MSU Denver’s Coordinated Program

Metropolitan State University Role and Mission Statement

Metropolitan State University of Denver is a comprehensive, primarily baccalaureate-degree granting, urban University that offers arts and sciences, professional, and business courses and programs to a diverse student population in an atmosphere of mutual respect. Excellence in teaching and learning is MSU Denver’s primary objective. The MSU Denver Vision Statement from the 2030 Strategic Plan is: We are a nationally recognized leader for social mobility – where students of all ages and backgrounds build a better, more equitable Colorado through innovative and transformative education.

The mission of MSU Denver is to provide a high-quality, accessible, enriching education that prepares students for successful careers, post-graduate education, and lifelong learning in a multicultural, global, and technological society. To fulfill its mission, MSU Denver’s diverse University community engages the community at large in scholarly inquiry, creative activity, and the application of knowledge.

Metropolitan State University of Denver College of Health and Human Sciences Mission Statement

The College of Health and Human Sciences embraces inclusivity and an orientation to lifelong learning to prepare diverse students for interculturally competent practice, research, and leadership in their disciplines. Through collaboration and engagement with the community and one another, faculty, staff, and students lead transformative and justice-oriented endeavors to secure the health and well-being of people and their communities.

Metropolitan State University of Denver Department of Nutrition Mission Statement

The mission of the Department of Nutrition is to prepare diverse students for successful careers in food, nutrition and dietetics by providing quality education that is culturally sensitive and instills a desire for life-long learning.

Metropolitan State University of Denver Coordinated Program Mission Statement

The mission of the coordinated program is to prepare culturally aware and competent entry-level, master’s prepared registered dietitian nutritionists to serve diverse populations through the promotion of optimal nutrition, health and well-being. The program aims to produce Registered Dietitian Nutritionists (RDNs) who:

• provide quality service that is culturally sensitive and based on customer expectations and needs
• serve the profession and diverse communities
• engage in life-long learning

The coordinated program’s mission statement aligns with the University, College, and Department missions to prepare diverse students for successful careers in urban, culturally diverse environments. The program’s mission also aligns with the University, College and Department mission to prepare graduates that engage in life-long learning. By producing RDNs who provide quality service that is culturally sensitive, the program’s mission statement aligns with the Department’s mission to provide quality education that is culturally sensitive.

The coordinated program’s mission statement is unique from other department programs. The mission specifically refers to preparing competent, master’s prepared entry-level RDNs, which distinguishes it from other programs at the University.

Goal 1: MSU Denver coordinated program graduates will successfully meet employment needs as master’s prepared entry-level dietitian nutritionists with diverse clients in a variety of nutrition settings.

Objectives:

• At least 80% of program students complete program requirements within 32 months (150% of the program length).
• Of graduates who seek employment, 80 percent are employed in nutrition and dietetics or related fields within 12 months of graduation.
• At least 80 percent of program graduates take the CDR credentialing exam for dietitian nutritionists within 12 months of program completion.
• 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%.
• Ninety percent of employers who respond to a survey on program graduates in their first year of employment report “agree” or “strongly agree” regarding the graduate’s knowledge and skill preparation for entry-level practice.
• At least 80% of graduates who complete the 1-year post graduation survey indicate the program prepared them to work with culturally diverse populations.

Goal 2: MSU Denver coordinated program graduates will demonstrate their engagement with life-long learning.

Objective:

• At least 75% of graduates who complete the 1-year post graduation survey indicate they actively engage in nutrition-related life-long learning (for example, attending professional education events, reading nutrition-related publications, writing blogs, serving in leadership roles for professional associations, taking classes, writing articles, conducting research, giving presentations, etc.)

Stated program goals and objectives for the coordinated program support our overall mission and objectives by setting expectations of graduates to complete requirements of RDN credentialing, serve diverse communities within the profession, and engage in life-long learning. These are fundamental to promoting the dietetics profession as the nutrition experts, to enhance our customers health through diverse, evidence-based nutrition advice, and continuing to grow themselves as professionals throughout their careers. The Coordinated Program Director will continuously evaluate all program objectives to ensure they are annually achieved and if not, decide a corrective action plan to ensure stated objectives can be met. The Coordinated Program Director will also make attempts to remain in contact with all program graduates to not only serve as a continued resource for job availability, but to additionally gather data needed in objectives measurement, such as employer satisfaction.

Complete an ACEND accredited DPD program and obtain a bachelor’s degree.

*Effective January 1, 2024, the CDR will require a minimum of a master’s degree to be eligible to take the credentialing exam to become a RDN. For more information about educational pathways to become an RDN please visit the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics.

Apply for and complete an ACEND accredited coordinated program, which includes the completion of both a master’s degree and/or the 1,000 hour minimum supervised practice experience.

***MSU Denver offers all pathways to become a Registered Dietitian. Working with faculty and staff advisors and prior assessment of learning, MSU Denver can offer all education levels as well as supervised practice only.  Completion of the coordinated program and/or supervised practice meets ACEND requirements to take the Commission on Dietetics Registration’s Registration Examination for Dietitian Nutritionists.

While state interpretations of statutes may vary, it is ACEND’s considered opinion that the program meets the educational requirements for dietetics licensure and certification in all states. However, completing an ACEND-accredited academic program alone does not qualify an individual for licensure or certification as a dietitian in any 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.

Tuition and fees listed below are for the supervised practice year only.

• $16,093 for in-state tuition ($14,400) and fees ($1,693)
• $18,709 for out-of-state tuition ($17,016) and fees ($1,693)
• $250 for books and supplies

The above includes costs for the entire program, assuming normal time to completion. This information is subject to change.

Note: Some meals may be provided during rotations

Tuition and fees listed below are for the supervised practice year only.

• Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics student membership (required): $50
• Professional liability insurance (purchase through the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics): $50
• Professional meetings: $150
• Housing: $7,000 – $10,000
• Health insurance: students must provide proof of insurance
• Transportation: students will be expected to drive to and from sites or use public transportation on a daily basis. A car, auto insurance and gas must be provided by the student
• Compliance management services to manage background checks, drug screen and immunizations records: $130

Note: Due to the demands of this full-time program, it is strongly recommended that you do not work during the supervised practice year.

MSU Denver students and alumni that have a master’s degree and DPD verification statement are eligible to apply to the supervised practice year. Upon acceptance to supervised practice year, student will work with the Coordinated Program Director to assess prior learning on specific competencies that need to be met prior to or during supervised practice year (see “Assessment of Prior Learning” section). If these competencies have not been met, student will work with Coordinated Program Director to complete remaining competencies during their supervised practice year.

MSU Denver students that are currently in their first year of the master’s degree at MSU Denver are eligible to apply to the supervised practice year within this first year of coursework completion.

Supervised Practice Admission Requirements

1. Successful completion of a minimum of a Graduate degree from a US regionally-accredited college or university or foreign equivalent as evidenced by an official transcript indicating an undergraduate degree in nutrition and dietetics from MSU Denver and graduate degree from another institution, or graduate degree in nutrition and dietetics from MSU Denver. Official transcripts must be mailed directly from the previous colleges/universities in a signed, sealed envelope or sent electronically to MSU Denver prior to the internship start date.  The degree must be conferred prior to the MSU Denver Dietetic Internship start date. Foreign transcripts must have an official English translation done by a certified translator, if applicable, and a professional, course-by-course evaluation showing equivalency to a U.S. Graduate degree.
2. A minimum 3.0 cumulative GPA.
3. Successful completion of a Didactic Program in Dietetics (DPD) accredited by the Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics, as evidenced by an original Verification Statement signed by the Program Director. The DPD Verification Statement must be obtained and received by the Internship Director prior to the MSU Denver Dietetic Internship start date.
4. A minimum 3.0 cumulative GPA in DPD coursework.
5. Able to pass a background check, drug screen and show proof of required immunizations, health insurance and professional liability insurance.

MSU Denver will participate in early admissions for MSU Denver students and alumni. Applications will be due and notification of acceptance will occur prior to admission through DICAS. If all positions are not filled, MSU Denver will participate in the DICAS process. Dates for early admissions will vary year by year to best serve our applicants. Please check back for updated dates and information on how to apply to supervised practice year early.

Application fees will be waived until October 2025.

Non-MSU Denver Students have two ways to apply to our program:

1. If student has not completed their master’s degree, they can apply to our master’s degree program and complete year 1 didactic work, then apply to year 2 of supervised practice year.
2. If a student has completed their master’s degree and DPD curriculum, they can apply directly to supervised practice year only.
   1. Upon acceptance to supervised practice year, student will work with the Coordinated Program Director to assess prior learning on specific competencies that need to be met prior to or during supervised practice year (see “Assessment of Prior Learning” policy). If these competencies have not been met, student will work with Coordinated Program Director to complete remaining competencies during their supervised practice year.
   2. Non-MSU Denver students will apply through the DICAS system and follow all ACEND dates and deadlines for due dates and acceptance into the Coordinated Program.

MSU Denver’s Coordinated Program can only issue a master’s degree and/or verification statement of eligibility to sit for the RDN Exam. MSU Denver cannot issue a DPD coursework verification and this must be completed by all applicants prior to admission to year 2, supervised practice year.

Supervised Practice Admission Requirements

1. Successful completion of a minimum of a Graduate degree from a US regionally-accredited college or university or foreign equivalent as evidenced by an official transcript indicating an undergraduate degree in nutrition and dietetics from MSU Denver and graduate degree from another institution, or graduate degree in nutrition and dietetics from MSU Denver. Official transcripts must be mailed directly from the previous colleges/universities in a signed, sealed envelope or sent electronically to MSU Denver prior to the internship start date.  The degree must be conferred prior to the MSU Denver Dietetic Internship start date. Foreign transcripts must have an official English translation done by a certified translator, if applicable, and a professional, course-by-course evaluation showing equivalency to a U.S. Graduate degree.
2. A minimum 3.0 cumulative GPA.
3. Successful completion of a Didactic Program in Dietetics (DPD) accredited by the Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics, as evidenced by an original Verification Statement signed by the Program Director. The DPD Verification Statement must be obtained and received by the Internship Director prior to the MSU Denver Dietetic Internship start date.
4. A minimum 3.0 cumulative GPA in DPD coursework.
5. Able to pass a background check, drug screen and show proof of required immunizations, health insurance and professional liability insurance.

Application fees will be waived until October 2025.

MSU Denver academic calendar, schedule and University related information can be found on their webpage: http://planning.lilysw.com/schedules-calendars/

Program calendar, schedule and related information are found on our Master of Science in Nutrition webpage: http://planning.lilysw.com/nutrition/programs/ms-nutrition/.

• Applications due: Friday, January 3^rd, 2025, by 11:59 pm MST
• Applicants may be contacted to schedule an interview with the selection committee between January 6th and January 16^th.
• Applicants selected & notified: Friday, January 17^th, 2025
• Applicants must notify MSU Denver Coordinated Program Director by March 15^th, 2025 confirming or denying acceptance.

Early admission applications will be directly through MSU Denver and not DICAS. MSU Denver has waived graduate certificate application fees for this upcoming application cycle.

  Apply now

Under the following prompts, please select the following:

What type of MSU Denver program are you interested in?
Please select-> Graduate Certificate

What is your planned graduate program of interest?
Please select-> Supervised Practice Year- Coordinated Program, Graduate Certificate

When do you plan to start classes?
Please select-> Fall 2025

• Declaration of intent to complete degree form submitted by the program director of the Didactic Program Director in Dietetics or DPD Verification Statement from MSU Denver
• Personal statement- In 1,000 words or less, please address the following:
  • Why do you want to enter the dietetics profession?
  • Discuss experiences that have helped to prepare you for your career.
  • What are your short-term and long-term goals?
  • What are your strengths and weaknesses or areas needing improvement?
  • What other information do you consider important for the selection decision?
• Resume
  • Please include dates and total hours worked per week on all professional and volunteer experiences within your resume.
  • For example, MSU Denver Student Volunteer, August 1, 2023- January 1, 2024. 6 hours total volunteer experience.
• Unofficial transcripts
• 3 letters of reference
  • Within the application system you will be required to add contact information for your references who will then receive an email with a secured link to add your reference.

• Applications due within DICAS: Friday, February 14^th, 2025, by 11:59 pm MST
• Applicants may be contacted to schedule an interview with the selection committee between February 20^th-27^th.
• Applicants selected & notified: Friday, February 28^th, 2025
• Applicants must notify MSU Denver Coordinated Program Director by March 15^th, 2025 confirming or denying acceptance.

• Declaration of intent to complete degree form submitted by the program director of the Didactic Program Director in Dietetics or DPD Verification Statement from MSU Denver
• Personal statement- In 1,000 words or less, please address the following:
  • Why do you want to enter the dietetics profession?
  • Discuss experiences that have helped to prepare you for your career.
  • What are your short-term and long-term goals?
  • What are your strengths and weaknesses or areas needing improvement?
  • What other information do you consider important for the selection decision?
• Resume
  • Please include dates and total hours worked per week on all professional and volunteer experiences within your resume.
  • For example, MSU Denver Student Volunteer, August 1, 2023- January 1, 2024. 6 hours total volunteer experience.
• Unofficial transcripts
• 3 letters of reference
  • Within the application system you will be required to add contact information for your references who will then receive an email with a secured link to add your reference.

You may be eligible to receive financial aid loans for the MSU Denver Coordinated Program.  Please contact the MSU Denver Financial Aid Office to learn more about financial aid at: http://lilysw.com/financialaid/graduate/

If you are accepted into the MSU Denver Coordinated Program, prior to completing the FAFSA application please contact the program director to get instructions for completing specific parts of the application.

MSU Denver students should inquire about loan deferment with the lending institution for their specific loans.

Courses are offered in a variety of formats to include in person and delivered in hybrid format partnering the best of online education and face-to-face learning. Engaging in the classroom with peers and faculty members deepens the learning experience, broadens perspective, and will strengthen your professional network. The online content of the hybrid format enhances the convenience of the program, allowing us to meet your needs as a busy individual.

Due to the hybrid format, students are required to have access to the internet, computers/laptops and other technology items related to attending a hybrid or online class such as cameras, speakers or headphones. ProctorU assessments will be paid for by the University.

There is no distance component of the supervised practice year and all rotations and experiences are on-site. Students may benefit from use of a computer/laptop for notetaking.

Students are not required to locate their own practice for any rotations. As an option, students may choose a location for their 2-week elective rotation. If the student does not have an organization of their choice, the coordinated program has a list or prior-approved organizations. Examples of such organizations are outlined in Standard 3 of eligibility application. The Coordinated Program Director will work directly with students admitted into year 2 of the program prior to the start of year 2 to solidify this rotation.

The Coordinated Program Director continuously meets with all students during the Skills Development Seminar throughout the supervised practice year of the coordinated program. During these meetings, the Coordinated Program Director ensures students will have a timely completion of the program. Additionally, throughout the supervised practice year, the Coordinated Program Director reviews all documents related to completion of the program to include tracked hours across rotations and rotation evaluation documents.

Assessment of prior learning for year 2, supervised practice year, will only be for students who have not completed year 1 didactic coursework with MSU Denver and have a prior MS and DPD verification statement. Assessment of prior learning policy will be targeted to three CRDNs not met during the supervised practice year: CRDN 1.4, CRDN 2.13 & CRDN 3.8. These three CRDNs represent assignment-based activities and the Coordinated Program Director will develop a policy to ensure these CRDNs are met at the master’s level. The assessment of prior learning will evaluate how these CRDNs are met via prior master’s level coursework through assignments, presentations, or activity related to coursework. The Coordinated Program Director will work with the student to evaluate competency in the coursework through review of assignment and grades associated with these assignments. The Coordinated Program Director will document all assignments and related materials. Activities completed at the undergraduate level or through non-academic, coursework avenues (i.e. through a volunteer organization) will not be accepted.

If one or more of the three CRDNs were not adequately completed in prior coursework, students will complete the competencies during the supervised practice component of the program as part of the Skill Development Seminar rotation.