Resources for research and teaching in the Department of Nutrition and Dietetics include access to a wide range of laboratory, library and computer capabilities. Linkages available to support graduate research opportunities include the University Adult Day Care Center, Delaware Cooperative Extension, Delaware Center for Wellness, the State Division of Aging, the State Division of Public Health, the University Wellness Center, and local health care facilities. 

Interdisciplinary work is encouraged. There is opportunity for close liaison with programs in Human Development and Family Studies, Animal and Food Sciences, Chemistry and Biochemistry, Biological Sciences, Nursing, and Health and Exercise Sciences. 

Requirements for admission to the master's degree program include an undergraduate cumulative index (based on a 4.0 system) of 2.75 with a 3.00 average in the major field. Applicants to the thesis option are expected to have a total score (verbal plus quantitative) of 1050 or higher on the Graduate Record Examination. Non-thesis applicants require a GRE of 900 or higher. A TOEFL score of 575 or better is required for international students. Three letters of reference from individuals able to evaluate the applicant's potential for successful graduate work are also necessary to complete the application file. See also the chapter "Admission Information" in this catalog. 

Prerequisite courses to regular status include: human or animal physiology, inorganic and organic chemistry, biochemistry (preferably with lab), and one semester of human nutrition having a biochemistry prerequisite. Students planning to pursue thesis research topics related to social science aspects of nutrition and food habits should have some courses in sociology, psychology, anthropology, etc. 

Students seeking to enter the program from undergraduate majors other than nutrition should expect to take prerequisite courses in sciences and nutrition prior to admission on regular status. 

Applications are reviewed as they are completed. To assure eligibility for course registration as a matriculated graduate student, files should be complete at least two months prior to the start of the regular semester session. Admission to the program is selective and competitive based on the number of applicants and limits of available faculty and facilities. Those who meet minimum academic requirements are not guaranteed admission. 

A limited number of teaching assistantships/tuition scholarships is available on a competitive basis. To be eligible the student must complete an application file and must be qualified for admission in regular status. Funding decisions are made separately from admission decisions. First priority is given to thesis students. Please refer to the chapter "Financial Aid" in this catalog for more information.

Thesis Option 

Aminimum of 32 credits at the graduate level is required, 6 of which are thesis-related and 14-17 credits in the Department of Nutrition and Dietetics (2 seminar credits and 12-15 course credits). The remaining credits are obtained through courses in related areas such as chemistry, biology, statistics/experimental design, food science, physical education, psychology, sociology, anthropology, communication, etc. Selection of these courses will depend in part on the specific needs of the student and on the student's professional or research interests. 

Core course requirements include: NTDT 611 (Advanced Nutrition), a graduate level biochemistry course, and a graduate level course in statistics/experimental design. 

Degree completion also requires: 1) presentation of thesis research results in seminar format to the departmental faculty, 2) submission of manuscript draft for publication, and 3) satisfactory performance on the final oral examination. 

Aminimum of 35 credits at the graduate level is required, including 17 credits in the Department of Nutrition and Dietetics and a 3 credit field study. The remaining 15 credits are obtained through non-departmental courses in related areas. Degree completion also requires satisfactory performance on a comprehensive examination and presentation of field study at a department seminar. 

A post-baccalaureate dietetic internship developed in cooperation with the Delaware Division of Public Health provides an in-depth experience in clinical nutrition, food service management, and public health nutrition. Evaluation of eligibility for admission is made by a departmental faculty review committee. Evidence of completion of a baccalaureate degree and courses required as part of the degree-granting didactic program must be provided as part of the application. Acceptance into the internship is on a competitive basis. Applications are read and evaluated by an internship acceptance committee who use a numerical rating scale. Students who provide evidence of a considerable amount of work experience in a professional capacity may be accepted based on the merits of their total application even if the undergraduate grade point average is less than the desired minimum. 

Prospective students should submit a completed application form, transcript(s) of all undergraduate and post-baccalaureate course work, Graduate Record Examination (GRE) scores, and three references from individuals able to evaluate the applicant's potential for successful completion of the internship. Admission to regular status requires 1) GRE scores, of 900 or higher (verbal plus quantitative); 2) overall undergraduate grade point average (GPA) of 2.75 or higher; 3) undergraduate GPA of 2.75 or higher in major courses. Students applying for this experience must have completed the courses necessary for American Dietetic Association verification. 

Students are required to participate in a two-week orientation at the beginning of the internship and to earn a total of 12 credits. Students must complete two academic semesters consisting of 38 hours per week of supervised clinical practice: NTDT 550 (fall, 4 credits) and NTDT 551 (spring, 4 credits). In addition, students must complete a 2-hour interactive distance learning seminar each week during both semesters: NTDT 650 (fall, 2 credits) and NTDT 651 (spring, 2 credits). Of the 12 credits required to complete the certificate program, only the four credits from NTDT 650 and 651 may be applied toward the Master's degree. Additional information regarding progress evaluation and retention/termination policies are available from the department office.