Kent State University

What you'll study

This master’s combines advanced coursework in clinical nutrition with supervised practice experiences and a research or capstone project. Core topics typically include medical nutrition therapy for acute and chronic conditions, nutrition assessment and diagnostics, enteral and parenteral nutrition, metabolic and disease-specific nutrition care, nutrition counselling and behaviour change, and public health nutrition. Coursework also covers research methods and biostatistics, nutrition across the lifespan, foodservice systems and quality management, professional ethics and health policy.

• Clinical modules: Advanced Medical Nutrition Therapy, Nutrition Support (enteral/parenteral), Critical Care Nutrition, Chronic Disease Management.
• Assessment and counselling: Nutrition Assessment and Laboratory Interpretation, Motivational Interviewing and Counselling Techniques, Cultural Competence in Nutrition Care.
• Systems and management: Foodservice Systems Management, Quality Improvement, Leadership in Healthcare.
• Research and scholarship: Research Design and Methods, Applied Nutrition Research or capstone project focused on practice-based outcomes.
• Supervised practice: Extensive clinical rotations in hospitals and ambulatory settings, community nutrition placements, and foodservice management experiences to meet supervised practice hour requirements for credentialing.

Entry requirements

Applicants are normally expected to hold a relevant bachelor’s degree with foundational coursework in human nutrition, biochemistry and physiology. Many applicants will present a Didactic Program in Dietetics (DPD) verification statement or equivalent undergraduate preparation; candidates without a DPD may be considered if they complete prerequisite coursework prior to enrolment.

• Academic standard: A competitive undergraduate GPA in a related discipline; specific GPA thresholds vary and will be confirmed by the admissions office.
• Supporting materials: Personal statement, curriculum vitae, and academic transcripts are typically required. Letters of recommendation and evidence of relevant clinical, volunteer or work experience strengthen applications.
• Additional requirements: Some applicants may be asked to participate in an interview. Students accepted into practicum placements must meet background check, immunisation and professional liability insurance requirements prior to clinical rotations.

Career prospects

Graduates are prepared for roles in clinical dietetics and nutrition services and are positioned to complete the supervised practice component required for eligibility to sit for the national registration examination for dietitian nutritionists. Typical career paths include clinical dietitian positions in hospitals and outpatient clinics, nutrition support specialist roles, long-term care and rehabilitation, community and public health nutrition, foodservice and nutrition management, private practice and consultancy, and roles in industry, research and education.

Why study at Kent State University

Kent State offers a programme that integrates advanced coursework with extensive supervised practice placements across a diverse healthcare network, providing hands-on experience in acute care, outpatient and community settings. Students benefit from faculty who are active practitioners and researchers in clinical nutrition and dietetics, as well as access to university facilities such as teaching kitchens, nutrition research laboratories and simulation resources. The programme’s clinical focus, combined with opportunities for research or a practice-based capstone, is designed to prepare graduates for professional credentialing and leadership in nutrition care.