Master of Professional Studies- Leadership In Nutrition
The (MPS-LIN/DI) program is a 14 to 16 month degree program offered by the Middle Tennessee State University (MTSU) in collaboration with KBDI. This is a distance, 30 - credit hour online graduate program. Six credit hours of the 30 are applied to the supervised practice hours completed through the KBDI. This innovative program incorporates leadership and entrepreneurial skills while also providing nutrition education in research, sustainability, ethics, food and culture, and obesity. Graduates of the MPS/DI program will become leaders in the Dietetics field and start their career path with confidence.
Admission requirements and Application
Admission Requirements:
- An earned Bachelor’s Degree from an accredited university or college.
2. An acceptable grade point average (GPA) in all college work taken (at least 2.75 for unconditional admission).
3. Three (3) letters of recommendation (waived when you complete your application to KBDI).
4. Completion of a portfolio of works OR Graduate Record Examination (GRE) based on the criteria below:
– Completion of a portfolio of works for those with a 3.0 GPA or higher
– Completion of a portfolio of works for those with a 2.75 GPA or higher and five (5) years of professional full-time work experience. With the non-GRE option, you would submit a resume, and an essay. The essay should be 1 1/2 to 2 pages on your professional experience or why you want to complete the MPS degree program.
– Completion of the GRE General Test with acceptable scores.
Application Process:
-Submit the application with the appropriate application fee. Apply Here.
-Once this initial application has been accepted, the applicant will receive directions on how to enter the graduate portal to be able to submit other materials.
-Please submit all application materials by the end of March for a Summer start term, by the end of July for a Fall start term, and by November for a Spring start term.
Mission Statement
Middle Tennessee State University embraces its role as a comprehensive, innovative institution whose distinctive bachelor’s, master’s, specialist, and doctoral programs prepare graduates to thrive in their chosen professions and a changing global society. Students, faculty, and staff generate, preserve, and disseminate knowledge and collaboratively promote excellence through teaching and learning, research, creative activity, and public engagement.
Based on the 2022 – 23 year:
The Graduate In-State Tuition is $601 per credit hour. Estimated tuition is $14,424 for 24 Credit Hours*.
The Graduate Out-of-State online tuition is $862 per Credit hour. Estimated tuition is $20,688 for 24 Credit Hours*.
Financial aid is available. Click here to learn more.
*Tuition rates are subject to change. Confirm rates on MTSU website.
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Academic Calendar
The proposed academic map developed for the KBDI interns includes the four core courses of the MPS-LIN which are Leading Organization Transformation, Professional Environment: Issues and Ethics, Research Methods, and Statistical Analysis. The other courses were chosen to align with the focus of this unique internship. These include Entrepreneurial Skills for Nutrition Professionals, Current Issues in Sustainable Food Systems, Effective Program Management, Corporate Communication, Current Issues in Micronutrients, and the Professional Project. The focus of the Professional Project will be determined by the dietetic intern, DI Director, and the MPS-LIN faculty advisor.
Spring/Fall Match Schedule Sample
Course Work and Completion Requirements
Interns who enroll in this path will be responsible for selecting their own supervised practice rotations from the following framework: 120 hours in the community rotation, 360 hours in the clinical rotation, 240 hours in the food service management rotation, 280 hours in the business rotation (should have at least 2 different business rotations), and 120 hours in the independent enrichment rotation. Interns will be permitted to select their preferred time frame for each rotation, within the ranges listed above.
The MPS program consists of 10 courses. It is a 30 hours credit program. KBDI counts for 6 credit hours. The remaining is 24 credit hours (8 courses each of 3 credit hours). Check the full website for more information.
Enrolled interns will complete 6 to 9 credit hours per semester for three to four semesters while concurrently completing their internship rotations. Following completion of their dietetic internship, the dietetic interns will submit their Prior Learning Experience (PLA) portfolio. The PLA portfolio will include evidence of the dietetic intern’s successful completion of the Competencies for Registered Dietitian Nutritionists (CRDNs).
To ensure completion of the necessary 1080 supervised practice hours and 40 alternative practice hours, interns will be required to complete a total of 28 weeks of supervised practice hours. Interns will have received “meets” and/or “exceeds” and/or “entry level” on all rotation evaluations, including rotation and curriculum assignments. Interns will have successfully completed their relevant Business Plans. Interns will have presented their final Business Plan to the KBDI Staff and received “meets” and/or “exceeds” on the final.
The MPS/DI track is generally between 14 – 16 months to complete the supervised practice hours and the graduate classes. The Dietetic Internship Verification Statement will be provided to graduates who have successfully completed their supervised practice rotations and associated assignments, rotation and final business plans, and master’s degree classes.