Curriculum Overview
The Master of Science in Dietetics Program requires a minimum of 36 graduate semester credit hours for completion. The curriculum is designed to be completed in four semesters, or approximately 15 months.
This coursework represents a minimum of 1,000 hours of practicum coursework in clinical, administrative and community supervised practice experiences.
While in the program, a minimum of 40 hours per week is spent in practicum and didactic coursework. Additional time is required to complete assignments and projects.
During the Master of Science in Dietetics Program, the development of competencies in general dietetics is emphasized including clinical dietetics, food service administration, and community nutrition. Supervised practice through the establishment of a working relationship with registered dietitians is emphasized. Seminars, lectures, and classes complement the student’s practical experiences.
Degree Plan
The following sample degree plan demonstrates a program that meets the credit minimum.
Year One Summer
| Course ID | Course Title | Semester Credit Hours |
|---|---|---|
| DIET 51132 | Nutrition Research and Statistical Methods | 2 |
| DIET 51142 | Macronutrients | 2 |
| DIET 51152 | Nutrition Education and Counseling | 2 |
| Total | 6 |
Year One Fall
| Course ID | Course Title | Semester Credit Hours |
|---|---|---|
| DIET 51232 | Nutrition Capstone Project | 1 |
| DIET 51234 | Advanced Clinical Dietetics | 4 |
| DIET 51336 | Practicum in Administrative Dietetics | 6 |
| Total | 11 |
Year One Spring
| Course ID | Course Title | Semester Credit Hours |
|---|---|---|
| DIET 51232 | Nutrition Capstone Project | 1 |
| DIET 51236 | Practicum in Clinical Dietetics | 6 |
| DIET 51332 | Micronutrients | 3 |
| DIET 51341 | Professional Development I | 1 |
| DIET 53342 | Sports Nutrition | 2 |
| Total | 13 |
Year Two Summer
| Course ID | Course Title | Semester Credit Hours |
|---|---|---|
| DIET 52432 | Principles of Nutrition Support | 2 |
| DIET 52433 | Pediatric Nutrition | 3 |
| DIET 52441 | Professional Development II | 1 |
| Total | 6 |
Curriculum Summary
| Semester | Semester Credit Hours |
|---|---|
| Year One Summer | 6 |
| Year One Fall | 11 |
| Year One Spring | 13 |
| Year Two Summer | 6 |
| Total | 36 |
Course Completion Requirements
A letter grade of B or better in each course is required for the student to progress in the program.
Interprofessional Education
All students in the UAMS College of Health Professions must complete all Interprofessional Education activities.
Program Completion Requirements
Students must meet the following requirements to complete the Master of Science in Dietetics Program.
- Pass all required courses in the program with a minimum GPA of 3.0.
- Demonstrate all competencies and complete all assignments for the supervised practice rotations within the practicum courses.
- Score at least 80% on all rotation examinations.
- Complete the procedures for processing out of the UAMS Health system once the supervised practice experiences within the practicum course are complete.
- Successfully complete two weeks of clinical staffing in the spring semester that includes a passing evaluation from the preceptor and completion of the case study assignment following the criteria outlined by the faculty.
- Participate in the departmental and campus-wide graduation ceremonies.
Textbooks
The list of required textbooks is published on the UAMS Bookstore website in compliance with Arkansas Code Annotated section 6-60-601.