The M.S. in nutrition and dietetics is designed to prepare students interested in community nutrition to work as registered dietitians in a variety of public and private health organizations in county, state, and government agencies or as patient-care dietitians in hospitals and other health care settings. The program also prepares students to continue their studies in doctoral programs.

Applicants are required to have completed a Didactic Program in Dietetics (DPD). Post-baccalaureate students who do not have DPD verification may earn this credential by consulting with the NIU undergraduate DPD director to determine the required course work needed to fulfill DPD verification. To earn DPD verification through NIU, post-baccalaureate students must complete a minimum of 9 semester hours at NIU with a grade of B or better. Note that the post-baccalaureate students who complete DPD requirements at NIU may be eligible for a second bachelor of science degree. Consult with the College of Health and Human Sciences undergraduate academic adviser for degree requirements.

Students-at-large intending to take courses required by this program should meet with the nutrition and dietetics program coordinator.