MS/DI FAQ

The MS/DI program begins in the Late Summer Semester of the Graduate Academic Calendar. View a PDF of the plans of study for the 1-and 2-year degree tracks.

The MS/DI Student Handbook contains additional information as well as links to information published and updated on the program webpages and related pages on the university’s website. Topics include

• the program’s accreditation status
• admissions options
• criteria for determining potential for success in the program
• a description of the program, goals and outcome objectives
• mission
• distance education components
• program delivery methods
• technology requirements
• the Messiah University School of Graduate and Professional Studies catalog, which includes graduate policies on academic integrity, grading, FERPA compliance and student privacy, graduation requirements, complaints, disciplinary and appeals processes
• the RDN credentialing process
• university and program perquisites, including background checks and verification statements
• program tuition, additional costs and expenses, insurance requirements, financial aid, and loan deferments
• academic and program calendars
• policies regarding travel to rotation sites, vacations, holidays, leaves of absence, and make-up days and hours
• student performance monitoring and assessment, including supervised practice policies and expectations and site documentation software
• student progress, retention, and remediation policies
• program withdrawal and refunds
• disciplinary and appeals processes
• access to student support services

Students attend classes weekly at Messiah University's main campus in Mechanicsburg, PA. Additional coursework is completed through an online learning management system and supervised practice hours with partnering organizations at locations that are generally within an hour's drive of main campus.

Students will learn and serve at locations throughout Central Pennsylvania-usually within an hour's drive from Messiah's campus-including WellSpan Health System, public schools, long term care facilities, and community agencies serving food insecure populations.

Current tuition and costs associated with the dietetic internship can be found on the tuition and fees page. Costs for the MS/DI are set each Spring.

-Messiah University offers its undergraduate students, who meet criteria for entry, a seamless transition from the B.S. to the MS/DI program.

-New applicants may apply through DICAS, the centralized application service for dietetics.

-Students who have enrolled in graduate & professional degree courses at Messiah within the last two years can click here for the re-enrollment application.

-Learn more on the MS/DI admission page.

Learn more about financial aid for graduate students at Messiah University.

Messiah undergraduate students may apply for the Mary Ann and Jack Mihok Scholarship, which supports a Messiah University Nutrition and Dietetics student in their last year of undergraduate nutrition and dietetics coursework who is planning to pursue the Registered Dietitian Nutritionist credential after graduation. Students apply for this scholarship the spring semester prior to the year in which the scholarship will be applied. The award is based on academic ability, evidence of a strong work and volunteer ethic, and financial need. Learn more here.