Admission Requirements - MSN/DPD
To be competitive for admissions into the MSN/DPD option the following GPAs are strongly recommended:
- 3.25 in prerequisite coursework (classes listed as specific prerequisites)
- 3.25 cumulative in science coursework
- 3.25 in nutrition coursework
- 3.0 cumulative undergraduate coursework
Prerequisite Coursework
| Human Physiology (upper level)A full series of anatomy and physiology will meet this requirement. | 5 quarter credits |
| Chemistry (science-major level with lab)The chemistry courses must include at least one course in organic chemistry. | 3 courses |
| Nutrition | 5 quarter credits or 3 semester credits |
| BiochemistryThe biochemistry course must be upper-level and must cover intermediary metabolism. | 1 course |
| Intro to Psychology | 1 course |
| College Algebra | 1 course |
| Microbiology | 3 quarter credits |
All applications are reviewed on an individual basis and decisions regarding admissibility will be made by the Admissions Committee. Please contact the admissions office for more information.
Want to take these prerequisite courses with us? Find out more about our Post-Baccalaureate Program.
Want to know which classes fulfill these prerequisites? Check these lists: Course equivalency guides
Curriculum - MSN/DPD
The MSN/DPD curriculum integrates the student's knowledge and skills related to the physical, behavioral, cultural, ecological, legislative, community and clinical aspects of human nutrition. The course work focuses on four main areas: nutrition, foods, basic sciences and counseling skills. Basic and advanced nutrition classes build the didactic knowledge of the community and clinical nutrition. Core food courses build competencies in knowledge of whole foods and food composition, handling, preparation and distribution. Clinical practicum develops experiences, attitudes and values important to the competent dietetic intern.
The curriculum table that follows lists the tentative schedule of courses each quarter. Next to each course is the number of credits per course (Crdt.), the lecture hours each week (Lec.) and the lab/clinic hours each week (L/C).
Year I
| Quarter | Cat. No. | Course Title Course descriptions are available in the Course Catalog. | Credits | Lec. | L/C |
| Fall | BC5118 | Disease Processes 1 | 3 | 3 | 0 |
| PS5301 | Fundamentals of Counseling: Basic Skills | 3 | 3 | 0 | |
| TR5120 | Advanced Nutrition: Macronutrients | 5 | 5 | 0 | |
| TR5136 | Nutrition in the Life Cycle (hybrid online course) | 3 | 3 | 0 | |
| Quarterly Total: | 14 | 14 | 0 | ||
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| Winter | BC5132 | Disease Processes 2 | 2 | 2 | 0 |
| TR5124 | Advanced Nutrition: Micronutrients | 5 | 5 | 0 | |
| TR5207 | Nutritional Counseling | 2 | 2 | 0 | |
| TR5320 | Nutrition Assessment & Therapy 1 | 5 | 4 | 2 | |
| Quarterly Total: | 14 | 13 | 2 | ||
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| Spring | TR5101 | Whole Foods Production | 3 | 1.5 | 3 |
| TR5140 | Advanced Nutrition: Bioactive Compounds in Foods | 3 | 3 | 0 | |
| TR5321 | Nutrition Assessment & Therapy 2 | 5 | 4 | 2 | |
| TR5803 | Nutrition Clinic Entry | 1 | 0 | 2 | |
| Quarterly Total: | 12 | 8.5 | 7 | ||
Year II
| Quarter | Cat. No. | Course Title Course descriptions are available in the Course Catalog. | Credits | Lec. | L/C |
| Fall | RD6105 | Intro to Dietetics | 1 | 0 | 2 |
| RD6131 | Food Service Management 1 | 2 | 2 | 0 | |
| TR5100 | Biostatistics | 4 | 4 | 0 | |
| TR5115 | Food Science | 5 | 4 | 2 | |
| TR6111 | Contemporary Nutrition: Global and Ecological Issues | 2 | 2 | 0 | |
| Quarterly Total: | 14 | 12 | 4 | ||
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| Winter | RD6135 | Food Service Management 2 | 2 | 2 | 0 |
| TR5104 | Research Methods in Health Sciences | 3 | 2 | 2 | |
| TR6100 | Nutritional Supplementation | 4 | 4 | 0 | |
| TR6122 | Contemporary Nutrition: Community & Culture |
3 | 3 | 0 | |
| TR6811 | Clinic Nutrition Practicum 1Clinic Nutrition Practicum 1, and subsequently Clinic Nutrition Practicum 2, will be assigned after prerequisites are completed any time after spring of year 1. Each practicum is a total of 44 hours during each quarter. In addition, a total of 8 hours are required during the interim period. See the Student Clinical Handbook for details. | 2 | 0 | 4 | |
| Quarterly Total: | 14 | 11 | 6 | ||
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| Spring | RD6140 | Food Service Management 3 | 2 | 2 | 0 |
| RD6403 | Medical Nutrition Therapy | 3 | 3 | 0 | |
| TR6133 | Contemporary Nutrition: Public Health | 3 | 3 | 0 | |
| TR6812 | Clinic Nutrition Practicum 2Clinic Nutrition Practicum 1, and subsequently Clinic Nutrition Practicum 2, will be assigned after prerequisites are completed any time after spring of year 1. Each practicum is a total of 44 hours during each quarter. In addition, a total of 8 hours are required during the interim period. See the Student Clinical Handbook for details. | 2 | 0 | 4 | |
| DPD Exit Exam | 0 | 0 | 0 | ||
| Quarterly Total: | 10 | 8 | 4 | ||
Total Requirements |
Credits | Lec. | L/C |
| Total Core Course Credits and Hours | 74 | 66.5 | 15 |
| Clinic Totals | 4 | 0 | 8 |
| Total Requirements: | 78 | 66.5 | 23 |
Expected Learning Outcomes
The Department of Nutrition and Exercise Science has established the following expected learning outcomes for all Master of Science in Nutrition programs:
- Biological/Medical Sciences
- Quantitative Reasoning/Critical Thinking/Research
- Nutrition
- Whole Foods and Natural Medicine
- Communication
- Physical Activity
- Promotion of the University's and the Department's mission and vision
Expected learning outcomes specific to MSN-Didactic Program in Dietetics are:
- Effectively utilize the nutrition care process in nutrition assessment, counseling and medical nutrition therapy
- Provide culturally appropriate group and individualized nutritional intervention strategies
- Demonstrate how to locate, interpret, evaluate and use professional literature and databases to make ethical evidence-based practice decisions
- Apply management and business theories to the delivery of community nutrition programs and food management services
- Explain the impact of health related public policy and health care delivery systems to the delivery of food and nutrition services
- Continuously develop professional competence according to the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics code of ethics and scope of practice as reflected in the classroom, by supervisor feedback and through self-assessment
- Display ethical behaviors in all aspects of nutrition counseling and interdisciplinary collaboration of care
Curriculum and course changes in the 2011-2012 Bastyr University Catalog are applicable to students entering during the 2011-2012 academic year. Please refer to the appropriate catalog if interested in curriculum and courses required for any other entering year.
Clinical Training - MSN/DPD
Time spent in a classroom and studying for tests is just one component of a nutrition education. As a student pursuing the Master of Science in Nutrition with Didactic Program in Dietetics (MSN/DPD), you also will have the opportunity to put the scientific theories and counseling skills learned in the classroom into practice with supervised clinical training at Bastyr Center for Natural Health.
This real-world experience prepares you to become a registered dietitian, with guidance through this process by experienced whole-food dietitians from Bastyr's faculty.
Diverse Patient Population
With an average of 35,000 patient visits annually, Bastyr Center offers a valuable opportunity for you to interact with a variety of clients, ranging in age from children to seniors. Through this clinical experience, you'll learn to recognize health conditions and assist and support clients in dealing with their concerns, including:
- Chronic illnesses such as diabetes and heart disease
- Weight-related dietary changes
- Digestive disorders
- Food allergies and sensitivities
- Disordered eating
- Immune dysfunction
This clinical training at Bastyr Center, combined with the external work experience required of MSN/DPD students, gives you a competitive edge that results in a higher dietetic internship placement rate compared with other schools across the nation.
Patient Contacts/Training Hours
- To graduate, you must complete 96 hours of clinical training at Bastyr Center.
- In addition to clinical training, you also must complete a total of 300 hours of paid work and/or volunteer experience in clinical nutrition, food service management and community nutrition.
Insurance
Bastyr University malpractice insurance is in effect for MSN/DPD students (at no cost to students) during the course of their program.
Registered Dietitian Requirements
In addition to successful completion of a DPD, to become a registered dietitian (RD) a student must accomplish the following:
- Obtain a minimum of a baccalaureate degree from an Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics (ACEND) accredited program and U.S. regionally accredited college or university.
- Complete a ACEND-accredited supervised experience in dietetic practice (DI).
- Successfully pass the registration examination for dietitians.
For more information regarding careers in the field of dietetics, visit www.eatright.org and click on "Courses and Students."
Tuition for Master's & Doctoral Degrees
Average first-year tuition and fee costs for a typical credit load in the 2012/2013 academic year.The "first year" is considered fall, winter and spring quarters.
Degree Program |
Average Credits1st year |
Tuition & FeesFees include a $375 new student matriculation fee and $25 quarterly student activity fee. See the University Catalog for a full schedule of fees. |
Books & Supplies |
TotalThe budget used to determine financial-aid eligibility allows for an additional $21,600 for a 9-month period of living expenses for graduate students. |
| Doctor of Naturopathic Medicine | 78 | $30,510 | $3,725 | $34,235 |
| Master of Science in Acupuncture & Oriental MedicineThis line also for Master of Science in Acupuncture | 66 | $26,922 | $3,300 | $30,222 |
| Combined BS/MS in Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine | 66 | $26,922 | $3,300 | $30,222 |
| Master of Science in Ayurvedic Sciences | 37 | $19,897 | $1,100 | $20,987 |
| Master of Science in NutritionAverage first-year credit loads for nutrition master programs vary: Didactic Program in Dietetics (40 credits), Research (44), Nutrition and Clinical Health Psychology (47). | 44 | $21,990 | $2,200 | $24,190 |
| Master of Science in Midwifery | 42.5 | $21,365 | $2,125 | $23,490 |
| Combined BS/MS in Midwifery | 42.5 | $21,365 | $2,125 | $23,490 |
| Master of Arts in Counseling Psychology | 36 | $21,540 | $1,800 | $23,340 |
Quick Facts - MSN/DPD
Degree
Master of Science in Nutrition with Didactic Program in Dietetics (MSN/DPD)
General Requirements
- Bachelor's degree
- Cumulative 3.0 GPA minimum in undergraduate coursework and science classes
- 3.25 GPA in the prerequisite classes
- Recommend some volunteer experience relevant to nutrition
Length of Program
2 years, full time
Tuition and Fees
First year: $21,990
Career Opportunities
This degree program prepares a student to be eligible to apply for dietetic internships. The successful completion of a dietetic internship, in turn, supports eligibility to sit for the registration examination for dietitians. The Registered Dietitian (R.D.) credential offers a scope of practice in medical nutrition therapy in hospitals, clinics, private practice and public health organizations. Registered dietitians with a master’s degree may also work in corporate wellness, food service management, food and nutrition consulting and writing, and community health. Additionally, a graduate degree supports academic careers in universities, administrative positions in government and public health organizations, and research positions in clinical and other types of research laboratories.
Program Summary - MSN/DPD
The master's didactic program in dietetics (MSN/DPD) is designed to fulfill the academic and competency requirements for registered dietitian eligibility. The Bastyr MSN/DPD allows students to complete a didactic program while pursuing a Master of Science in Nutrition.
The program requirements are over and above the degree requirements outlined by the University. Verified graduation from the DPD program provides students with the technical and academic knowledge to compete for a dietetic internship (DI), the second step to becoming a RD with the third step being the successful pass on the RD Exam.
The mission of the program is to graduate students that will be agents of change in bringing the perspective of whole foods, environmental awareness of food choices and complementary medicine into their dietetic related practices.
Program Goals and Outcome Measures
The primary goal of the Bastyr University MSN/DPD program is to prepare graduates to become successful dietetic interns. The outcome measures of this goal are as follows:
- At least 95 percent of students entering the program will successfully complete the DPD program graduation requirements within 3 years, including completion of degree with a GPA of 3.0 or higher, a score of 70 percent or higher on the DPD exit exam, and verified completion of 300 nutrition-related volunteer/paid hours.
- At least 90 percent of MSN students completing the DPD program will apply for a dietetic internship within 2 years of graduation.
- At least 90 percent of graduates who seek an internship will obtain one within 2 years of graduation.
- Respondents from internship director surveys conducted every year will reflect that MSN/DPD graduates are at least satisfactorily prepared in at least 90 percent of their professional competencies.
- Five-year summary reports will consistently reflect that at least 95 percent of all first-time exam-takers will have passed the Registration Examination for dietitians.
The second goal of the master's didactic program in dietetics is that the Bastyr University DPD program will prepare qualified graduates who will practice in specialty or advanced areas incorporating their expertise in whole foods, environmental nutrition, and integrative medicine. The outcome measures of this goal are as follows:
- At least 70 percent of respondents from MSN/DPD alumni surveys conducted every three years will rate their preparation in the areas of environmental awareness, whole food knowledge and integrative medicine practices as '3' or higher on a scale of 1-5.
- At least 70 percent of internship director respondents from the "dietetic internship director survey," conducted annually, will rate DPD graduates as '4' or higher on a scale of 1-5 in competencies related to whole foods, environmental awareness, and integrative medicine.
- At least 50 percent of respondents from MSN/DPD alumni surveys conducted every three years will report incorporating whole food nutrition, environmental awareness and integrative medicine into their dietetic practice and/or dietetic internships.
Expected Competencies
Verified graduation from the MSN/DPD enables a student to apply for dietetic internships (DI). Although the Department of Nutrition and Exercise Science will assist all graduates in supervised practice placement, completion of the DPD does not guarantee acceptance into a dietetic internship.
Graduates are able to critically evaluate the scientific literature and incorporate current research and innovative advances in nutrition into the fundamentals of nutritional science and dietary planning. Graduates are also able to support the ecological well-being of the planet through promotion of improved eating habits.
Successful completion of the Bastyr MSN/DPD requires maintenance of a 3.00 GPA on a 4.0 scale, completion of 300 hours of volunteer/work experience* and achievement of a passing score on the exit examination.
* For more information, contact the admissions office.
Graduation Requirements
MSN/DPD students must complete a minimum of 78 credits. All MSN/DPD students must have a minimum 3.00 grade point average with a minimum of 52 credits in residence. In addition, 300 hours of paid work and/or volunteer experience in clinical nutrition, food service management and community nutrition are required to graduate. Finally, students must pass the DPD exit exam (minimum score of 70 percent) administered during the final quarter of their program. MSN/DPD students must complete their degree within five years following matriculation into the program. A student will not receive his/her verification statement until all requirements for the MSN/DPD are met.
Accreditation Status
The MSN/DPD at Bastyr University is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics (ACEND), the accrediting agency for the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics (AND), 120 South Riverside Plaza, Suite 2000, Chicago, IL 60606-6995, (312) 899-5400. Bastyr University is accredited by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities.