MS in Community Nutrition and Dietetics

Goal 1. Program graduates will be competent, entry-level registered dietitians who apply nutrition science and population health principles to promote health and prevent disease.

• Objective 1.1: At least 80% of students complete program requirements within 2.5 years (150% of planned program length)
• Objective 1.2: Of graduates who seek employment, at least 70% percent are employed in nutrition and dietetics or related fields within 12 months of graduation. 
• Objective 1.3: At least 80% percent of program graduates take the CDR credentialing exam for dietitian nutritionists within 12 months of program completion. 
• Objective 1.4: 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%. 
• Objective 1.5: At least 80% of employers rate graduates as 'prepared' or 'well-prepared' for entry-level practice

Goal 2. Program graduates will collaborate effectively with interprofessional teams to deliver culturally responsive, evidence-based nutrition care and lead initiatives that improve health outcomes in diverse communities and healthcare settings.

• Objective 2.1: At least 85% of graduates report regularly applying culturally responsive practices in their professional roles.
• Objective 2.2: At least 70% of graduates report involvement in initiatives or projects that address community health, health equity, or food security. 
• Objective 2.3: At least 75% of graduates report presenting research or evidence-based work at professional meetings, conferences, or organizational forums within one year of graduation. 
• Objective 2.4: At least 90% of graduates report integrating evidence-based research into their professional practice or program development activities. 
• Objective 2.5: At least 70% of graduates report using leadership and/or advocacy skills in their professional roles. 
• Objective 2.6: At least 80% of graduates report engaging in interprofessional collaboration in their workplace or professional activities.

Program outcome data, including completion rates, employment outcomes, and credentialing exam performance, are available upon request.

Graduates of the Future Education Model Graduate Program in Community Nutrition and Dietetics are prepared to pursue the Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RDN) credential. The pathway to becoming an RDN is established by the Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics (ACEND) and the Commission on Dietetic Registration (CDR).

Pathway to the RDN Credential

1. Education 
   1. Earn a graduate degree from an accredited college or university. 
   2. Complete required coursework through an ACEND-accredited dietetics program. 
2. Supervised Experiential Learning 
   1. Complete ACEND-accredited supervised practice (e.g., through a graduate program, coordinated program, or dietetic internship). 
3. National Credentialing Examination 
   1. Pass the RDN credentialing exam administered by the Commission on Dietetic Registration (CDR). 
4. State Licensure/Certification 
   1. Meet state-specific requirements to practice, which often include licensure or certification. 
   2. The RDN credential is accepted for licensure in all states, though additional state requirements may apply. 
5. Ongoing Professional Development 
   1. Maintain the credential through continuing education to stay current in the field.

How This Program Fits the RDN Pathway

The Future Education Model Graduate Program is an ACEND-accredited graduate program designed to integrate: 

• Graduate-level didactic coursework 
• Supervised experiential learning embedded in the curriculum

Upon successful completion, graduates are eligible to apply for the CDR credentialing exam, meeting the education and supervised practice requirements required for RDN eligibility.

State Licensure Information 

• All U.S. states that regulate dietetics practice recognize the RDN credential for licensure eligibility. 
• Graduates of this program will be prepared to pursue licensure or certification in all states where the RDN credential fulfills educational and supervised practice requirements. 
• Additional requirements (e.g., application, fees, jurisprudence exams) vary by state.

Prospective students are strongly encouraged to review licensure requirements in the state where they intend to practice.

Learn More

This overview summarizes the credentialing process. Requirements may change, and individual pathways can vary. For the most up-to-date and detailed guidance, visit: 

• Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics
• Commission on Dietetic Registration

Students applying to master’s programs at WSPH must meet the school’s general admission requirements and submit materials per the application requirements.

Admission to the MS in Community Nutrition and Dietetics Program is conducted in accordance with the policies of the Celia Scott Weatherhead School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine (WSPH) at Tulane University. Applicants must meet general graduate admission standards established by the university and school, as well as any program-specific requirements.

Minimum Eligibility Requirements

Applicants must: 

• Hold a baccalaureate degree from an accredited institution prior to enrollment 
• Submit official transcripts from all institutions attended 
• Demonstrate evidence of academic readiness for graduate study, typically reflected in prior academic performance

While there is no strict minimum grade point average (GPA) requirement, applicants to master’s-level programs are strongly encouraged to have a minimum GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale.

The MSCND accepts applicants from a variety of undergraduate backgrounds; however, admissions requirements for the MS in Community Nutrition and Dietetics include completion of a Didactic Program in Dietetics OR fulfillment of the following prerequisite courses at the undergraduate level. 

• Chemistry I with lab 
• Chemistry II with lab 
• Organic Chemistry* 
• Biochemistry* 
• Microbiology* 
• Human Anatomy* 
• Human Physiology* 
• Any Psychology, Anthropology, or Sociology 
• Introduction to Nutrition 
• Lifecycle Nutrition

*For these courses, a lab is recommended but not required for admission

Application Components

External applicants are required to submit a complete application through both DICAS (the Dietetic Inclusive Centralized Application Service)-as required by ACEND, and the Program faculty will coordinate with school level admissions to meet SOPHAS application requirements, which include: 

• Official academic transcripts 
• Statement of Purpose 
• Resume or Curriculum Vitae (CV) 
• 3 Letters of recommendation 
• Application fee

The Statement of Purpose should address: 

• Rationale for pursuing the selected degree and program 
• Professional goals and how the degree will support those goals 
• Relevant academic, professional, and personal experiences 
• Preparation for graduate-level study and fit with the MSCND

Internal applicants (currently enrolled Tulane students) will submit a complete application through the WSPH internal application platform which includes: 

• Fastlane Application 
• Unofficial academic transcripts 
• Statement of Purpose 
• Resume or Curriculum Vitae (CV) 
• Letters of recommendation (only required for non-PH students)

Standardized Testing Policy 

GRE scores are not required for admission and are not considered as part of the admissions review process for WSPH programs.

International Applicant Requirements

In addition to standard application materials, international applicants may be required to: 

• Submit proof of English language proficiency 
• Provide additional documentation as required by Tulane University

Specific requirements for international applicants are determined by university policy and may vary by program.

Additional Considerations

• Prior contact with program faculty is not required for master’s applicants 
• Admissions decisions are based on a holistic review of all application materials, including academic performance, professional experience, and alignment with program goals

Application Review and Selection Process

Applications are reviewed holistically based on academic preparation, professional experience, and alignment with program goals.

Review Process

Applications to the MS in Community Nutrition and Dietetics Program are reviewed according to established deadlines. Applicants are encouraged to submit all required materials by the preferred deadline to ensure full consideration and timely enrollment planning.

For students applying through the standard admissions process: 

• March 15 is the preferred application deadline for a summer start 
• June 15 is the final application deadline for a fall start

Admission timelines are subject to university policies and program capacity. Applicants are encouraged to apply early to facilitate advising, course planning, and onboarding processes.

Curriculum Overview

The program includes 30 graduate credit hours completed over four terms. Coursework integrates public health, clinical nutrition, and applied practice. A sample curriculum plan is available from the University catalog https://catalog.tulane.edu/programs/.

Program Schedule and Calendar

The proposed Future Education Model Graduate Program is designed to be completed in 15 months of full-time study across four academic terms (summer, fall, spring, and summer). Students will be advised to enroll for a summer entry term with fall start terms allowed if needed. Students in the MSCND program follow the official Tulane University academic calendar, including all designated holidays and university closures, and are not required to participate in supervised experiential learning (SEL) on those dates. However, SEL placements occur in affiliated facilities that may observe different operating schedules. As a result, students are responsible for coordinating with preceptors and program faculty to adjust schedules as needed and to ensure completion of all required SEL hours and ACEND-required competencies. Any missed SEL time due to site closures or scheduling differences must be made up. Completion of all program-required SEL hours is mandatory for program completion and issuance of the Verification Statement. SEL scheduling may vary by placement site.

Graduation and Program Completion

Graduation Requirements

To successfully complete the MSCND, students must:

• Complete all required coursework 
• Complete a minimum of 1,000 SEL hours 
• Demonstrate attainment of all required ACEND-required competencies 
• Meet all academic and professional standards

Maximum Completion Timeframe 

• Students must complete the MSCND within 150% of the standard program length 
• Extensions may be granted only under documented, approved circumstances

Verification Statement Procedures

The MSCND Director issues the ACEND Verification Statement upon confirmation that all requirements have been met.

Process includes: 

• Final review of academic records 
• Verification of SEL hours and documentation 
• Confirmation of competency attainment

CDR Submission Process 

• Graduates are provided with verification documentation required for eligibility to sit for the CDR exam 
• Students are responsible for completing registration requirements through the Commission on Dietetic Registration

Supervised Experiential Learning (SEL)

Students complete 1,000 hours of supervised experiential learning (SEL) integrated throughout the program to ensure achievement of all ACEND-required competencies.

Experiences are completed across four areas: 

• Clinical Nutrition 
• Community Nutrition 
• Culinary Nutrition & Food Service Management 
• Advanced Practice

SEL is integrated with coursework, allowing students to apply knowledge in real-world settings as they progress through the program.

Placement Model

The program coordinates supervised experiential learning placements and provides: 

• Core placement sites and preceptors 
• Established partnerships across the New Orleans area 
• Support in identifying advanced practice experiences

Students may propose placement sites; however, all placements must be approved by the program to ensure ACEND requirements are met.

Students are not responsible for independently securing placements; the program provides structured placement support to ensure completion of required supervised experiential learning hours.

Integrated Learning Model (FEM Approach)

This program follows the Future Education Model (FEM) by integrating: 

• Graduate-level coursework 
• Supervised experiential learning 
• Competency-based assessment

Students enroll in SEL courses concurrently with didactic courses, enabling continuous application of knowledge and development of professional skills across settings.

Supervision and Evaluation

Students are supervised by qualified preceptors who provide guidance and evaluate performance during each experience.

Student progress is monitored through: 

• Preceptor evaluations 
• Faculty review 
• Ongoing documentation of supervised experiential learning hours and activities

Students must demonstrate competency attainment and completion of required supervised experiential learning hours to progress in the program.

The majority of SEL hours are completed in supervised professional practice settings, with limited use of simulation and other structured learning activities to support competency development.

Credit for Prior Learning

The program may consider prior learning for potential equivalency in limited cases, including: 

• Graduate-level coursework from an accredited institution 
• Prior supervised experiential learning completed through an accredited program 
• Relevant professional experience in nutrition or a related field

All prior learning must demonstrate alignment with ACEND-required competencies.

Important Considerations 

• Credit for prior learning is not guaranteed
• Not all supervised experiential learning (SEL) hours can be waived or reduced 
• Work experience alone does not automatically fulfill SEL requirements

Supervised Experiential Learning (SEL) Adjustments

In approved cases, limited modification of SEL may be granted: 

• Up to 25% of total SEL hours may be adjusted 
• All required practice areas must still be completed 
• Clinical experiences must include direct supervised practice

Evaluation of Prior Learning

Requests for prior learning are reviewed by program faculty and must demonstrate equivalency to ACEND competencies.

All decisions are made on a case-by-case basis and must be formally approved by the program.

Tuition and fees for the Master of Science in Community Nutrition and Dietetics are established by Tulane University and are subject to change. Current tuition rates and fee schedules are available through the Tulane University Office of the Bursar or the official university website. A detailed cost breakdown is available on the School of Public Health tuition webpage. Estimated costs are updated annually, and prospective students are encouraged to review the Tulane tuition webpage for the most current information.

Additional Expenses (transportation, materials, insurance)

In addition to tuition, students should anticipate additional expenses related to participation in the MSCND program, particularly supervised experiential learning (SEL). These may include, but are not limited to: 

• Professional liability insurance 
• Background checks and drug screening 
• Immunizations and health documentation 
• Transportation to SEL sites 
• Educational materials and supplies 
• Professional organization membership fees 
• Registration examination fees

Students are responsible for all costs associated with program participation. Financial aid and support resources are available through the university and are described below.

Financial Aid Resources

Students enrolled in the Master of Science in Community Nutrition and Dietetics have access to a variety of financial aid resources through Tulane University. Financial assistance may include federal and private student loans, scholarships, fellowships, and other forms of support administered by the university.

The primary resource for financial aid information is the Tulane University Office of Financial Aid, which provides guidance on eligibility, application procedures, and deadlines. Students are encouraged to complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) to determine eligibility for federal financial aid programs.

Additional funding opportunities may be available through the Celia Scott Weatherhead School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine (WSPH), including school-based scholarships, fellowships, and, where applicable, research or teaching assistantships. Availability and eligibility for these opportunities vary and may be competitive.

Students are responsible for: 

• Reviewing all financial aid application requirements and deadlines 
• Maintaining eligibility for aid, including satisfactory academic progress 
• Managing their financial obligations, including tuition, fees, and program-related expenses

Eligibility for financial aid and loan deferment is determined according to federal and institutional policies. Contact Tulane Financial Aid for more information. Information regarding tuition billing, payment plans, and account management is available through the Tulane University Bursar’s Office.

Students are strongly encouraged to consult directly with the Office of Financial Aid and WSPH advising resources to develop an individualized financial plan for program completion.

Department Chair: Akilah Dulin, PhD

Program Director: Keelia O'Malley, PhD, MPH

Program Manager: Jeremy "Jay" Freeman

Email: 

Phone: 504.988.5391