The MAPD is an accelerated non-thesis professional degree that offers advanced training in dietetics and nutrition sciences. Graduates will gain advanced knowledge, expanded skills, lifelong learning, and professional leadership training to pursue various careers in the area of community dietetics working in local, state, domestic and international-level public health organizations such as WIC, food banks and other community organizations. Program applicants should complete Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics (ACEND) Didactic Program in Dietetics (DPD) requirements prior to admission.

Learn more about the Master of Advanced Practice in Dietetics, Plan C, Community Nutrition Specialization on the Department of Food Science and Human Nutrition website.

Students interested in graduate work should refer to the Graduate and Professional Bulletin.

Learning Objectives

Upon successful completion of this program, students will be able to:

  1. Practice as professionals in the field of community nutrition.
  2. Demonstrate mastery of fundamental nutrition science/applied science principles.
  3. Communicate scientific literature and professional practice standards to fellow professionals in the field of practice.
  4. Perform as dietetics professionals using evidence-based practice.
  5. Develop a dietetics practice-based question, review relevant research and compare to current standards of practice, and develop professional recommendations.
  6. Explain contributing factors to health inequity in nutrition and dietetics that impact community programs and initiatives, including structural bias, social inequities, health disparities, and discrimination.
  7. Develop and implement nutrition education materials, products, programs, or services that promote consumer health, wellness, and lifestyle management at the community-level.

Effective Spring 2025

FSHN 515Advanced Health Equity3
FSHN 525Nutrition Education Theories and Practice2
FSHN 551Advanced Nutritional Science II3
FSHN 5523
FSHN 5623
FSHN 620Community Nutrition Planning and Evaluation3
FSHN 6211
FSHN 628Advanced Nutrition Counseling Techniques2
FSHN 640Selected Topics in Nutritional Epidemiology2
FSHN 650ARecent Developments in Human Nutrition: Topics in Community Nutrition2
FSHN 660Women's Issues in Lifecycle Nutrition2
FSHN 6903
FSHN 692Graduate Seminar1
Program Total Credits:30

A minimum of 30 credits are required to complete this program.

For more information, please visit Requirements for All Graduate Degrees in the Graduate and Professional Bulletin.

Summary of Procedures for the Master's and Doctoral Degrees

NOTE:  Each semester the Graduate School publishes a schedule of deadlines. Deadlines are available on the Graduate School website. Students should consult this schedule whenever they approach important steps in their careers.

Forms are available online.

Step Due Date
1. Application for admission (online) Six months before first registration
2. Diagnostic examination when required Before first registration
3. Appointment of advisor Before first registration
4. Selection of graduate committee Before the time of fourth regular semester registration
5. Filing of program of study (GS Form 6) Before the time of fourth regular semester registration
6. Preliminary examination (Ph.D. and PD) Two terms prior to final examination
7. Report of preliminary examination (GS Form 16) - (Ph.D. and PD) Within two working days after results are known
8. Changes in committee (GS Form 9A) When change is made
9. Application for Graduation (GS Form 25) Refer to published deadlines from the Graduate School Website
9a. Reapplication for Graduation (online) Failure to graduate requires Reapplication for Graduation (online) for the next time term for which you are applying
10. Submit thesis or dissertation to committee At least two weeks prior to the examination or at the discretion of the graduate committee
11. Final examination Refer to published deadlines from the Graduate School Website
12. Report of final examination (GS Form 24) Within two working days after results are known; refer to published deadlines from the Graduate School website
13. Submit a signed Thesis/Dissertation Submission Form (GS Form 30) to the Graduate School and Submit the Survey of Earned Doctorates (Ph.D. only) prior to submitting the electronic thesis/dissertation Refer to published deadlines from the Graduate School website.
14. Submit the thesis/dissertation electronically Refer to published deadlines from the Graduate School website
15. Graduation Ceremony information is available from the Graduate School website