Combined Degree: Applied Food & Nutrition B.S. and Clinical Dietetics, M.S.
Grand Valley State University combined degree programs offer current
qualified undergraduate students the opportunity to complete both an
undergraduate and graduate degree, meeting their unique personal,
academic, and career goals. Pursuing a combined degree can reduce the
cost and total time required to complete both.
Visit the program website for more information.
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Program Overview
Qualified undergraduates may be admitted to the program and obtain both the B.S. in applied food and nutrition (AFN) and M.S. in clinical dietetics within an accelerated time frame.
Students interested in the combined degree program will follow the undergraduate coursework for AFN. Application requirements include:
- A cumulative GPA of 3.0 or better.
- Junior year status in the AFN program.
- A completed online application to the graduate school.
- Academic transcripts and resume.
- Two letters of recommendation.
- An essay of career goals and past experiences relevant to the profession of dietetics.
Why Pursue Combined Degrees at Grand Valley?
- Hands-on learning in state-of-the-art facilities, including simulation, nutritional assessment, and standardized patient laboratories ensure experiential learning
- Accelerate your career trajectory and complete your degrees one step ahead of the competition.
- Meet the growing national need for more master's trained professionals.
- A clinical nutrition manager with a master's degree earns an average of $13 more per hour than an RDN with a bachelor's degree, according to the 2019 Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics Compensation and Benefits Report.
- Accredited by the Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics of The Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, 120 South Riverside Plaza, Suite 2190, Chicago, IL 60606-6995, (312) 899-5400.
Career Insights
This tool shows an overview of potential career opportunities for this major. Actual salaries, employment opportunities, and job titles may change over time.
Accreditation
The Clinical Dietetics Coordinated Graduate Program at Grand Valley State University is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics (ACEND) of The Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics to take students! Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics (ACEND) of The Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, 120 South Riverside Plaza, Suite 2190, Chicago, IL 60606-6995, (312) 899-5400.
As of January 1, 2024, the Commission on Dietetic Registration (CDR)
requires a minimum of a master’s degree to be eligible to take the
credentialing exam to become a registered dietitian nutritionist
(RDN). In addition, CDR requires that individuals complete coursework
and supervised practice in program(s) accredited by the Accreditation
Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics (ACEND). Graduates
who successfully complete the ACEND-accredited coordinated graduate at
Grand Valley State University are eligible to apply to take the CDR
credentialing exam to become an RDN.
For more information about educational pathways to become an RDN
please visit: https://www.eatrightpro.org/acend/students-and-advancing-education/information-for-students.
Location & Format
Classes for the program are a combination of online and in-seat on the GVSU Health Campus, near the Grand Rapids Medical Mile.
Format:Coursework
Students will earn a maximum of 11 graduate credits during their undergraduate program from the courses listed below. Students are encouraged to work with faculty advisors to ensure all requirements are met.
- CD 501 - Emerging Professional Practice Issues in Clinical Dietetics 2
- CD 516 - Food and Culinary Science 4
- CD 560 - Advanced Nutrition Education, Counseling, and Coaching 3
- CD 690 - Research Methodology in Clinical Dietetics 2
Note that this program requires enrollment in two spring/summer semesters.
Admission Requirements
Students can apply to the AFN and CD combined degree program at the end of the fall semester during their third academic year. Applications and interviews occur after January 15 for admission the following fall. Students accepted into the combined degree program will start the fall semester taking AFN and CD courses and will be full-time graduate students by the spring/summer semester.
Visit the online catalog for more information about admission requirements for the combined bachelor of science in applied food and nutrition and master of science in clinical dietetics.
Helpful Links
For More Information
College of Health ProfessionsSchool of Interdisciplinary Health
Applied Food and Nutrition and Clinical Dietetics
Jennifer Ford, MA, RDN
Assistant Professor and Program
Director
500 Lafayette Avenue NE
Raleigh Finkelstein Hall,
420G
Grand Rapids, MI 49503
[email protected]
(616) 331-5529