.

3. Pass a national examination administered by the Commission on Dietetic Registration (CDR). For more information regarding the examination, refer to CDR's website at http://www.cdrnet.org.
4. Complete continuing professional educational requirements to maintain registration. Some RDNs hold additional certifications in specialized areas of practice. These are awarded through CDR, the credentialing agency for the Academy, and/or other medical and nutrition organizations and are recognized within the profession, but are not required. Some of the certifications include pediatric or renal nutrition, sports dietetics, nutrition support, and diabetes education.

After fulfilling the requirements for becoming a registered dietitian nutritionist, some states may require further licensure. For information on state licensure requirements, please visit the Commission on Dietetic Registration at https://www.cdrnet.org/licensure

Admissions Requirements

• Submit application to the Graduate Program in Entrepreneurial Nutrition Practice
• Resume or CV
• Didactic Program in Dietetics (DPD) verification statement or transcripts demonstrating completion of all prerequisites
• Two letters of recommendation from professors or academic advisors
• Official transcripts from all post-secondary institutions
• Personal statement (up to 750 words) with short and long-term career goals
• Candidates for admission will be scheduled for an interview with our selection committee via F2F virtual interview (to be scheduled following review of complete application

At this time, we are unable to accept International Student Applicants.

Transfer Credit/Prior Learning Assessment and Recognition (PLAR)

At this time, students cannot transfer any credits toward the Graduate Program in Entrepreneurial Nutrition Practice. The program also does not accept credit for prior learning or experience.

• Food Preparation or Experimental Food/Recipe Modification
• Anatomy and Physiology
• General Chemistry
• Introduction to Nutrition
• Organic Chemistry
• Biochemistry
• Human Nutrition or Metabolism (Micronutrient/Macronutrient Metabolism)
• Medical Nutrition Therapy or Nutrition and Disease

*Also must have successful completion of both the ServSafe Manager Certification and ServSafe Allergen Certificate.

Graduation and program completion requirements include:

• Successful completion of a Master of Science in Nutrition degree
• No less than a 3.0 GPA
• No more than 2 "C" in any of the graduate courses; a third "C" will result in dismissal
• Submission and presentation of a Capstone Research Project
• Completion of at least 1,000 hours of Supervised Experiential Learning approved by the Program Director, program faculty, and preceptors.
• Successful mastery of the required competencies for entry-level Registered Dietitian Nutritionist as outlined in the Standards for Future Education Model Graduate Degree Programs.
• Practicing, honoring, and portraying the Code of Ethics for Dietetics and the Standards of Practice.

Meeting all requirements is necessary for students to receive a Verification Statement. 

Tuition and Financial Aid

The total cost of tuition and associated fees for the MS in Nutrition at SEU is $41,526 (without electives). Other program specific costs can be found here.

Students may be eligible for graduate financial assistance in the form of loans and loan deferments by completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid. Please make an appointment with the SEU Financial Aid Office located on the second floor of Santa Rita Hall or visit their webpage at https://www.steu.edu/financialaid

 Distance Education Requirements and Expectations

Technology requirements for distance education components found on the Technology Requirements page. Basic proficiency with computers is expected of all students upon enrollment in the program. Basic computer skills at a minimum means the ability to work in a Windows/Macintosh environment, utilize email, create documents on MS Word and PowerPoint, and navigate the internet.

For all students, remote (off-campus) access to Internet services is required for the program. Students must have all of the current recommended hardware requirements as specified for online learning (see ). Students are required to purchase a headset with built in microphone and web cam to use with Zoom live sessions.

Students will use their SEU email and password to log into Moodle. Use of SEU e-mail verifies the student’s identity. The ZOOM web conferencing platform will be used to administer any synchronous education. Students will be required to use their webcam during these sessions to verify their identity.

This is to be released upon approval by SEU curricular processes.