%0 Journal Article
%T Master¡¯s Degree, a New Requirement to Become an RDN by 2024: A Comparison of Nutrition Graduate Programs Offered in the USA
%A Monica Sanchez
%A Deanna L. Pucciarelli
%J Food and Nutrition Sciences
%P 1-14
%@ 2157-9458
%D 2019
%I Scientific Research Publishing
%R 10.4236/fns.2019.101001
%X <strong><em>Background: </em></strong>The registered dietetic four-year degree educational structure has been intact since 1926. Master level nutrition programs exist in the U.S., but are not standardized or accredited unlike four-year degrees. Academic requirements for nutrition graduate programs vary regionally across the nation. <em><strong>Objective: </strong></em>To 1) quantify and describe the availability of Master level nutrition programs regionally; and 2) examine the current M.A. and M.S. program requirements for a nutrition graduate degree in the U.S. <strong><em>Methods:</em></strong> Nutrition graduate programs (n = 201) were analyzed and compared by geographical region. Data were collected between August 2017 and May 2018. Inclusion criteria were defined as: nutrition graduate programs listed in the American Society of Nutrition (ASN) database that had a nutrition graduate program website. Descriptive statistical analysis measured evaluated variables.<strong> <em>Results</em><em>:</em></strong> A total of 201 nutrition graduate programs in the U.S. were identified. The title of the programs was categorized into 29 main themes. The most common nutrition graduate program title was a M.S. in Nutrition, 55 institutions (27.4%). A total of 181 institutions offered a M.S. with a required thesis, whereas 95 offered a M.S. with a non-thesis option, and only eight offered a M.A. Region 3-South offered the highest number of nutrition graduate programs (66), followed by region 2-Midwest with 49 programs, region 1-Northeast offered a total of 46 programs, and 37 programs were offered in region 4-West. <em><strong>Conclusion:</strong></em> In 2024, as part of the RD eligibility criteria, it will be required that students possess a master¡¯s degree. To date, only one master¡¯s program in the U.S. is accredited, which assures the student a measure of confidence of program rigor and accountability. Dietitians¡¯ three major professional concerns: respect, recognition and rewards are predicated on rigorous educational programs that meet ACEND standards. It is unlikely that all U.S. master level programs will be accredited by 2024.
%K Nutrition Graduate Program Requirements
%K Graduate Program Curriculum Rigor
%K Registered Dietitian Nutritionist Credential (RDN)
%K RDN  Requirements
%K Accreditation
%U http://www.scirp.org/journal/PaperInformation.aspx?PaperID=89684