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Nutrition and Dietetics, M.S. - COLSA, UNH
Graduate
Nutrition and Dietetics
Gain in-depth experience in advanced clinical nutrition, community health and food service management through a structured sequence of practicums and mentored rotations.
Degree
Master of Science
Location
Durham, NH
Courses
13*
Credit
52 hrs.*
Full-time
4 semesters
Part-time
Varies
Agriculture, Nutrition, and Food Systems
The Nutrition and Dietetics Master's degree at UNH offers specialized training to prepare you for a career as a registered dietitian. You’ll gain in-depth experience in clinical nutrition, community health and food service management through a structured sequence of practicums and mentored rotations.
With four semesters of integrated coursework and fieldwork, the program builds the professional knowledge and applied skills needed for success in healthcare, wellness and nutrition-focused organizations. This program is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics (ACEND).
*Number of courses and course credit hours may vary, please reach out to your academic advisor for exact requirements.
Agriculture, Nutrition, and Food Systems Department
Key Links
Contact Cards
Academic Department Program Manager
Kendall Hall, Room 209, Durham, NH 03824
(603) 862-0822
Director of the Master of Science with Dietetic Internship
Clinical Associate Professor
Kendall Hall, Room 121, Durham, NH 03824
(603) 862-3280
Dietetic Program Coordinator
Kendall Hall, Room 109, Durham, NH 03824
(603) 862-0264
Why pursue a Nutrition and Dietetics Master's at UNH?
The Master of Science in Nutrition and Dietetics program offers individualized mentorship by dedicated faculty and preceptors. Students gain hands-on experience through coursework and practicums which build on foundational knowledge. Students learn how to evaluate the nutritional status of patients, develop nutrition care plans, assess the impact of nutrition intervention on patient health, and provide nutrition education to individuals and groups. Students develop strong critical thinking skills and are able to analyze the literature to promote evidenced based care. Students also learn about the management of food production and delivery systems, as well as the broad food system environments in which dietitians work.
Program Highlights
- Education and engagement experience during the first year that pays students a stipend of over $10,000.
- An average, first time pass rate for the national RDN exam of over 90% and a 100% pass rate within one year of first attempt.
- State-of-the-art simulation lab where students can hone their clinical and counseling skills ahead of their supervised experiential learning rotations.
- Dynamic and interdisciplinary department that includes experts in sustainability, agriculture, nutrition, food systems, and animal sciences.
- Curriculum incorporates elective options to allow students to individualize their experience to support their professional aspirations.
- Located in the beautiful and convenient Seacoast area of New Hampshire. Located just 30 minutes from the beach and 1.5 hours from the white mountains.
Potential career areas
- Clinical nutrition
- Community health
- Education/teaching
- Food service management
- Food systems and sustainability
- Sports nutrition
- Eating disorder counselor
- Industry
- Nutrition counseling
- Public health
- Program development
- Research
Curriculum & Requirements
Program Description
Program Description
The Master of Science in Nutrition and Dietetics is designed as a 4-semester program of required coursework and supervised experiential learning rotations. We invite new students to begin each Fall semester. Upon conclusion of the program, our graduates are eligible and well-prepared to take the Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RDN) exam. Our program’s RDN exam pass rates well exceed the national average for both first attempt and passing within one year of first attempt.
The first year of the curriculum is comprised of academic course work that integrates supervised experiential learning, the core of which focuses on culinary skill development, nutrition counseling, clinical care and research. The program's second year includes practicum-based supervised experiential learning in a variety of clinical, community, and food service operations rotations integrated with curriculum-related coursework. The program is responsible for finding high-quality supervised experiential learning rotation sites and student’s preferences and professional goals are strongly considered when assigning rotations.
Applicants who are interested in completing the program part time please contact the MSND Program Director to discuss the possibility.
Admission Requirements
- Applicants must have a minimum of a 3.0 GPA.
- Applicants must have a DPD verification statement or complete the following prerequisite courses prior to the start of the program, with a minimum grade of C- or better:
- Introduction to nutrition course, or equivalent
- Anatomy and physiology course (2 semesters), or equivalent
- Biochemistry course, or equivalent
- Statistics course, or equivalent
While these are our prerequisite courses we do very much value applicants who have taken more nutrition related courses.
The Master of Science in Nutrition and Dietetics program at the University of New Hampshire is currently granted accreditation through December 31, 2030, by ACEND of the acend@eatright.org, 120 South Riverside Plaza, Suite 2190 Chicago, IL 60606-6995.
Degree Plan
Degree Plan
Sample Degree Plan
This sample degree plan serves as a general guide; students collaborate with their academic advisor to develop a personalized degree plan to meet their academic goals and program requirements.
| First Year | ||
|---|---|---|
| Fall | Credits | |
| NUTR 836 | Sustainable Food Systems and Culinary Arts Practicum | 3 |
| NUTR 850 | Nutritional Biochemistry | 4 |
| NUTR 875 | Practical Applications in Medical Nutrition Therapy | 4 |
| NUTR 960 | Research Methods in Nutritional Science I | 4 |
| ANFS 901 | Introduction to Agriculture, Nutrition, and Food Systems Graduate Studies | 1 |
| Credits | 16 | |
| Spring | ||
| NUTR 804 | Managerial Skills in Dietetics | 4 |
| NUTR 860 | Behavioral Nutrition and Counseling | 4 |
| NUTR 876 | Advanced Pathophysiology and Clinical Care | 4 |
| NUTR 961 | Research Methods in Nutritional Science II | 4 |
| Credits | 16 | |
| Second Year | ||
| Fall | ||
| NUTR 829 | Dietetics: Intro to Dietetics Principle and Practice | 2 |
| NUTR 832 | Dietetics: Food Service and Community | 10 |
| Credits | 12 | |
| Spring | ||
| NUTR 829 | Dietetics: Intro to Dietetics Principle and Practice | 2 |
| NUTR 831 | Dietetics: Clinical Theory and Practice | 10 |
| Credits | 12 | |
| Total Credits | 56 | |
Requirements for the Program
Requirements for the Program
Degree Requirements
The Master of Science in Nutrition and Dietetics requires that students complete required coursework (48-56 credits), including over 1,000 hours of practicum-based learning and related course work in food service, community and clinical experiences. The program learning outcomes integrated into the program reflect those established by ACEND.
Students must earn a B- or better in graduate courses to earn credit toward the degree.
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Required Courses | ||
| NUTR 804 | Managerial Skills in Dietetics 1 | 4 |
| NUTR 829 | Dietetics: Intro to Dietetics Principle and Practice 2 | 2 |
| NUTR 831 | Dietetics: Clinical Theory and Practice | 10 |
| NUTR 832 | Dietetics: Food Service and Community | 10 |
| NUTR 836 | Sustainable Food Systems and Culinary Arts Practicum | 3 |
| NUTR 850 | Nutritional Biochemistry 3,4 | 4 |
| NUTR 860 | Behavioral Nutrition and Counseling | 4 |
| NUTR 875 | Practical Applications in Medical Nutrition Therapy 4,5 | 4 |
| NUTR 876 | Advanced Pathophysiology and Clinical Care | 4 |
| NUTR 960 | Research Methods in Nutritional Science I | 4 |
| NUTR 961 | Research Methods in Nutritional Science II | 4 |
| ANFS 901 | Introduction to Agriculture, Nutrition, and Food Systems Graduate Studies | 1 |
| Approved Electives | ||
| NUTR 809 | Nutritional Epidemiology | 4 |
| NUTR 810 | Advanced Diabetes Care | 2 |
| NUTR 815 | Advanced Sports Nutrition | 4 |
| NUTR 820 | Community Nutrition | 4 |
| NUTR 830 | From Seed to Sea: Examining Sustainable Food Systems | 4 |
| NUTR 840 | Nutrition for Children with Special Needs | 4 |
| NUTR 851 | Nutritional Biochemistry of Micronutrients | 4 |
| NUTR 855 | Concepts and Controversies in Weight Management | 4 |
| NUTR 880 | Critical Issues in Nutrition | 4 |
| NUTR 895 | Investigations | 1-4 |
| NUTR 927 | Nutrition and Gut Microbes in Human Health | 4 |
| ANFS 850 | Food System Solutions; Increasing Sustainability and Equity | 4 |
- 1
Students who have taken NUTR 804 or equivalent undergraduate or graduate course and earned a B- or better will substitute one approved graduate elective course
- 2
NUTR 829 is taken twice for a total of 4 credits
- 3
Students who have taken NUTR 850 or equivalent undergraduate or graduate course and earned a B- or better will substitute an approved graduate elective course
- 4
Students who have previously taken both NUTR 850 and NUTR 875 or equivalent courses will only need to take one additional approved graduate elective during their first Fall semester
- 5
Students who have taken NUTR 875 or equivalent undergraduate or graduate course and earned a B- or better will substitute an approved graduate elective course
Student Learning Outcomes
Student Learning Outcomes
Program Learning Outcomes
UNH’s Master of Science in Nutrition and Dietetics accreditation agency, ACEND, requires that the program covers required competencies that students must demonstrate proficiency in. A complete list of required competencies are as follows:
Unit 1: Foundational Knowledge- Competency 1.1: Applies an understanding of environmental, molecular factors (e.g., genes, proteins, metabolites) and food in the development and management of disease
- Competency 1.2: Applies an understanding of anatomy, physiology, and biochemistry
- Competency 1.3: Applies knowledge of microbiology and food safety
- Competency 1.4: Integrates knowledge of chemistry and food science as it pertains to food and nutrition product development and when making modifications to food
- Competency 1.5: Applies knowledge of patho-physiology and nutritional biochemistry to physiology, health and disease
- Competency 1.6: Applies knowledge of social, psychological and environmental aspects of eating and food
- Competency 1.7: Integrates the principles of cultural competence within own practice and when directing services
- Competency 1.8: Applies knowledge of pharmacology to recommend, prescribe and administer medical nutrition therapy
- Competency 1.9: Applies an understanding of the impact of complementary and integrative nutrition on drugs, disease, health and wellness
- Competency 1.10: Applies knowledge of math and statistics
- Competency 1.11: Applies knowledge of medical terminology when communicating with individuals, groups and other health professionals
- Competency 1.12: Demonstrates knowledge of and is able to manage food preparation techniques
- Competency 1.13: Demonstrates computer skills and uses nutrition informatics in the decision making process
- Competency 1.14: Integrates knowledge of nutrition and physical activity in the provision of nutrition care across the life cycle
- Competency 1.15: Applies knowledge of nutritional health promotion and disease prevention for individuals, groups and populations
- Competency 1.16: Gains a foundational knowledge on public and global health issues, policies and nutritional needs
- Competency 2.1: Applies a framework to assess, develop, implement and evaluate products, programs and services
- Competency 2.2: Selects, develops and/or implements nutritional screening tools for individuals, groups or populations
- Competency 2.3: Utilizes the nutrition care process with individuals, groups or populations in a variety of practice settings
- Competency 2.4: Implements or coordinates nutritional interventions for individuals, groups or populations
- Competency 2.5: Prescribes, recommends and administers nutrition- related pharmacotherapy
- Competency 3.1: Directs the production and distribution of quantity and quality of food products
- Competency 3.2: Oversees the purchasing, receipt and storage of products used in food production and services
- Competency 3.3: Applies principles of food safety and sanitation to the storage, production and service of food
- Competency 3.4: Applies and demonstrates an understanding of agricultural practices and processes
- Competency 4.1: Utilizes program planning steps to develop, implement, monitor and evaluate community and population programs
- Competency 4.2: Engages in legislative and regulatory activities that address community, population and global nutrition health and nutrition policy
- Competency 5.1: Demonstrates leadership skills to guide practice
- Competency 5.2: Applies principles of organization management
- Competency 5.3: Applies project management principles to achieve project goals and objective
- Competency 5.4: Leads quality and performance improvement activities to measure evaluate and improve a program services products and initiatives
- Competency 5.5: Develops and leads implementation of risk management strategies and program
- Competency 6.1: Incorporates critical thinking skills in practice
- Competency 6.2: Applies scientific methods utilizing ethical research practices when reviewing, evaluating and conducting research
- Competency 6.3: Applies current research and evidence-informed practice to service
- Competency 7.1: Assumes professional responsibilities to provide safe, ethical and effective nutrition services
- Competency 7.2: Uses effective communication, collaboration and advocacy skills
Disclosures
Disclosures
Nutrition and Dietetics (M.S.)
Location/Delivery: College of Life Sciences and Agriculture, Durham Campus [In-Person Program]
This program is designed to prepare graduates for professional licensure/certification as follows:
Registered Dietitian Nutritionist
Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RDN) Examination
The University of New Hampshire has determined this program meets the educational requirements for licensure/certification in:1
Alabama, Alaska, American Samoa, Arizona, Arkansas, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, District of Columbia, Federated States of Micronesia, Florida, Georgia, Guam, Hawaii, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, North Dakota, Northern Mariana Islands, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Puerto Rico, Republic of Palau, Republic of the Marshall Islands, Rhode Island, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, U.S. Virgin Islands, Utah, Vermont, Virginia, Washington, West Virginia, Wisconsin, Wyoming.
Additional information and related resources are available on the Registrar's Office website.
- 1
State specific post-education requirements are subject to change. Students are responsible for confirming these requirements in their state of residence and intended practice.
Application Requirements & Deadlines
Application Requirements & Deadlines
Deadlines
The UNH Master of Science in Nutrition and Dietetics (MSND) accepts applicants through the Fall and Spring ACEND application cycles with all admitted applicants enrolled in the subsequent Fall semester. Once a completed application for the UNH MSND is received, the application will be reviewed, and the applicant will be invited to a virtual interview. Admitted students are required to submit a deposit towards their first semester tuition to secure their spot and must rescind applications to other programs. Please contact Dr. Amy Taetzsch for questions or clarifications.
Prospective students applying to the UNH MSND must submit their application via the DICAS portal according to the below dates. The DICAS application process allows applicants to submit their application to UNH and any other programs that participate in this nationally-based application process. More information on the ACEND national application process can be found here.
| ACEND Application Cycle Dates for Class of 2026-27 | Fall Cycle | Spring Cycle |
| Application opens | August 5th | August 5th |
| Preferential deadline to submit completed application | October 5th | February 1st |
| Acceptance offer notification begins | November 1st | March 1st |
| Final deadline to submit completed application | December 15th | June 15th |
*Prospective candidates who are currently enrolled or recently graduated from the University of New Hampshire can apply to the UNH MSND in their Junior, Senior year or soon after graduation with acceptance occurring through rolling admission.
Application fee: See DICAS for Application Fee
Administered by: Durham
New England Regional: No
Accelerated Masters Eligible: No
New Hampshire Residents
Students claiming in-state residency must also submit a Proof of Residence Form. This form is not required to complete your application, but you will need to submit it after you are offered admission, or you will not be able to register for classes.
Transcripts
DICAS will require official transcripts to be uploaded to your portal.
Letters of recommendation: 3 required
Recommendation letters submitted by relatives or friends, as well as letters older than one year, will not be accepted.
It is encouraged that applicants have letters of recommendation from both a supervisor and professor.
Personal Statement
Prepare a brief, 1000 words or less, but careful statement regarding:
- Why do you want to enter the dietetics profession?
- Discuss experiences that have helped to prepare you for your career.
- What are your short-term and long-term professional goals?
- What are your strengths and areas needing improvement?
- Why are you interested in the UNH MS in Nutrition and Dietetics?
Resume
A current resume summarizing all volunteer and work experience is required.
Important Notes
All applicants are encouraged to contact the MS in Nutrition and Dietetics Director, Dr. Amy Taetzsch directly to discuss program specific application questions.
International Applicants
International applicants must have their education reviewed by an identified, independent non-profit organization to verify it is equivalent to US regionally-accredited college or university. Once verified, these international applicants are eligible to apply to the UNH MS in Nutrition and Dietetics program through ACEND application cycles. For more information please visit ACEND’s information for international students.
Prospective international students are required to submit TOEFL, IELTS, or equivalent examination scores. English Language Exams may be waived if English is your first language. If you wish to request a waiver, then please visit our Test Scores webpage for more information.
Alanna O'Keefe, from Bradford, NH, graduated this year with her M.S. in nutrition with dietetic internship. She also earned her B.S. in nutrition: dietetics with a dual major in ecogastronomy at UNH in 2022. Alanna shared her experience at UNH and wh...
UNH graduate student Aizhe Qian UNH is earning her master's degree from UNH's nutrition and dietetics master's program with dietetic internship talks about how the program is preparing her for a professional career in nutrition.
Explore Program Details
Program Costs and Financial Aid
Program Costs and Financial Aid
Estimated Expenses
The estimated cost for tuition and fees for the full four semester program is $35,887 for in-state students, and $38,778 for out-of-state students. Students requiring health insurance will pay an additional $4,560 for coverage during the 21-month span of the program.
Additionally, students receive a stipend of just over $10,000 during their first year of their education and engagement experience.
| Estimated 4-Semester Program Costs | In-State | Out-of-State |
|---|---|---|
| Tuition and Fees | $35,887 | $38,778 |
| Health Insurance | Varies | Varies |
| Textbooks | ~$305 | ~$305 |
| Background Checks and Drug Screens | Typically covered by program | Typically covered by program |
| Vaccinations and Titers | Varies | Varies |
| Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics Student Membership | $116 ($58/year) | $116 ($58/year) |
| CPR Certification | Typically covered by UNH | Typically covered by UNH |
| Professional Liability Insurance | Covered by UNH | Covered by UNH |
| Transportation (required for second year practicum rotations) | Varies | Varies |
| UNH Parking Permit | $300 ($150/year) | $300 ($150/year) |
| Rent and Living Expenses | Varies | Varies |
Financial Aid
For more information on the status of financial aid eligibility, please contact the Financial Aid Office for additional information (862-3600) or visit the graduate school website.
UNH Office of the Registrar can provide documentation of full-time status if needed.
Open Houses
Open Houses
The Master of Science in Nutrition and Dietetics program encourages all interested candidates to schedule a meeting with our Dietetics Program, Michela Lessard, to learn more about the program and answer your questions. Please contact Michela via Michela.Lessard@unh.edu to schedule your meeting.
We also accommodate in-person and virtual meetings with current students and/or the MSND Director.
We look forward to meeting you!
FAQ
FAQ
What supervised experiential learning practicum sites does UNH offer, and how are placements decided?
Food Service Management (~ 6 weeks): All students are assigned to the award-winning UNH Dining Services Team for their food service rotation.
Community (~ 8 weeks): Students will be placed at two community sites to ensure they experience a variety of community work within the program. The MSND team has strong relationships with many community organizations including The NH Food Bank, Cooperative Extension, outpatient practices specializing in areas such as diabetes and eating disorders, UNH Athletics, Special Olympics, education in local schools, and many more.
Clinical (~ 13 weeks): Students spend a semester working with dietitians at an area hospital such as Concord Medical Center, Maine Medical Center, Wentworth-Douglass Hospital (an MGH Affiliate Hospital), Exeter Regional Hospital, Portsmouth Regional Hospital, Dartmouth Hitchcock Medical Center, and Lawrence General Hospital. We currently place students at two level 1 trauma centers and all students are guaranteed most of their clinical rotation be in 100+ bed hospitals. There are opportunities for areas of interest such as NICU, CCU, and Oncology at one or more of our hospital sites.
Elective (2 weeks): Interns have the opportunity to expand upon an interest area with an elective rotation prior to graduation. Prior placement sites include Fresenius Dialysis clinics, Bariatric clinics, Sports nutrition, local nursing homes, and WIC.
The MSND team considers several factors when deciding what sites to match interns with, including:
Availability of sites and preceptors
Student's interest areas and professional aspirations
Student's academics performance and past work/volunteer experience
What does the MSND program look for when selecting students?
We use a weighted average method to help guide the review of each applicant with the following criteria:
1. Activities & Experience: 40% (including work/volunteer experience - with an emphasis on dietetics related, honors/awards, leadership roles, extracurricular activities etc.)
2. GPA: 30%
3. Letters of Recommendation: 20%
4. Personal Statement: 10%
I am a graduate of the UNH Dietetic Internship and I need a verification statement. How do I go about obtaining one?
Please send your request for verification statements to amy.taetzsch@unh.edu. Please include any forms that were given to you. We will need the year you graduated from the internship, your date of birth, middle initial, and your maiden name (if applicable) per the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics. (If you would rather not send this information via email, you may call us). Requests for verification statements may take up to 5 business days. If your verification statement is for licensure in New Hampshire, it is important to note that the Licensure Board meets quarterly, so even though the request has been submitted in a timely fashion, you may not receive a New Hampshire License right away.
Does UNH provide any guidance on housing?
Housing resources for graduate students can be found: https://www.unh.edu/housing/housing-options/graduate-housing
Current Students
Current Students
Alumni
Alumni
Phoebe Baker (MSND Class of 2025 Alumni)
I graduated from the University of New Hampshire in 2022 with my Bachelor of Science in nutrition and dietetics and am currently pursuing my Master of Science in Nutrition & Dietetics with internship (MSDI). I have always been interested in the human body and how it processes our food for fuel, and this interest is what led me into the field of nutrition. My goal is to become a clinical dietitian working with patients in a hospital setting. I look forward to the clinical portion of the internship and applying the knowledge I have gained while an undergrad. Outside of the classroom, I enjoy being outdoors whether swimming, biking, hiking, or reading in a hammock. I also enjoy traveling and experiencing new foods and cultures.
Elizabeth Barton (MSND Class of 2025 Alumni)
I earned my Bachelor of Science in dietetics, nutrition, and food science from the University of Vermont and am now working to earn my Master of Science in nutrition and complete a dietetic internship at UNH. I have wanted to go into the field of nutrition and dietetics since high school. As I have discovered more niche areas of the field, I have been extremely drawn to clinical pediatrics and NICU care and I hope to eventually work in this area after becoming a registered dietitian. I feel that it is an especially vulnerable time not only for patients but for their families and I would love to work as part of a care team to help support these people during such a difficult experience. In my spare time I love cooking, being outdoors and spending time with friends and family.
Abigail Brown (MSND Class of 2025 Alumni)
I am a recent graduate of Seattle Pacific University in Seattle, Washington where I earned a Bachelor of Science in dietetics and a Bachelor of Arts in honors liberal arts with a minor in sociology. I am currently completing a master's degree at UNH in the nutrition and dietetics program. Before starting my graduate studies, I gained experience working as a nutrition consultant for a disaster preparedness volunteer organization and at a senior living facility. At Seattle Pacific, I had the opportunity to fill leadership positions as a resident advisor and as a planner for the campus's annual Body Appreciation Week, which gave me a deeper appreciation of what it means to value whole-body wellness and share that value with young adults in transitional experiences.
Though I am open to many areas of nutrition, my current area of professional interest is in nutrition counseling, potentially related to disordered eating and body neutrality. Ultimately, I hope to become a registered dietitian and work in a capacity that allows me to help people develop healthy relationships with their bodies and with the food they eat by emphasizing whole-body wellness. Aside from my professional interests, I enjoy propagating and growing house plants and making or appreciating art. As someone who grew up in the Pacific Northwest, I have a deep love for nature and enjoy going on nature walks or learning about native vegetation.
Cassandra Dolan (MSND Class of 2025 Alumni)
I recently graduated from Queens College in Queens, New York with a bachelor’s degree in nutrition and dietetics. I am currently enrolled in the MSDI program here at UNH to earn my master’s degree in preventative disease nutrition, while acquiring expertise in different aspects of dietetics through the internship portion of my program. I have been lucky enough to gain food service and patient care experience while working as a dietetic technician at St. Francis Hospital and Heart Center in Roslyn, New York. I was responsible for educating patients on their nutrition care plans and delivering their meals in a timely manner. This experience helped to establish my passion for dietetics and understand my professional goals.
After graduating from UNH, I hope to become a registered dietitian and continue my work as a professional within community settings to better the food system experience. I believe that the sustainability and quality of our food matters and should be thought of in all food service settings. Outside of my professional career, I enjoy being with my friends and family, spending time outdoors, practicing yoga and getting creative in the kitchen.
Anthony Kyriakides (MSND Class of 2025 Alumni)
I recently graduated from Johnson & Wales University with a Bachelor of Science in dietetics and applied nutrition. I am now a graduate student in the MSDI program at UNH. Prior to attending grad school, I worked in several resorts and spas in pursuit of culinary nutrition opportunities. I never thought the kitchen would become an atmosphere I am so fond of, but now I cannot resist it. I always felt that it is important to be able to "talk the talk" in terms of nutrition, but I should also be able to "walk the walk" in the kitchen. This sets up my current goal to become a chef and registered dietitian and teach culinary nutrition. Cooking is a large part of my life, along with working out, spending time with friends and family and especially Star Wars.
Alanna O'Keefe (MSND Class of 2025 Alumni)
I received my Bachelor of Science in nutrition & dietetics and ecogastronomy from the University of New Hampshire in December 2022. I’ve returned to pursue a master’s degree in nutrition and dietetics. My interest in health and wellbeing drove me to study nutrition during my undergraduate years, during which I developed an appreciation for the interconnectivity between our health and our environment. I have clinical experience working as a nutrition assistant at a Dartmouth-affiliated critical access hospital, which gave me the opportunity to work in a patient-facing role. This experience, alongside my current role as a teaching assistant, solidified my interest in delivering nutrition education. I’m passionate about studying sustainability and love exploring how local food production can craft a sense of community as well as regional resiliency within our food system. I aspire to become a clinical dietitian, yet someday I hope to marry my passions for healthcare and sustainability in an educational role.
Aizhe Qian (MSND Class of 2025 Alumni)
I recently graduated from The Pennsylvania State University with a bachelor's degree in nutrition and a minor in psychology and I'm currently in the Master of Science in nutrition and dietetics program at UNH with the aspiration of becoming a registered dietitian upon completion of my studies. I look forward to using my knowledge and skills in the field of nutrition to raise nutrition awareness, provide evidence-based nutrition support and services and build a healthier food environment to make a positive impact on people's lives.
Claire Reilly (MSND Class of 2025 Alumni)
I recently graduated from Auburn University with a Bachelor of Science in nutrition and dietetics. During undergrad, I explored topics like food insecurity through assisting in research, volunteering at the campus food pantry and repurposing food for my local community. I was drawn to the University of New Hampshire's master's in nutrition and dietetics with internship program due to its unique focus on sustainable food systems, the strong sense of community among the department and the beauty of the New Hampshire seacoast.
My goal is to combine my love for nutrition, food, cooking and the environment to provide hands-on nutrition education to children. I would like to create a nutritional program where children learn to appreciate where our food comes from and what it does for our health, while also learning functional cooking skills to set them up for future success. Outside of nutrition, I love spending time with family, being outdoors and trying new restaurants.
Kelley Shanahan (MSND Class of 2025 Alumni)
I graduated from Keene State College in 2023 with a Bachelor of Science in public health/nutrition as well as sustainability. I am currently a graduate student in the nutrition and dietetics master’s program here at the University of New Hampshire. During my undergraduate studies, I found my passion for sustainable agriculture and food insecurity and how they are both relate to community nutrition. One of my favorite professional experiences was when I worked with Keene Housing. There, I established a youth gardening program in a low-income neighborhood that taught residents how to grow and cook their own food. Additionally, I was a research assistant for Keene State College, studying food insecurity among college-aged students. One of my professional goals is to become a registered dietitian nutritionist. Even though I am currently more drawn to community nutrition, I am open to any of the areas of the dietetic profession. Outside of this program, I enjoy hiking, farming and cooking.
Emily Butkus (MSDI Class of 2024 Alumni)
I graduated from Keene State College in 2023 with a Bachelor of Science in public health/nutrition as well as sustainability. I am currently a graduate student in the nutrition and dietetics master’s program here at the University of New Hampshire. During my undergraduate studies, I found my passion for sustainable agriculture and food insecurity and how they are both relate to community nutrition. One of my favorite professional experiences was when I worked with Keene Housing. There, I established a youth gardening program in a low-income neighborhood that taught residents how to grow and cook their own food. Additionally, I was a research assistant for Keene State College, studying food insecurity among college-aged students. One of my professional goals is to become a registered dietitian nutritionist. Even though I am currently more drawn to community nutrition, I am open to any of the areas of the dietetic profession. Outside of this program, I enjoy hiking, farming and cooking.
Elise Evans (MSDI Class of 2024 Alumni)
I graduated from the University of Massachusetts Amherst in 2022 with a Bachelor of Science in nutrition within the didactic program in dietetics and a minor in psychology. I am currently completing a master’s in nutritional science and a dietetic internship here at UNH. I’ve known I wanted to go into the field of nutrition since I was in high school but after my experience volunteering with The National Eating Disorder Association and my nutrition counseling class while I was an undergraduate, I knew I was in the right place. After achieving my career goal of becoming a registered dietitian, I would love to work within the field of eating disorder treatment or more generally working with children. In my spare time I love getting outdoors and spending time in nature or learning how to cook a new recipe.
Lillian Huynh (MSDI Class of 2024 Alumni)
I graduated from the University of California, Davis with a B.S. in clinical nutrition. Now I am on the East Coast as a graduate student at UNH pursuing a master of nutritional science and dietetic internship. There is never a day when I do not talk about food, so nutrition has always been a passion for me. Since then, I gained bits and pieces of experience in the clinical, food service and community settings. My current goal is to become a registered dietitian and work in a clinical setting. The most rewarding part about clinical is seeing patients leaving healthier than when they came in. In my free time, I enjoy hanging out with my friends and family, as well as trying new food places.
Abby Moser (MSDI Class of 2024 Alumni)
I graduated from Ashland University in Ashland, Ohio in the spring of 2022 with a Bachelor of Science in dietetics. I decided to come to the University of New Hampshire because of their unique focus on sustainability and health. So far in this program, I have enjoyed furthering my education in sustainability, volunteering for Gather in the Food Repurposing Project kitchen and working as a teaching assistant. After I earn my master’s degree in nutrition and completing my dietetic internship, I would like to become a registered dietitian and get a job in either cardio nutrition or pregnancy nutrition. In my free time I enjoy running, trying new coffee shops and restaurants and spending time with friends and family.
Kendra Perry (MSDI Class of 2024 Alumni)
I grew up in the beautiful mountains of Western North Carolina where I earned my undergraduate degree in nutrition and dietetics from Western Carolina University. Since I was young, I always knew that I wanted to help others lead a more healthy and happy life, but I wasn’t sure what that would look like. It took me until my senior year of high school to find the field of dietetics, but I now feel that this is where I belong. I am currently in my first year of the master of nutritional sciences and dietetic internship here at the University of New Hampshire. The program’s focus on sustainability and creating innovative and open-minded professionals in the field of dietetics is what drew me to UNH. In the future, I plan to continue to travel to different areas and eventually take my knowledge and expertise back to my home state of North Carolina. I do not have a specific career path yet, but I have a passion for public outreach education programs, equal food access and infant/maternal health. As a future registered dietitian, I will strive to share my knowledge of the importance of taking care of our bodies from the inside out. I plan to take a holistic approach by appreciating all parts of overall wellness, including mental, physical and emotional health.
Maya Stadler (MSDI Class of 2024 Alumni)
I am a recent graduate of Keene State College where I received a Bachelor of Science in public health nutrition through an accelerated undergraduate program. I am currently completing a master's of nutritional science and dietetic internship at UNH. Before starting my internship, I worked as a nutrition assistant at Cheshire Medical Center assisting patients with meal selection based on specialized diets. Additionally, I held a leadership position in the on-campus food pantry at Keene State College, with a mission to eliminate food insecurity in college students. I had the opportunity to shadow a pediatric dietitian at the Children’s Hospital at Dartmouth, where I discovered my interest in pediatric nutrition, as well as pre-natal and post-natal nutrition. Though I am open to many areas of the nutrition field, my professional goal is to become a registered dietitian nutritionist and see where my experiences at UNH take me. Ultimately, I hope to become a certified diabetes educator. Outside of my internship, I enjoy listening to music and spending time outdoors with my family, friends and my two dogs!
Kelli Street (MSDI Class of 2024 Alumni)
I earned a Bachelor of Science in nutrition: dietetics from the University of New Hampshire and am continuing here in the master of nutritional sciences with dietetic internship program. One of the reasons I chose this program is because it has a focus on sustainability. Not only am I interested in nutrition, but I am also in how to eat more sustainably. My goal after graduation is to become a registered dietitian in the clinical setting but my end goal is to have my own private practice. In my internship, I hope to explore the areas of eating disorders, pediatrics and diabetes. There are so many opportunities as a dietitian, so it is hard to pick one area of focus! I want to help people create healthy relationships with food, so they can eat what they love while feeling their best selves.
Amy Urban (MSDI Class of 2024 Alumni)
I graduated from Kent State University in Kent, Ohio, and earned a Bachelor of Science in nutrition and dietetics. I am currently in the master of nutrition sciences with dietetic internship here at UNH. I was drawn to this program because of its focus on sustainability as well as the unique opportunities offered to us interns. My main goal is to become a registered dietitian. I have many different interests within the field including diabetes education, community outreach and aquaculture sustainability. One day, I would like to start a diabetes education program for low-income people. I would also like to open my own private practice for nutrition counseling. I am very passionate about the happiness and health that we get from food, and I am excited to share that passion.
Lucy Ward (MSDI Class of 2024 Alumni)
I graduated from SUNY Plattsburgh with a Bachelor of Science in nutrition on the dietetics track and a minor in chemistry. Before coming to UNH, I spent a few years working at a philanthropic community foundation in the Adirondacks of upstate New York. I worked with their Birth to Three Alliance on grant-funded projects, with the vision to support families with children by ensuring access to services and resources essential for development and distributing of new parent kits. I’m also on the Community Council at the Adirondack Foundation, providing insight on community issues and perspective to the board and staff. After completing the MSDI program, I hope to return to community advocacy, programming and policy as a registered dietician focused on improving food access through sustainable food systems. I'm torn between living in the mountains or near the beach and enjoy reading, swimming, thrift shopping, and cooking.
Our Mission, Vision, and Goals
Our Mission, Vision, and Goals
Our Mission
The mission of the UNH Master of Science in Nutrition and Dietetics (MSND) Program is to cultivate effective entry-level Registered Dietitians Nutritionists (RDN) by providing high impact didactic and practicum experiences in the field of nutrition.
Our Vision
We envision that our MSND graduates become dynamic, inclusive, and transformative RDNs that advocate for healthier food and nutrition policies and practices that promote overall wellness.
Our Goals
Goal 1: Prepare well rounded dietitians for entry-level positions in the field of nutrition and dietetics.
Objective 1.1: At least 80% of program interns complete program/degree requirements within 32 months (150% of the program length).
Objective 1.2: 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%.
Objective 1.3: Seventy-five percent of program graduates take the CDR credentialing exam for dietitian nutritionists within 12 months of program completion.
Objective 1.4: Of graduates who seek employment, 70% are employed in nutrition and dietetics or related fields within 12 months of graduation.
Objective 1.5a: At least 80% of employed program graduates will rate themselves as prepared or well prepared by the internship to begin their career as a RDN.
Objective 1.5b: At least 80% of employers will indicate that UNH MSND graduates are prepared or well prepared for entry-level practice.
Goal 2: Prepare graduates to critically examine and evaluate research as it relates to the practice of dietetics and be able to translate those findings into evidenced-based education.
- Objective 1: 100% of students will evaluate current literature to inform the process of developing and answering an original research question that will be presented at a conference.
- Objective 2: At least 80% of graduates will report using evidenced based resources to inform their nutrition education.
Program outcomes data are available on request.
Food Repurposing Project
Food Repurposing Project
Food Repurposing Project
Students in the Master of Science in Nutrition and Dietetics volunteer in the Food Repurposing Project as part of their program requirements. This is an initiative to get wholesome, edible food that would otherwise end up in a landfill into the hands of local individuals and families with limited food access. It is a collaboration with the Department of Agriculture, Nutrition, and Food Systems, UNH Hospitality Services, and Gather, a non-profit food pantry and food distribution network based in Portsmouth, New Hampshire.
Read more about the Food Repurposing Project in the Fall 2021 issue of THRIVE.
International Students
International Students
Our Nutrition program welcomes students from all over the world. The Durham campus offers access to world-class faculty, research, and opportunity. An R1, top-tier research institution located in one of the safest college towns in the U.S., UNH is home to approximately 15,000 students from around the US and over 80 countries.
As a STEM-designated degree, international students will graduate from the M.S. in nutrition and dietetics program and be able to apply for a 24-month OPT STEM Extension to the 12-month Optional Practical Training Program (OPT) period, allowing you to work in the United States for up to 36 months after graduation with no additional visa requirement.