Grand Valley State University's (GVSU's) Master of Science in Clinical Dietetics program is an Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics (ACEND) accredited coordinated graduate program that is part of the School of Interdisciplinary Health within the College of Health Professions.
Our coordinated graduate program is a 27-seat cohort model that starts each Fall, is full-time, over five semesters, and consists of 52-55 credits with 1200 hours of supervised practice. Supervised practice sites are coordinated for students by faculty/supervised practice coordinators. Classes are taught using the online hybrid model, with some in-class meetings and laboratory experiences in our state-of-the-art simulation center. Upon successful completion, this program awards a Master of Science degree and a verification statement that provides eligibility to sit for the registration exam leading to the Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RDN) credential.
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Career Outlook
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
The Skills Employers Want
The Master of Science in Clinical Dietetics at GVSU will develop the skills you need to land the job you want. Whether the skills are advanced or general, you will build a resume of qualifications that are sure to attract employers. The following skills correlate with those pulled from actual job postings.
- Dietetics
- Medical Nutrition Therapy
- Nutritional Assessment
- Food Services
- Pediatrics
- Nutrition Intervention
- Nutrition Diagnosis
- Clinical Nutrition
- Research
- Management
- Leadership
- Customer Service
- Computer Literacy
- Interpersonal Skills
- Presentations
- Communications
Source: EMSI, 2020
Why Study Clinical Dietetics at Grand Valley?
- Accredited. The Coordinated Graduate Program at Grand Valley State University is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics (ACEND) of The Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics: Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics (ACEND) of The Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, 120 South Riverside Plaza, Suite 2190, Chicago, IL 60606-6995, (312) 899-5400.
- Experiential Learning. Hands-on work in state-of-the-art facilities, including simulation, nutrition assessment, and culinary lab experiences.
- In-Demand. The Bureau of Labor Statistics indicates employment opportunities are expected to increase 15% by 2026.
- Career-focused. Healthcare professionals with advanced degrees tend to attain a higher profile within the profession.
- Return on Investment. According to the 2021 Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics Compensation and Benefits Report Survey, the median annual salary for Registered Dietitian Nutritionists (RDNs) with a master's degree is $70,000.
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 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 coordinated graduate at Grand Valley State University are eligible to apply to take the CDR credentialing exam to become an RDN.
For more information about educational pathways to become an RDN please visit: https://www.eatrightpro.org/acend/students-and-advancing-education/information-for-students
Application Process & Timeline
All students applying to the Clinical Dietetics Coordinated Graduate Program for Fall 2026 use the Dietetics Inclusive Centralized Application Services (DICAS) platform, which opens September 1, 2025.
All students applying to the Applied Food & Nutrition and Clinical Dietetics Combined Degree Program for Fall 2026 use Grand Valley State University's Graduate Application, which opens mid-September 2025.
Review of applications begins after January 15, and early submission is highly recommended.
Application reviews and notifications of admission will occur by March 1. All students offered a seat are required to indicate their decision to the program director by March 15.
Admission
The Clinical Dietetics M.S. application deadline is January 15. The $30 application fee is waived if you’ve already applied to Grand Valley. Visit our program requirements page for details.
GVSU Clinical Dietetics requires all prerequisite courses to be completed with LETTER (A, B, C) or NUMERICAL (4.0, 3.0, 2.0) grades.
Admission RequirementsPrerequisites for Clinical DieteticsPrerequisite Completion Form (pdf)
Courses
The Master of Science in Clinical Dietetics consists of:
- 52-55 credits
Awards of credit for prior learning experiences are not yet available for the Clinical Dietetics program.
Visit the online catalog for detailed information and the course requirements.
CD Course RequirementsGVSU Undergraduate & Graduate Catalogs (Complete)
Cost
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.
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