The MS in Nutrition Sciences, Clinical Track/Dietetic Internship is a one-year combined dietetic internship and Master of Science degree program that enables graduates to take the Registration Examination for Dietitian Nutritionists offered by the Commission on Dietetic Registration (CDR). In only 12 months, you could be ready for a career in health care, wellness, and food system operations.

Dual Degree

The Master of Science in Nutrition Sciences, Clinical Track - Dietetic Internship is available as a dual degree with the Master of Public Health (MPH) degree offered through UAB's School of Public Health. Email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or call 205-934-8770 for more information about this dual degree option.

Open House

The MS in Nutrition Sciences, Clinical Track/Dietetic Internship will host a Virtual Open House this Fall. Details regarding time, date, and registration will be made available soon. Students who are interested in viewing a recording of last year’s open house may email the Program Director, Dr. Pearson, at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

Accreditation

The UAB MS in Nutrition Sciences, Clinical Track/Dietetic Internship is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics (ACEND). ACEND is the accrediting agency for education programs preparing students for careers as registered dietitian nutritionists.

ACEND can be contacted via email (This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.), phone (800-877-1600 x5400), mail (120 South Riverside Plaza, Suite 2190, Chicago, IL 60606-6995) and online (www.eatrightpro.org/acend).

ACEND Announcement

Effective January 1, 2024, the Commission on Dietetic Registration (CDR) will require a minimum of a master’s degree to be eligible to take the credentialing exam to become a registered dietitian nutritionist (RDN). In order to be approved for registration examination eligibility with a bachelor’s degree, an individual must meet all eligibility requirements and be submitted into CDR's Registration Eligibility Processing System (REPS) before 12:00 midnight Central Time, December 31, 2023. For more information about this requirement visit CDR's website. In addition, CDR requires that individuals complete coursework and supervised practice in program(s) accredited by the Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics (ACEND). Graduates who successfully complete the ACEND-accredited MS in Nutrition Sciences, Clinical Track/Dietetic Internship at UAB are eligible to apply to take the CDR credentialing exam to become an RDN.

For more information about educational pathways to become a RDN, visit the ACEND information page.

Professional Licensure and Certifications

The UAB MS in Nutrition Sciences, Clinical Track/Dietetic Internship Track is designed to lead to professional certification through the Commission on Dietetics Registration (CDR) of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics (AND). While state interpretations of statutes may vary, it is ACEND's considered opinion that the program meets the educational requirements for dietetics licensure and certification in all states. However, completing an ACEND-accredited academic program alone does not qualify an individual for licensure or certification as a dietitian in any state. Individuals should review their state's licensing statutes and regulations to understand the specific requirements, including supervised practice and examinations, needed to obtain a dietetics license. More information about state licensure and certification can be found at this link: State Licensure. Please visit the Professional Licensure and Certification General Disclosures webpage for more information on state and territories requirements.