The Master of Science (MS) in dietetics often requires completion of some prerequisite courses before enrollment. Thus, if you are interested in this master's program, you should first look up its prerequisites before applying. Because these master's programs are heavy in science, most require such courses as biology, general chemistry and nutrition. Some programs also require organic chemistry. Some prerequisites outside the sciences include economics and English composition.
CADE is the primary organization accrediting both bachelor's and master's degrees in dietetics, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. As of June 2008, there were 20 CADE-accredited master's programs in dietetics. These include California State University; the University of Michigan; the College of Saint Elizabeth; Hunter College CUNY; Syracuse University; the University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center; Drexel University; and Bastyr University. These programs meet the curriculum requirements of dietetics programs CADE has established.
Approved dietetics master's programs cover five main curriculum areas CADE has established. The first area is the scientific and evidence base of dietetics practice, which focuses on general research methodology and how to interpret and integrate that research literature. Approved programs also cover the expectations of professional practice, such as effective communication and negotiation skills and clinical and customer services. Lastly, programs include courses in practice management and support knowledge.
There are several competencies you should develop in CADE-accredited master's degrees. These competencies fall under the curriculum areas. By the end of the program, you should be able to appropriately design dietetic presentations for specific audiences, give suitable patient care activities and apply leadership principles, according to CADE. You should also be able to evaluate a person's nutritional status, determine potential problems and determine an appropriate plan to solve problems in that person's diet.
The master's of science in dietetics program at the University of Utah provides a good example of a CADE-accredited program. Their two-year program includes 63 credit hours. Students typically take medical nutrition therapy, nutrition communications, nutrition biochemistry and a clinical assessment--all in the first semester. The rest of the program would include such courses as nutrition policy, food management analysis, counseling skills and the metabolism of macronutrients, according to the University of Utah.