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 the IMSND 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: Our hybrid format blends online and on-campus courses, using both synchronous and asynchronous sessions to provide flexibility, helping students balance their studies with other commitments.

Supervised and Experiential Learning: Mount Mary’s Integrated M.S. in Nutrition & Dietetics includes the required hours of supervised experiential learning you need to be eligible to take the Registration Examination for Dietitians upon graduation. Documentation of a physical examination, immunizations, drug testing, and a background check are required to participate in supervised experiential learning. 

Experiential learning is fully integrated into the program curriculum, with students beginning hands-on experiences in their first semester. In the second year, students complete their supervised experiential learning hours through off-campus internship courses under the guidance of preceptors. Placements are tailored to align with each student’s interests.

Students complete three core rotations in Medical Nutrition Therapy, Community Nutrition, and Management, with an optional elective rotation for those seeking additional experience in a more focused, specialized area.

Academic Calendar

The school year consists of five semesters. Fall/spring semesters are approximately sixteen weeks each, and regular summer session is 6 weeks. The program follows the Mount Mary University academic calendar, with the exception of internship courses.

The academic calendar can be accessed at Handouts - View Academic Calendar

Assessment of prior learning for transfer and experiential credit

Students who transfer from other academic institutions to MMU will have their transcripts assessed on an individual basis by a Mount Mary University admission counselor and a dietetics faculty advisor. Equivalent courses from local colleges and universities have been evaluated and approved for many of the courses required prior to admission to the program and will be accepted as completed pre-requisites.

Courses taken covered by a verification statement will not be transferred or considered as a completed course in the Mount Mary program.

Supervised practice experience in programs for diet technicians is currently not substituted for supervised experiential learning in the graduate program.

Credit for prior learning

The Credit for Prior Learning (CPL) program is designed to grant varying degrees of coursework and/or SEL demonstrated through classwork, paid work or volunteer experiences. The credit is not for the experience, but is given when an applicant demonstrates an increase in knowledge, learning and competence. Experiences considered for CPL must meet competencies required by Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics (ACEND) and must be experience received within 3 years (36 months) of the start of the program.

The CPL committee has the authority to grant credit towards coursework and/or SEL hours from prior classwork and/or work experience for those individuals with extensive learning and professional competency acquired in and outside the academic setting. Approval is met by the instructor, director of the program, Chair, and School Dean together as the credit for prior learning committee. It is at the discretion of the CPL committee to grant the student CPL or not.

All CPL must adhere to Mount Mary University’s policy Credit for Prior Learning.

Credit for prior learning credits allowed

Students can apply for credit towards:

• DTS 679 SEL in Community
• DTS 677 SEL in Management

CPL Specifics

If a student is granted CPL:

• The student will be waived from coursework.
• The tuition for the classes will be determined by credit, regardless of the amount of CPL granted. Program fees remain the same.
• Prior learning is only assessed AFTER students are accepted to the program.
• Applications for prior assessed learning must be submitted by June 15 of the year acceptance and start, so that the individuals can be scheduled to reflect credit that was given.
• SEL may be added throughout the coursework to assure students who receive CPL meet minimally 1050 hours of SEL.

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. Registered Dietitians are eligible for certification in the State of Wisconsin. If you wish to practice outside of Wisconsin, you should investigate the certification or licensure requirements in the state where you plan to practice.

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.  

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.   

Requirements for licensure or certification vary by state. Individuals should review their state's licensing statutes and regulations to understand the specific requirements. 

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.

Mission of the Integrated Master of Science in Dietetics and Nutrition Program

The Mission of the Integrated Master of Science in Nutrition & Dietetics Program is to equip students with the advanced knowledge, skills, and experiences to successfully pass the CDR Registration Examination and successfully practice entry-level dietetics in a variety of settings. Through excellence in teaching, with an emphasis in leadership, the program provides the foundation for evidence-based professional practice and a rewarding career.

Goals & Objectives

Goal One: Prepare graduates to be competent, entry-level registered dietitian nutritionists (RDNs) who will meet employment needs.

Objectives for Goal One:

Program Completion: At least 80% of program graduates complete program/degree requirements within 2.5 years (150% of the program length).

Ninety percent of program graduates take the CDR credentialing exam for dietitian nutritionists within 12 months of program completion.

Of graduates who seek employment, 80 percent are employed in nutrition and dietetics or related fields within 12 months of graduation.

Employer Satisfaction: During the first year of employment, program graduates will be ranked by at least 80% of employers who respond to our employer survey as "satisfactory" or better in professional knowledge and skills, as compared to the employer’s expected competency of entry-level RDNs.

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%.

Goal Two: Prepare graduates who incorporate social justice concepts, leadership skills, or creative initiatives into their professional practice.

For Goal Two:

At least 50% of program graduates who respond to the post graduate survey will indicate they have been involved in either a professional or personal activity that promoted social justice, utilized creativity, or a leadership role.

Over a 5-year period, 75% of graduates who respond to the post graduate survey will volunteer in a professional, community program or agency.

Over a 5-year period, 30% of graduates who respond to the post graduate survey will assume a leadership role.

Program outcomes data are available upon request.

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 four 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 or Psychology 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/Lifecycle 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. 

Tuition, Costs & Fees

For current tuition and fee information, please click here.

For fees and costs specific to the Integrated Master of Science in Nutrition & Dietetics, click here.

Financial Aid

Mount Mary University provides financial assistance for graduate students primarily through tuition discounts, graduate assistantships, scholarships, and federal financial aid.

For more information on financial aid opportunities for graduate students, click here.

• DTS 575 Advanced Nutrition Counseling (3 credits)
• DTS 705 The Private Practice Blueprint (3 credits)
• CON 700 Multicultural Counseling (3 credits)

• DTS 633 Nutritional Psychology I (3 credits)
• DTS 635 Nutritional Psychology II (3 credits)
• DTS 575 Advanced Nutrition Counseling (3 credits)

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. 

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

Meagan Gibson, MS, RDN, LDN, CD
Department Chair/ Assistant Professor/ Graduate Program 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