Apply to this Program

Ready to apply to the Master of Science in Nutrition and Dietetics (MSND) program?

Complete the following steps:

1. Submit your application to DICAS

Apply to the MSND program via Dietetics Inclusive Centralized Application Service (DICAS).

  • Submit your application to DICAS by 11:59 p.m. (central time) on February 1 for priority admission.
  • DICAS application fee: $50 for the first application and $25 for each additional application, payable to DICAS.
  • Applications become property of Missouri State. No application materials will be returned.

Applications may be submitted through May 1 via DICAS. If spots remain available, applications will be reviewed. No applications for a summer start will be accepted after May 1.

Priority admission is given to applicants who apply by February 1.

Missouri State specific criteria

  • Personal philosophy statement: Addresses applicant’s professional career goals and how the MSND program will help accomplish these goals, in addition to discussing the applicant's strengths and areas of improvement.
  • Recommendation letters: Two recommendation letters with one being a dietetic academic reference and another from a work or volunteer reference.
  • Resume: Includes work and volunteer experience, as well as involvement in college and/or community activities.

2. Know the selection and interview process

For selection considerations and interview information, please review the program's admission requirements. All qualified applicants will have a virtual interview.

3. Find out if you've been accepted

Applicant notification day is February 15 for those who apply by February 1.

Applicants who are offered a spot in Missouri State's MSND program must email the program director to accept or decline the spot by March 10. This acceptance or rejection email should be sent to Hillary Roberts, EdD, RDN, LD, Program Director, Missouri State University at HRoberts@MissouriState.edu.

4. Apply to the Graduate College

After accepting a spot in the MSND program, you will be admitted to Missouri State's Graduate College.

The Graduate College application fee will be waived.

5. Pay confirmation deposit

Once you're admitted into the MSND and the Graduate College and receive your BearPass log-in, you must pay a placeholder fee of $500. This fee is known as the confirmation deposit.

The deadline to pay this fee is 10-days after you accept a spot in the MSND program.

Pay confirmation deposit

Selection considerations

All applications are initially screened by the following criteria:

Completeness of application

This requires a completed application through the Dietetics Inclusive Centralized Application Service (DICAS).

Grade point average

You need a cumulative GPA of 3.0 over the last 60 hours of academic work.

Work and/or volunteer experience described in resume

We would like to see nutrition, dietetic, or research-related work and/or volunteer experience.

All applicants meeting our admission criterion are reviewed by the Program Director and Application Review Committee. Applicants are then contacted for a virtual interview.

Interviews are an opportunity for you to share additional information about your qualifications and values, while learning more about the MSND program.

Concentration areas

There are two areas of concentration in the MSND program: rural health or public affairs. You will choose only one concentration area after being admitted into the program.

Throughout the first semester, you will submit two project proposals, providing rationale for the concentration area you wish to pursue.

You will meet with the program director throughout this process to discuss and design your unique practicum that meets your interests. You are primarily responsible for designing this practicum.