The Merrimack College
Master of Science - Dietetic Internship Program
Earn your MS degree and complete the requirements to sit for the Registered Dietitian (RD) exam in just one year!
Scholarships up to
20% off tuition!
Program Information
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The Master of Science-Dietetic Internship Program through Merrimack College and Wellness Workdays is a one-year, integrated program that allows you to complete a unique and innovative dietetic internship and Master’s degree program at the same time.
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Students applying to Merrimack College have two options for graduate programs, each with unique concentration areas. All programs can be completed within nine months (with part-time options).
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Click on each program to learn more. Note the prerequisites.
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M.S. Health Promotion and Management
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Health and Wellness Coaching (on-campus only)​
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Health Promotion and Program Management (fully online, on-campus, or hybrid)
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Community Health Education (fully online, on-campus, or hybrid)
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Program Application Requirements
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There is no separate application process for Merrimack College. Interested applicants only need to mark Merrimack College on their supplemental application to apply.
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Prerequisite coursework can be taken at any accredited college/university, including Merrimack College. It must be completed with a grade B or better prior to enrolling in graduate classes. ​​​
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Program Timeline
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Accepted students will complete 4 courses each semester as well as 16-25 supervised rotation hours per week.
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Prospective interns are required to find qualified preceptors in the areas of clinical nutrition, food service management, community nutrition, and a concentration to complete the internship requirements. Sites and preceptors are subject to approval by Wellness Workdays DI. ​
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Supervised practice hours for the internship begin in the summer after the July orientation.
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Coursework begins in September for Spring interns and January for Fall interns with Merrimack College.
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Program Completion Outline
*Fall interns begin their courses in January
Tuition and Financial Aid
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WWDI program tuition is $12,000 and paid separately from Merrimack College tuition.
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WWDI Interns are eligible to receive scholarships for Merrimack College tuition. For more information on tuition and financial aid, click here.
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Graduation Requirements
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To graduate and complete the internship requirements, students must earn a graduate degree, satisfy the minimum 1000 supervised practice hours, all didactic hours, assignments, rotation evaluations, practice exams and complete an exit interview at program completion. For the Master of Science degree, students must complete eight required courses (32 credits).
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Following successful completion, you will receive a Verification Statement and your name will then be submitted to the Commission on Dietetic Registration (CDR) by the WWDI Program Director as evidence of eligibility to sit for the (RDN) credentialing exam. Students will graduate in May of program year one with a Master of Science degree from Merrimack College.
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Additional Information
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For questions about the Merrimack College MS programs, please contact the Graduate Program Director, Allison Higgins, Dr.PH at higginsam@merrimack.edu
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For questions about WWDI please email wwdi@wellnessworkdays.com
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Accreditations
WWDI has been granted full accreditation by the *Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics (ACEND). Merrimack College is accredited by the New England Association of Schools and Universities (NEASC).
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Who Should Apply?
Students who have or will be completing a Didactic Program in Dietetics (DPD) program accredited by ACEND and be receiving a DPD verification statement.
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This program is ideal for recent graduates who hold a Bachelor's or Master's degree as well as those with an interest in registered dietitian programs seeking to change careers.
When & How
To Apply?
Deadline is February 15th for Spring Applications
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Deadline is November 15th for Fall Applications
Applicants must apply through the DICAS system and complete a WWDI Supplemental Application. Please see the How to Apply page for more information.
Questions?
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Questions about our internship tracks, graduate programs, concentration offerings and more may be answered on our website or are Frequently Asked Questions page.
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