What to Expect in the Nutrition Coordinated Program

Goals and objectives of the Coordinated Program can be found here. We assume that all our students will choose the coursework-only option. If you’re considering doing a project or thesis, make sure you reach out to a faculty member to see if they’re willing to act as your advisor.

Our program must be completed on a full-time, in-person basis. This usually takes two and a half to three years. (If you choose to do a project or thesis, you’ll likely take longer.)

We require a minimum of 36 credits at the 400 or 500 level. You must take at least 9 hours of 500 level HN courses, excluding project and thesis courses. For our MS Coordinated Program Handbook, click here.

There are two pathways to the Master’s Coordinated Program for undergraduate students in UIC’s Nutrition Science Program. For more details on these pathways for undergraduate students, click here.

Program data regarding goals and objectives of our programs and RD exam pass results are available upon request from the program director.

Effective January 1, 2024, the Commission on Dietetic Registration (CDR) will require a minimum of a master’s degree to be eligible to take the credentialing exam to become a registered dietitian nutritionist (RDN). In order to be approved for registration examination eligibility with a bachelor’s degree, an individual must meet all eligibility requirements and be submitted into CDR’s Registration Eligibility Processing System (REPS) before 12:00 midnight Central Time, December 31, 2023.

For more information about this requirement visit CDR’s website. 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 Master’s Coordinated Program in Dietetics at UIC are eligible to apply to take the CDR credentialing exam to become an RDN.

In most states, graduates also must obtain licensure or certification to practice. For more information about state licensure requirements click here.

For more information about educational pathways to become a RDN click here.

Accreditation

The UIC coordinated program and the nutrition science program are accredited by the Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics for the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics.

Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics
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UIC’s Disability Resource Center (DRC) ensures the rights of college students with disabilities to have full and equal access to their college experience. DRC staff members do so by working one-on-one with students to identify barriers in the campus environment and to create a plan of reasonable accommodations that removes those barriers. Any student with a documented disability can register with the DRC. DRC services are completely free and do not require U.S. citizenship or a Social Security Number.

All prospective students are asked to review the Technical Standards. The Technical Standards describe the performance abilities and characteristics that are necessary to successfully complete the requirements of MS Coordinated Program curriculum and provide effective and safe health care. Students matriculating into the MS Coordinated Program and seeking reasonable accommodations due to a disability or wanting to explore the accommodation options at UIC are asked to contact the Disability Resource Center (DRC) in advance of the Fall 1 semester. To set up or explore accommodations, complete the steps described on the DRC website: https://drc.uic.edu/students-2/new-to-drc/. The steps involve completing the online Student Registration Form and calling the DRC at (312) 413-2183 to schedule an intake appointment.

COVID-19 Considerations
The nutrition programs at UIC understand the hardships that the COVID-19 situation is placing on students. Please refer to the statements below, which apply to new (Fall 2021) MS/CP students, and current and prospective nutrition science program students.

Online courses and labs will be accepted for prerequisites temporarily due to COVID-19 restrictions. Please contact Shayna Oshita for any questions or concerns regarding the program requirements.

Students that have been accepted into the MS/CP for Fall 2021 and those applying to the MS/CP for Fall 2022 will need to maintain a grade for the prerequisite courses per the policy of requiring a C or higher in these classes.

This is an example of a typical program of study. Your advisor will work with you to design a schedule that will ensure you complete all of the required courses.