Nutrition

MS-RDN

Teachers College offers a straight-forward path to obtaining an MS and becoming eligible to earn the RDN credential:

1. Begin by completing the MS-RDN degree prerequisite courses.
2. Apply for admission to one of our ACEND-accredited integrated MS-RDN degrees by submitting the following application materials.* 
3. Successfully complete one of our three 50- to 57-credit Integrated MS-RDN Track degrees, which include both didactic education and practice education blended together. The Integrated MS-RDN degrees eliminate the need for a dietetic internship by enabling students to achieve the competencies and complete the supervised experiential learning hours required by ACEND. Graduates are eligible for the RDN credentialing exam and meet the legislative requirements to qualify for state licensure or certification.

Once admitted to our Program in Nutrition, you can complete the whole process in 24 months of full-time study. We also welcome part-time students into our Program.

Please attend one of our information sessions for more details.

The Teachers College, Columbia University Integrated MS-RDN Track is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics (ACEND) of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics.

Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics
Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics
120 South Riverside Plaza
Suite 2190
Chicago, Illinois  60606-6995
Phone: 800-877-1600  ext 5400
Website:  www.eatrightpro.org/acend 

Graduates from the TC Integrated MS-RDN Track will be eligible to take the CDR credentialing exam to become a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RDN). Graduates of any one of our three integrated MS-RDN tracks will receive a verification statement, which is required to be eligible to sit for the RDN credentialing exam. Upon passing the exam and being awarded the RDN credential by the Commission on Dietetic Registration of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, graduates will be eligible (if they so desire) to apply for state licensure or certification, depending upon the state in which they are employed. 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 automatically qualify an individual for licensure or certification as a dietitian in any state, including New York State, nor does it allow students to practice within a restricted scope of practice reserved for those who hold a license. Program graduates who plan to stay in New York can find more information here. Graduates who plan to work elsewhere should check licensing laws in the state in which they intend to practice by visiting the CDR State Licensing website. More information about state licensure and certification can be found at this link: State Licensure.