Master of Science and Dietetic Internship (MS/DI)

Our Mission

The mission of the University of Texas Medical Branch (UTMB) Combined Master of Science/Dietetic Internship is to prepare a diverse population of entry-level registered dietitian nutritionists for practice in public service and lifelong learning through innovative curricula and supervised experiences.

Objectives

Our program will prepare graduates to become competent dietitians/practitioners for employment in entry-level positions.

  1. Program Completion: At least 80% of program students complete program/degree requirements within 24 months (150% of the program length.)
  2. Graduate Employment: Of graduates who seek employment, 80% are employed in nutrition and dietetics or related fields within 12 months of graduation.
  3. Graduate Performance on Registration Exam:
    1. 80% of program graduates take the CDR credentialing exam for dietitian nutritionists within 12 months of program completion.
    2. The program's one-year pass rate (graduates who pass the registration exam within one year of first attempt) on the CDR credentialing exam for dietitian nutritionists is at least 80%.
  4. Program Satisfaction: 80% of program graduate respondents will rate their perception of the adequacy of the education and training provided in the program as "agree" or higher.
  5. Employer Satisfaction: At least 85% of employers who respond to a survey on program graduates report 'agree' or 'strongly agree' regarding the graduate's knowledge and skill preparation for entry-level practice.

Our program will foster a commitment to lifelong learning and prepare graduates for leadership and professional roles in the field of dietetics.

  1. At least 35% of graduate respondents will report having a leadership role in an AND affiliate organization at the local, state, or national level within 5 years of graduation.
  2. 30% of graduate respondents will report serving as a preceptor for dietetic interns within 5 years of graduation.
  3. Over a five-year period, employers of program graduates will indicate that at least 80% of graduates seek advanced training beyond the minimum requirements for maintaining credentials.

Note: Program outcomes available upon request.

Our Philosophy

The program is committed to providing a broad range of experiences to students, so they may become competent dietitians in a variety of settings. The program adopts the values of the institution and the School of Health Professions, which are to demonstrate compassion to all, to act with integrity, to show respect to everyone, to embrace belonging, and to promote excellence and innovation through lifelong learning.. The program encompasses these values while encouraging critical thinking, leadership development, management skills and team building to facilitate the transition of the student from an intern to an entry-level practitioner.

To achieve this mission, the program enforces policies and regulations stated in the SHP Bulletin and the UTMB Catalog. Additional policies and regulations established by the program are based on educational and clinical structures and the practical limitations of the program. It is essential that each student understand the regulations, their enforcement, and their rationale prior to beginning their program.


Site managed by the School of Health Professions • Last Updated: 08-DEC-2023