Texas State University offers an ACEND-accredited combined MS/DI. In the combined MS/DI, students can choose the thesis track and complete an independent research project with faculty support, or the non-thesis track and take additional elective courses to round out their degree program. In both tracks, program participants complete over 1,000 hours of supervised practice in rotations with clinical, community, specialty, and food service partners throughout Central Texas.
Non-Thesis and Thesis Tracks
All timelines described below are approximate and may change based on timing of individual enrollment, credit loads, and successful completion of courses. For more information about combining the MS in Human Nutrition and the Dietetic Internship, click below or join one of our information sessions.
Non-Thesis Summary
39 credits, 22 months
Combines core, elective & DI rotations
Apply by January 15th
Complete the MS/DI non-thesis track on either of the schedules below.
Combines core, elective & DI rotations
Apply by January 15th
Complete the MS/DI non-thesis track on either of the schedules below.
Option 1: Complete DI rotations and then complete MS coursework
Students who elect this track would begin their program with their dietetic internship rotations. Rotations begin in the Summer 2 semester (July) and continue through the following Fall and Spring semesters. Four graduate courses are also completed in this first year. The remaining coursework for the MS in Human Nutrition is completed during the second year. Students will be eligible to take the RD exam upon completion of both the dietetic internship and MS in Human Nutrition.
| Semester | SU2 | F | SP | F | SP |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Enrollment | DI | DI | DI | MS | MS |
| Graduate Credits | 6 | 6 | 6 | 12 | 9 |
Option 2: Complete MS coursework and then complete DI rotations
Students who elect this track would begin with their MS in human nutrition coursework starting in the Fall or Spring and continuing throughout the following one or two semesters. Internship rotations would begin in the Summer 2 semester (July) of the student’s second year and continue through the following Fall and Spring. Four graduate courses are also completed in this second year. Students will be eligible to take the RD exam upon completion of both the dietetic internship and MS in Human Nutrition.
| Semester | F | SP | SU2 | F | SP |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Enrollment | MS | MS | DI | DI | DI |
| Graduate Credits | 12 | 9 | 6 | 6 | 6 |
Thesis Summary
36 credits, 36 months
Combines coursework, rotations, & nutrition research
Apply by January 15th
Complete the MS/DI thesis track on either schedule below.
Combines coursework, rotations, & nutrition research
Apply by January 15th
Complete the MS/DI thesis track on either schedule below.
Option 1: Begin with DI rotations & end with MS coursework and thesis research.
Students who elect this track begin their program by completing the dietetic internship rotations. In their second and third years, students on this track would complete thesis research and MS in Human Nutrition coursework. Thesis research is completed with guidance and support of Texas State graduate faculty with the goal of publishing and contributing to the advancement of knowledge in nutrition science. Students will be eligible to take the RD exam upon completion of both the dietetic internship and MS in Human Nutrition.
| Year | Year 1 | Year 2 | Year 3 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Enrollment | DI | MS Core Courses | MS Core Courses |
| Research | Find Thesis Advisor | Design & Propose Thesis Research | Conduct Research & Defend Thesis |
Option 2: Complete MS coursework and thesis and then complete DI rotations.
Students who elect this track begin their program with MS coursework and thesis research. In their third year, students on this track would complete dietetic internship rotations and finish their thesis research. Thesis research is completed with guidance and support of Texas State graduate faculty with the goal of publishing and contributing to the advancement of knowledge in nutrition science. Students will be eligible to take the RD exam upon completion of both the dietetic internship and MS in Human Nutrition.
| Year | Year 1 | Year 2 | Year 3 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Enrollment | MS Core Courses | MS Core Courses | DI |
| Research | Find Thesis Advisor | Design & Propose Thesis Research | Conduct Research & Defend Thesis |
Note: For both thesis and non-thesis options, some graduate courses may be offered in an online or hybrid format. A laptop and access to stable internet is required for success in these courses. Please refer to course syllabi for all technology requirements.
Discover Nutrition Science
Interested in gaining experience with nutrition research, earning a PhD, or working in higher education? Work with a graduate faculty member to complete a master's thesis. Click below to learn about research in our program.