Integrated Master of Science in Nutrition and Dietetics curriculum prepares you for a variety of career options in dietetics, and equips you for leadership in clinical nutrition, community dietetics and food service management. Students obtain the "hands-on" supervised experiential learning experience while in the program. Although full-time student status is advised, the program is able to be done on a part-time student status as long as you complete theIMSND program in 150% of the time allotted. The program is currently based in Milwaukee, but there are online education options for several classes with planned expansion of online programming.

Hybrid Classes: A hybrid of online and on-campus courses exposes you to best practices across a spectrum of technologies. Synchronous and asynchronous classes meet through technology to provide collaborative interaction and direct access to faculty. The hybrid online format gives students flexibility. Faculty and advisors are readily available and communicate with students 1:1 and in groups.

Supervised and Experiential Learning: Mount Mary’s Integrated M.S. in Nutrition & Dietetics includes the required minimum 1,000 hours of supervised experiential learning you need to be eligible to take the Registration Examination for Dietitians upon graduation. This means that you do not need to complete a separate internship experience. Documentation of a physical examination, immunizations, drug testing and a background check are required to participate in supervised experiential learning. 

Initially, your supervised experiential learning hours will be accomplished with Mount Mary faculty on-site. In your final year, your supervised experiential learning hours will be completed with a preceptor (a dietetics professional who is dedicated to working with students). Your supervised experiential learning hours will focus on: 

• Medical nutrition therapy 
• Community/consumer nutrition 
• Food service management 

Practicum site locations include hospitals, outpatient clinics, school districts, nursing homes, businesses, public health departments, food service companies and social service agencies. 

The Mount Mary University Integrated Master of Science in Nutrition and Dietetics is accredited by The Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics (ACEND). These accreditation standards integrate didactic coursework with supervised experiential learning in a competency-based curriculum designed to prepare nutrition and dietetics practitioners for future practice. 

Effective January 1, 2024, the Commission on Dietetic Registration (CDR) now requires a minimum of a master’s degree to be eligible to take the credentialing exam to become a registered dietitian nutritionist (RDN). For more information about this requirement visit CDR's -website: https://www.cdrnet.org/graduatedegree. 

In most states, graduates also must obtain licensure or certification to practice. Learn more about state licensure requirements at this link: https://www.cdrnet.org/LicensureMap 

The Commission on Dietetic Registration, the credentialing agency for the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, administers the Registration Examination for Dietitians to individuals seeking the professional distinction and credential of Registered Dietitian (RD). 

Successful completion of the Integrated M.S. in Nutrition and Dietetics prepares you for the RD exam and for active membership in the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics. We encourage you to talk with your faculty adviser prior to taking the RD exam to ensure you are fully prepared. You will meet with your academic advisor in the dietetics department each semester to ensure that all requirements are met. 

Registered Dietitians are eligible for certification in the State of Wisconsin. 

After passing the national Registration Examination for Dietitians, if you wish to practice in Wisconsin you can become a Certified Dietitian (CD), a status required by most employers. Contact the Wisconsin Department of Safety & Professional Services for details. 

If you wish to practice outside of Wisconsin, you should investigate the certification or licensure requirements in the state where you plan to practice.  

Most states have licensed or certified dietitian status, and this status is often transferable between states. This process is entirely separate from the registered dietitian requirements of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics. Requirements for licensure or certification vary by state. Individuals should review their state's licensing statutes and regulations to understand the specific requirements, including supervised practice and examinations, needed to obtain a dietetics license. 

More information about state licensure and certification can be found at this link: State Licensure. For other questions, please contact Meagan Gibson, Graduate Program Director, at maritatm@mtmary.edu or (414) 930-3337.

The Integrated Master of Science in Nutrition and Dietetics is accredited to serve a cohort of 36 students each year. Students who meet requirements will be eligible for direct and early admission. Other applicants will be reviewed and granted regular admission by the Dietetics Faculty Review Board.

To be eligible for the Mount Mary University Integrated Master of Science in Nutrition and Dietetics graduate program, you must meet the following minimum requirements:

• Have a bachelor’s degree or equivalent from a regionally accredited college or university
• Have a minimum undergraduate GPA for 2.75 on a 4.0 scale
  meet specific admission requirements for early or regular admission 
• International Students: See additional application requirements and procedures or contact your graduate admission counselor for questions.

There are three pathways to becoming a registered dietitian nutritionist (RDN) through the Integrated M.S. in nutrition and dietetics at Mount Mary University: 

• Students with a Dietetics or Nutrition Science degree, and with or without a verification statement
• Students entering with a verification statement from an ACEND accredited program will typically complete the program in five semesters or less. Students with a nutrition science degree may require more than five semesters if pre-requisites have not been previously met.
• Human Biology/ Pre-Dietetics Bachelor of Science degree from Mount Mary University will allow students to earn up to 24 graduate credits in their senior year. After graduation, students will complete the Integrated Master of Science in Nutrition and Dietetics.

Students with a Non-Nutrition Degree: After admission, these students will be able to complete coursework and supervised experiential learning in five semesters. Students without a nutrition science degree may require more than five semesters if pre-requisites have not been previously met.

Non-Dietetics Degree Holders—Prerequisite Courses: Students who are in process or have earned a bachelor’s degree in a non-dietetics program must show evidence of completion of prerequisite courses. The following prerequisite courses must be completed or in progress when the student seeks admission:

• College Algebra
• Behavioral Science Statistics
• Microbiology
• Organic & Biochemistry
• Human Physiology
• Medical Terminology
• Nutrition Principles
• Applied Nutrition
• Food Science
• Serv Safe Manager Certification (must be completed by the first day of the program)

To Apply for the Program:

1. Complete and submit an application via the Dietetic Internship Centralized Application System (DICAS).
2. Submit your official transcripts from all colleges or universities attended.
3. Write and submit a personal statement. The statement should specify your objectives, experience and/or skills contributing to your decision to pursue graduate study in nutrition and dietetics. Please include your name on the statement.
4. Submit three letters of recommendation. 
5. Submit a resume.

Candidates must submit all application materials through the DICAS application system by February 15, 2026, to be considered for admission for the fall 2026 term. 

Dietitians who work in clinical dietetics assess, educate and counsel individuals to help manage or prevent medical conditions. They can also manage large food service departments or provide nutrition services to the community.  

As a dietitian, you may counsel people to help them manage obesity, diabetes, heart disease, eating disorders or other conditions requiring a modified diet, manage a large foodservice operation, or provide nutrition services to the community. You could work for a diverse range of organizations, such as food product corporations, government agencies, hospitals, nursing homes, schools and private practice. 

According to the 2024 data by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the annual median annual salary for dietitians is $73,850. 

Meagan Gibson, MS, RDN, LDN, CD
Assistant Professor, Dietetic Internship Director 
Phone: (414) 930-3337 
Email: maritatm@mtmary.edu 
Expertise: Foodservice management, private practice, national diabetes prevention program 

Erin Berg, MS, RDN, CSSD, CD 
Assistant Professor - Undergraduate and Graduate Programs 
Office (414) 930-3345 
Email: berge@mtmary.edu 
Expertise: Sports nutrition, clinical nutrition 

Dana Scheunemann Ph.D., MS, RD, CD 
Assistant Professor - Graduate Program 
Phone: (414) 930-3658 
Email: scheuned@mtmary.edu 
Expertise: Clinical nutrition, renal disease