College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences
Human Nutrition and Dietetic Sciences (M.S.)
College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences
Human Nutrition and Dietetic Sciences (M.S.)
Shape Healthier Communities with a Graduate Degree Specializing in Human Nutrition & Dietetic Sciences
Step into a high‑impact health profession with New Mexico State University’s Master of Science in Family and Consumer Sciences, concentrating in Human Nutrition and Dietetic Sciences (HNDS). Designed for future Registered Dietitians/Nutritionists (RD/RDN), this rigorous graduate program integrates advanced nutrition science with hands‑on supervised practice through NMSU’s accredited Dietetic Internship.
This combined master’s plus internship pathway not only strengthens your clinical, community, and foodservice management competencies, it also meets the Commission on Dietetic Registration’s requirement that all candidates for the RD exam hold a graduate degree. The HNDS program is rooted in evidence‑based practice and prepares graduates to excel in diverse nutrition careers, from clinical dietetics to public health, community nutrition, and foodservice leadership. With student‑centered faculty committed to equity, inclusion, and professional growth, you’ll join a learning community dedicated to improving health outcomes across New Mexico and beyond.
Admission Deadlines
March 1 (fall), November 1 (spring)
- Total credits: 32-44
Delivery Format
In-person
Career Pathways
There are several career paths commonly pursued by graduates of the M.S. in Family & Consumer Sciences with a concentration in Human Nutrition and Dietetic Sciences:
- Registered dietitian/nutritionist (RD/RDN)
- Clinical dietitian
- Community nutritionist / public health nutritionist
- Foodservice management dietitian
- Nutrition education specialist
- Corporate wellness or workplace health nutritionist
- Dietetic internship preceptor / nutrition program coordinator
- Research or clinical trials nutrition specialist
Degree questions, answered
Have questions about the Master of Science in Family and Consumer Sciences? Fill out our inquiry form.
Why choose a M.S. in Family and Consumer Sciences at NMSU?
Students in NMSU’s Human Nutrition and Dietetic Sciences master’s program gain a focused blend of advanced coursework and supervised practice that builds strong clinical, community, and foodservice management skills. Through the combined master’s degree and Dietetic Internship, you complete structured rotations in community nutrition, clinical dietetics, and foodservice management, supported by faculty committed to student‑centered learning and professional development.
Your experience includes graduate‑level research and data analysis coursework, seminar‑based learning, and a built‑in RD exam review course that helps prepare you for professional credentialing. The inclusive academic environment emphasizes evidence‑based practice and cultural competence, equipping you for careers in clinical care, public health, community nutrition, and foodservice leadership.
ACEND and AND Accredited
New Mexico State University ‘s Dietetic Internship is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics (ACEND) of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics (AND).
Thesis plan: Students must complete a minimum of 30 credits (including four to six credits of thesis), one-half of the credits must be from the 500 level, one-half of credits taken must be from the Department of Family and Consumer Sciences and oral exam on completion of the above requirements.
Non-thesis plan requires:
Students must complete a minimum of 32 credits of course work, one-half of the credits must be from above the 500 level, one-half of the credits must come from the Department of Family and Consumer Sciences, and a oral AND written examination upon completion of the above requirements.
A minor may be taken in a variety of supporting fields that fit the particular interests of the candidate.
Take classes like:
- NUTR 5150 Orientation for Dietetic Internship
- AXED 5510 Research Methods
- PHLS 5120 Biostatistical Application in Public Health
- NUTR 5610 Dietetic Intern Seminar
- NUTR 5650 Foodservice management for Dietetic Interns
- NUTR 5670 Nutrition Care Process for Dietetic Interns
Ready to take the next step?
Request Information
Scholarships and Financial Aid
At NMSU, we strive to offer competitively priced tuition to keep your tuition costs affordable. If you need financial aid, we’re ready to work with you to determine the best ways to finance your education.
Financial assistance includes loans, grants, and scholarship opportunities. To apply, use NMSU’s convenient Scholar Dollar$ one-stop scholarship application, which serves all students in the NMSU system.
NMSU students are also eligible for loans and grants. The first step in applying for financial aid is to complete a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Learn more about financial aid opportunities at NMSU.
Contact Financial Aid
Phone: 1-888-729-6678
Email: financialaid@nmsu.edu
Accreditation
New Mexico State University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission, an institutional accreditation agency recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. Specialized accreditation from other accrediting agencies is also granted for some programs. NMSU’s accreditation ensures that your education meets high-quality standards and that your credits are transferable.