2026-2027 Undergraduate & Graduate Catalog [In Progress]
Clinical Dietetics - Master of Science (MS) in Clinical Dietetics (CD)
The MS in CD is a Coordinated Graduate Program that is part of Grand Valley State University's (GVSU's) School of Interdisciplinary Health (SIH) and College of Health Professions (CHP).
Website: gvsu.edu/grad/clinicaldiet
Degree Offered: Master of Science (MS) in Clinical Dietetics
Clinical dietetics is a systematic approach to treating medical conditions, complex disease processes and their associated symptoms through medical nutrition therapy (MNT). The registered dietitian nutritionist (RDN) uses and applies advanced nutrition knowledge, MNT, and the nutrition care process to promote health and prevent disease.
Program Mission Statement
To develop high-potential students into exceptional master's prepared, entry-level dietitians who positively impact the health of their clients, profession, and communities. The program is 52-55 credits, and the curriculum is designed to provide for the achievement of the competencies established for entry-level dietitians through excellence in both the classroom and supervised practice settings, encouragement of community service, and commitment to the Code of Ethics of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics.
The program's supervised practice sites are diverse, providing access to different health systems, and a wide demographic of patients. These practice sites are available locally and regionally. In addition to the supervised practice sites, clinical applications will be taught in technologically superior simulation laboratories. The MS in CD will use problem-based learning, meaningful and sustainable group projects, and multiple opportunities to demonstrate critical thinking as they emerge as highly trained and sought-after entry-level dietitians.
Accredited by the Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics (ACEND) of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics (AND) at 120 South Riverside Plaza, Suite 2190 Chicago, IL 60606-6995. Phone: (312) 899-0040 ext. 5400. Fax: (312) 899-4817. Email: [email protected]. eatright.org/ACEND
Admission Requirements
Applicants must meet University Requirements, as well as the Program Requirements listed:
- Grade point average of 3.0 (B) from all undergraduate coursework
- Personal statement of career goals and background experiences, including an explanation of how this program will help achieve educational and professional objectives
- Recommendations: Two professional or academic recommendations
- Resume
- Verification statement from an ACEND accredited undergraduate program OR all prerequisite courses completed: General Biology, Introductory Statistics, Anatomy & Physiology I and II, General Chemistry, Organic Chemistry, Introductory Biochemistry, Microbiology with Lab, Basic Nutrition, Clinical Nutrition* or Advanced Nutrition* or Medical Nutrition Therapy*, Community Nutrition, Nutrition in the Life Cycle, Food Production & Kitchen Management or ServSafe Manager certification. *Class must be completed with a 2.7 (B-) or better.
- Successful completion of all pre-requisite courses
Prerequisite Courses at GVSU: Courses marked in bold require a B- (2.7) grade or better. Recommend "C" or better in the remaining prerequisites. Italicized courses are GV prerequisites.
- BIO 120 - General Biology I
- STA 215 - Introductory Applied Statistics (prerequisite MTH 110)
- BMS 250 - Anatomy and Physiology I (prerequisite BIO 120)
- BMS 251 - Anatomy and Physiology II (prerequisite BMS 250)
- CHM 109 - Introductory Chemistry (OR (CHM 125/CHM 126) AND (CHM 127/ CHM 128))
- CHM 231 - Introductory Organic Chemistry (4 credits) (OR (CHM 235/ CHM 236) AND (CHM 237/ CHM 238) prerequisite CHM 109 OR (CHM 127/CHM 128))
- CHM 234 - Introductory Biochemistry; grade of B- or better (OR CHM 109 OR BOTH CHM 125/CHM 126, OR equivalent)
- BMS 212 AND BMS 213 - Laboratory in Microbiology (prerequisites: BIO 120, AND OR CHM 234 OR CHM 235/CHM 236)
- BMS 105 - Basic Nutrition
- BMS 305 - Clinical Nutrition (BMS 290 OR BMS 251, AND CHM 234 OR CHM 461), OR (BMS 290 OR MOV 304, AND CHM 234 OR CHM 461), OR AFN 400 - Applied Medical Nutrition Therapy I at GVSU, grade of B- or better
- BMS 304 - Community Nutrition (offered winter only; BMS 105 and Junior Standing)
- BMS 407 - Nutrition in the Life Cycle (offered fall only; BMS 105 OR BMS 305 OR , AND BMS 290/BMS 391 OR BMS 251)
- ServSafe Manager Certification OR HTM 250- Food Production and Kitchen Management (override request for HTM 213)
Program Location
Our program is located on the Health Campus in Raleigh Finkelstein Hall, School of Interdisciplinary Health within the College of Health Professions in Grand Rapids, MI.
Program Requirements
The following programs are available: