Program Information
The Master of Science in Clinical Dietetics is a full-time ACEND-accredited Coordinated Graduate Program designed for those who need supervised practice hours and competencies. Classes are taught using the hybrid model, with some in-seat class meetings, simulation, and culinary lab experiences. Upon successful completion, this program awards a Master of Science (MS) degree and a verification statement (VS) which provides eligibility to sit for the registration exam that leads to the Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RDN) credential.
- 52-55 credits (depending on if the student selects a Master's Research Project or Master's Thesis).
- Five semesters; Fall start; Cohort size: 27 students
- 1200-hours of supervised practice: clinical, community, food service, and area of specialization (AOS)
Please Note the Following:
- Average driving time to supervised practice sites is about 60-90 minutes.
- Housing stay for any part of the program, including supervised practice, is the responsibility of the student.
- All courses are offered in the hybrid model with in-seat class meetings, in-person simulation, and culinary labs.
Academic Calendar & Program Schedule
The GVSU Academic Calendar, including important dates and deadlines, can be accessed here: https://www.gvsu.edu/registrar/academiccalendar.htm
The Clinical Dietetics program follows GVSU’s academic calendar. However, supervised practice rotations may run during established break periods. Supervised practice hours are 30 hours per week and are per-site preceptor schedule.
Careers in Clinical Dietetics
According to the 2024 Compensation & Benefits Survey of the Dietetics Profession, the median full-time salary of RDNs is $79,000 per year. As with any profession, salaries and fees vary by region of the country, employment settings, scope of responsibility, and supply of RDNs. Salaries increase with experience and many RDNs — particularly those in business, management, education, and research — earn incomes above $100,000.
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment of dietitians is projected to grow 7% from 2023-2033, faster than the average for all occupations, because of the increased emphasis on the role of food and nutrition in preventing and treating diseases, a growing and aging population and public interest in nutrition.
Source: 2025 © Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics
For information on tuition and fees, please visit the costs portion of the GVSU Financial Aid website. For financial support, scholarship search, and filing for FAFSA, please visit the GVSU Financial Support website.
Note: Grand Valley does not charge a higher tuition rate based on residency. Tuition is based on the program in which you chose to enroll.
Estimated Required Tuition (2026-2027)
|
Tuition Cost Per Credit Hour |
Fall |
Winter |
Summer |
Fall |
Winter |
TOTAL** |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
$940 |
$11,280 |
$10,340 |
$8,460 |
$10,340 |
$8,460 |
$48,880 |
* Tuition will differ for students enrolled in the combined degree program. Combined degree students are charged the undergraduate tuition rate (based on residency and course load) for graduate-level courses taken in the first two semesters (fall and winter). See undergraduate tuition rates at https://www.gvsu.edu/financialaid/tuition.
** Total listed above is based on 52 credits as a graduate-level student; this amount will differ for students who enter as part of the combined degree program.
† Students choosing to do a thesis would add $2,820 to this total, based on the 3 additional credits required.
- $30.00 GVSU application fee for Graduate School (waived for GVSU graduates and previous applicants)
Rates for tuition, room, and board are subject to change at any time by the Board of Trustees.
https://www.gvsu.edu/financialaid/tuition
Other Estimated Expenses (2026-2027)
Estimated
Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics Student Membership.................................................. $58.00
https://www.eatrightpro.org/member-types-and-benefits
https://www.eatrightpro.org/student-member-benefit-highlights
All GVSU health profession students are required to comply with certain health testing prior to participation in supervised practice rotations. Items such as background checks, immunizations, titers, a complete physical, TB skin tests, drug tests, personal health insurance, and individual malpractice liability insurance are the responsibility of and requirements for participants in the program.
These numbers are based on what the GVSU Health Center and affiliated services charge and are an estimate. Other health facilities and providers could charge differently:
- $49.00 Physical
- $30.00 2 Step TB test (TST)
- $15.00 Single TB Skin Test
- $75.00 TB Blood Test
- $40.00 Titer
- $55.00 Flu Vaccine
- $ 0.00 COVID Vaccine/COVID Booster
- $65.00 Fingerprinting (through the GRCC police department)
- $45.00 Drug Screen
- $35.00 Background check (through CertifiedBackground.com)
- $65.00 CPR Certification or Renewal
- $25.00 Health Compliance Portal Tracker (Viewpoint)
Graduate students are responsible for travel, hotel, food and miscellaneous personal expenses incurred during the program.
Students may be assigned to facilities for their rotations that require temporary relocation.
GVSU provides General and Professional Liability insurance for healthcare-related services provided by students acting in the capacity of a student, in conjunction with educational or academic activities pursuant to individual course curricula.
Students may purchase additional liability insurance through the AND (Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics) if desired. Students should be aware that liability and insurance requirements may vary by individual Field Education sites.
GVSU does not provide healthcare insurance to students. Students are strongly encouraged to maintain their own health coverage at all times, but especially during Field Education. Please note that the student’s individual medical insurance plan is responsible for all medical-related expenses incurred during the field placement. The University and the College of Health Professions assume no responsibility or liability for any injury or illness that may be sustained during field placement. If a student does not have current health care coverage, you may want to visit the GVSU Center for Health and Well-being's information on Student Health Insurance for information on coverage options. If you don’t find a product that fits your needs, we encourage you to speak to your own Insurance Agent or research those coverages that may be available elsewhere.
Some Field Education placements may require students to use their personally owned vehicle for transportation purposes. Some Field Education placements require students to have a valid driver’s license, indicate they can operate a motor vehicle without restriction, carry current auto insurance and agree to be compliant with the laws of the state of Michigan.
When at all possible, students are encouraged to use an Agency-owned vehicle while transporting clients, consumers, or agency personnel on behalf of the Agency. It may be the responsibility of the student to make those arrangements.
If a student is driving a personal automobile and is involved in an automobile accident while on field placement business, the student’s personal auto insurance will respond and the student’s personal limits for both liability and physical damage could be exhausted, depending on the severity of the claim. If a student elects to use a privately-owned vehicle as part of their field placement activities, the student should consult with their insurance carrier for a clear understanding of their coverage. The student is responsible for obtaining adequate insurance to cover their legal responsibility. It is advised that without such coverage, clients should not be transported in students’ cars.
Slip-resistant shoes and appropriate food service attire are required for certain rotations. Professional clothing and closed-toe dress shoes are the acceptable attire for clinical and community rotations unless scrubs and tennis shoes are facility-approved. These uniform requirements are estimated at approximately $250 over the length of the program.
A laptop computer with a camera, personal printer, and scanner, and other school supplies (e.g., textbooks, notebooks, pens, paper, paper clips, etc.) are necessary for the successful completion of program expectations. Students are responsible for bearing the expense of these items and costs.
Financial aid estimates books and supplies to cost approximately $370 per semester.
More information can be found at: Tuition & Fees - Office of Financial Aid & Scholarships - Grand Valley State University
Financial Support
Visit the Office of Financial Aid & Scholarship for information on FAFSA applications, grants, scholarships, loans and more.
See also, Graduate Assistantships
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