Master's Degree, Dietetic Internship, and Coordinated Programs

This page lists stand-alone dietetic internship (DI) programs and graduate coordinated programs (CPs) in Washington State. We also highlight distance master’s degree/dietetic internship (distance MS/DI) programs within the U.S. 

• To learn more about the pathway pieces to become a Registered Dietitian, please go to the RDN Pathway Overview page.    

• In the tables below, we list tuition and mandatory fees. For a breakdown of mandatory expenses and additional school-related expenses, see the Financial Resources page.   

We'll periodically add more programs as we find out about them. If you have any questions or feedback, or would like to contribute a resource, please reach out to Toi.Sennhauser@doh.wa.gov.  

About Dietetic Internship Applications 

Most dietetic internship programs ask you to apply with a master’s degree already completed.  

• Some DI programs may allow you to complete your master’s degree at the same time as the DI program.  

• Some DI programs may allow you a “pre-select” status, if you’ve completed your master’s degree at their university, meaning you can complete your internship at the same university. 

Most DI programs ask you to go through a matching process to secure an internship spot. Learn more about matching, the D&D Digital Computer matching program, and DICAS here: 

• All Access Dietetics: Dietetic Internship Computer Matching Explanation 

• Diversify Dietetics: Student/Dietetic Intern Resources (scroll to the Computer Matching Resources section) 

• D&D Digital: Internship Matching Questions & Answers 

• AND/Eat Right Pro: Application Process for Students 

*Resource for BIPOC students*: Diversify Dietetics offers a Dietetic Internship Application Support (DAS) Program to support students of color who are participating in the DICAS match and who would like support during the application process.  

Washington State Programs 

In Washington State, you can currently choose from stand-alone DI programs and coordinated programs in dietetics.  

Stand-alone DI programs 

Apply to one of the programs listed in this section if you have completed a master’s degree. On the pathway map, you are here:  

Bastyr University DI Program 

Format: In-person

• Based in Kenmore (north of Seattle)

Total duration:

• 10 months
• Full time
• Start date: Fall

Track or Focus:

• Integrative medicine and environmentally conscious, whole-foods nutrition
• Interns placed in rotations through Bastyr in the greater Seattle area

Interns accepted:

• 12

Cost (23-24 cycle):

• Program cost: $14,250 Mandatory and onboarding costs average around $1,300
  • Bastyr lists expected expenses on their dietetic internship page
• Bastyr University Dietetic Internship is not a degree program. Government financial aid program rules do not allow interns to receive the typical financial-aid programs available to university students.

Application requirements:

• A verification statement from an ACEND-accredited Nutrition and Dietetics Didactic Program (DPD) or Foreign Dietitian Education program (FDE)  
  • Minimum GPA of 3.0 in DPD coursework required
• An official transcript showing a minimum master’s degree in nutrition, dietetics or an equivalent program granted by a U.S. regionally accredited college/university or foreign equivalent  
• Alignment with Bastyr program focus, work experience, and leadership experience desired
• Pre-select application submission: Standard application submission:
  • Bastyr’s DI program only participates in the Spring match cycle. Up to six of the twelve spots in the DI are available to qualified current students or graduates of Bastyr University’s master’s degree DPD program.
  • The remaining positions are filled through DICAS

Related, separate degrees at Bastyr:

• Bachelor of Science in Nutrition, Food, and Exercise Post-baccalaureate in Nutrition
• Master of Science in Integrative Nutrition (online program)
• Master of Science in Nutrition/Didactic Program in Dietetics
• Master of Science in Nutrition and Master of Arts in Counseling Psychology
• Master of Arts in Maternal Child Health Systems (online program)

Website:  https://bastyr.edu/academics/nutrition/non-degree/nutrition-dietetic-internship

 

Central Washington University (CWU) DI Program

Format: In-person/virtual

• Based in Ellensburg
• In-person: rotations, weekly check-ins, orientation and graduation
• Virtual: weekly check-ins

Total duration:

• 8 months
• Full time
• Start date: Fall

Track or Focus:

• No specific focus
• Interns placed in rotations through CWU within Central Washington (greater Yakima Valley, Wenatchee, and Tri-Cities areas) and Tacoma

Interns accepted:

• 10

Cost (23-24 cycle):

• Program cost: 18 credits x3 quarters = $9,050
• Mandatory and onboarding costs average around $1,300
  • CWU lists expected expenses on their dietetic internship page
• CWU DI program is a post-baccalaureate program. CWU dietetic interns qualify for financial aid (as subsidized and unsubsidized loans) and loan deferment if loan limits have not been previously met. 

Application requirements:

• Master’s degree in nutrition or related area
• DPD Verification Statement with completion date within the last five years
  • If DPD is >5 years old, applicants must have recent dietetic work experience and completion of an MNT course within the last 3 years, to be considered
• GPA of 3.0 or higher (4.0 scale) in DPD courses and overall
• Experience, whether paid or volunteer, in clinical nutrition, food service management, or community nutrition is highly desirable
• Pre-select application submission: 
  • Students who are accepted into CWU’s 14-month or 2-year MS in Nutrition graduate program are eligible. If accepted, upon completion of their graduate degree and DPD courses, students will enroll in our 8-month dietetic internship. The CWU DI offers up to 10 out of 10 intern positions to qualified CWU applicants. 
• Standard application submission:
  • Students who have a graduate degree and DPD verification statement can still opt to apply for our stand alone, 8-month dietetic internship. Applicants who are interested can apply through DICAS

Related, separate degrees and certificates at CWU:

• Bachelor of Food Science and Nutrition – Dietetics Specialization
• Bachelor of Food Science and Nutrition – Foods and Nutrition Specialization
• Master of Science in Nutrition
• Master of Public Health (online program) *This program was put hold; may start again for 24-25 school year
• Rural and Community Health graduate certificate (online program)

Website: https://www.cwu.edu/academics/health-science/nutrition-dietetics-information/dietetic-internship-program.php

Garden to Table Nutrition (GTTN) DI Program

Format: Distance internship program

• Based in Bothell (north of Seattle)
• Fall match: Complete distance 
• Spring match: one week in Washington and the rest distance

Total duration:

• Individualized, based on the intern's schedule and prior learning
• May be as short as five months or as long as 24 months
• Start dates:
  • Spring match: Orientation course via Zoom May-June. Required five-day in-person activities in Puget Sound area, Washington
  • Fall match: Orientation course via Zoom January-February. No in-person onsite meeting required.

Track or Focus:

• Local food production, farm-to-table, sustainability
• Interns take the lead in finding their own internship rotation placements with assistance from GTTN staff
• Interns with experience (including WIC Nutritionists) can apply for up to 550 prior learning credit hours
• Interns are allowed to be paid work while doing their rotations

Partnered universities:

• University of Alabama
• John Patrick University
• Cedar Crest College

Interns accepted:

• 30 per year; participates in Spring and Fall Match

Cost (23-24 cycle):

• Program cost:
  • $9,000 
• Estimated additional costs average around $300 for local interns
• Estimated additional $1,000 if transportation and housing needed during the on-site for Spring Match
• GTTN lists expected expenses on their dietetic internship page. Costs may vary.
• GTTN DI program is not eligible for Federal Financial Aid, but potential financial aid may be awarded through their master's program. As an example, University of Alabama Master's students reported that they usually receive about $5,000 beyond the cost of tuition.

Application requirements:

• Minimum of a Baccalaureate Degree and either a master’s degree or plan to enroll in a master’s program. See webpage for graduation and transcript requirements.
• DPD Verification Statement of completion of the Didactic Program in Dietetics (DPD) from an ACEND accredited DPD institution sent directly from the DPD director.
• Overall and DPD GPA of 2.75 or above
• A Medical Nutrition Therapy course completed no more than four years prior to application (or the equivalent)
• Willingness to obtain (at own cost) certifications/clearances as required for any practice sites (may include ServSafe/Food Handler’s Permit, CPR, drug screening, background check, immunizations)
• Identification of at least one willing preceptor
• Desired qualifications:
  • Identified preceptors for clinical, FSM, and community rotations
  • Experience working with local food production (community gardens, personal gardens, agriculture)
  • Volunteer or paid experience in food service, community nutrition, or clinical nutrition
• Prior Assessed Learning (PAL) credits toward supervised practice hours accepted. Interns can receive prior learning credits for up to 50% of the total internship hours.

Application options:

• Applications are accepted through DICAS and matching process for Spring and Fall match.
• Applications are also accepted via rolling admissions starting March 15 through October 15th

Related, separate degrees:

• Not applicable; internship program only

Website:  https://www.gardentotablenutrition.com/

 

Sea Mar CHC DI Program

Format: In-person

• Based in Seattle

Total duration:

• 9 months
• Full time
• Start date: Fall

Track or Focus:

• Community health, rotation emphasis in experiences serving multicultural and low-income communities
• Interns placed in rotations through Sea Mar in the greater Seattle area
• Focus on recruitment of dietitians to work in their clinics after internship completion

Interns accepted:

• 8
• Bilingual (Spanish) interns preferred

Cost (23-24 cycle):

• Program cost: $8,000 Mandatory and onboarding costs average around $1,300
  • Contact Sea Mar DI for more information about specific expected costs at their program

Application requirements:

• Students must have a Declaration of Intent to Complete or a Verification Statement from an ACEND-accredited Dietetics Didactic Program (DPD) or Foreign Dietitian Education (FDE) program
• Master’s Degree Requirement:
  • Option 1: Completion of a master's degree by the first day of the internship (mid-September)
  • Option 2: Master's degree in-progress
• Prior Assessed Learning (PAL) credits toward supervised practice hours accepted
• Applicants apply through DICAS

Related, separate degrees:

• Not applicable; non-profit health and human services organization

Website:  

• https://seamar.org/services-preventive-overview.html
• https://www.seamar.org/download/Dietetic-Internship-Information%202023.pdf

 

Seattle Pacific University (SPU) DI Program

Format: In-person

• Based in Seattle

Total duration:

• 9 months
• Full time
• Start date: Fall

Track or Focus:

• Community nutrition concentration with focus on food security, cultural competence, and nutrition education of diverse audiences
• Interns placed in rotations through SPU in the greater Seattle area
• Optional international rotation in Shimla, India (additional cost)

Interns accepted:

• 11

Cost (23-24 cycle):

• Program cost: $13,500
• Mandatory and onboarding costs average around $1,300
  • SPU lists expected expenses on their dietetic internship page
• SPU DI program is a post-baccalaureate program. Financial aid is not available for post-baccalaureate students enrolled at SPU. 

Application requirements:

• Master's degree from an accredited college or university
• An original signed Verification Statement dated within last five years
• Minimum cumulative GPA: 3.0; Minimum DPD Professional Sciences GPA: 3.0. Proof of DTR credential may be taken into consideration if an applicant's GPA is below 3.0
• ServSafe Manager Certification through the National Restaurant Association 
• Preferred qualifications:
  • Experience in clinical, community and/or food service management settings
  • Mission, study abroad or volunteer experience with diverse cultures
  • Involvement in a state or local dietetic association
  • Leadership experience
• Pre-select application submission:
  • The SPU DI program offers up to 11 out of 11 intern positions to qualified SPU-affiliated applicants. 
• Standard application submission:
  • The remaining positions will be filled through DICAS
• Prior Assessed Learning (PAL) credits toward supervised practice hours accepted

Related, separate degrees at SPU:

• Bachelor of Science in Nutrition and Dietetics
• Bachelor of Science in Food and Nutritional Sciences: Food and Nutrition Emphasis
• Master of Education in Digital Education Leadership

Website: https://spu.edu/academics/college-of-arts-sciences/family-consumer-sciences/undergraduate-programs/food-sciences/dietetic-internship

 

Coordinated programs in dietetics

Washington State currently offers two master’s level coordinated programs. Through these you’ll complete a master’s degree and supervised practice. Coordinated programs typically include academic coursework that is similar to DPD coursework. On the pathway map, you are here:

University of Washington (UW) - GCPD

Format: In-person

• Based in Seattle

Total duration:

• 24-27 months
• Full time
• Start date: Fall

Track or Focus:

• Dietetic training paired with either an MPH or MS degree through the Food Systems, Nutrition, and Health program
• Dietetic interns choose either the Medical Nutrition Therapy (MNT) or Public Health (PH) concentration
• Interns placed in rotations through UW in greater Seattle area

Interns accepted:

• 14

Cost (23-24 cycle):

• Program costs ranges depending on degree and residency: $53,253 – $58,030 (includes master's degree and RDN training)
• Mandatory and onboarding costs average around $1,300
  • UW lists expected expenses on their program page

Application requirements:

• A bachelor’s degree or higher in any discipline
• A cumulative GPA of 3.0 or greater for the final 90 quarter credits or 60 semester hours completed.
  • Applicants with a GPA below 3.0 may still be considered for admission if their overall application has exceptional strengths
• Prerequisite coursework
• Students must apply to the Food Systems, Nutrition, and Health Program for the degree (MS or MPH) and the GCPD for the RDN training program.
  • Acceptance into the GCPD is conditional on acceptance to the Food Systems, Nutrition, and Health Program. 

Related separate degrees at UW:

• Bachelor of Arts in Food Systems, Nutrition, and Health
• Bachelor of Science in Public Health-Global Health: Nutritional Sciences option

Website:  https://foodsystems.uw.edu/rdn/program/

 

Washington State University (WSU) - MS CPD

Format: In-person

• Based in Spokane for the first semester
• Other semesters can be completed on the Spokane and/or the Everett, WA campuses

Total duration:

• 1.5-2.5 years (3-5 semesters; depending on student’s undergraduate degree)
• Full time
• Start date: Fall

Track or Focus:

• Master of Science Coordinated Program in Dietetics, Nutrition, and Exercise Physiology (MS CPD)
• Program prepares students to earn both their Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RDN) and Certified Exercise Physiologist (ACSM-EP) credentials
• Students placed in supervised practice rotations through the program around the state of Washington and northern Idaho (near WSU Spokane, Tri-cities, and Everett campuses)

Max. number of students accepted, per accreditation:

• 30

Cost (23-24 cycle):

• Program cost: $19,884 - $33,140
• Mandatory and onboarding costs average around $1,300
  • WSU lists expected expenses in their MS CPD student handbook

Application requirements:

• Applicants to the Master of Science Coordinated Program in Dietetics, Nutrition and Exercise Physiology (MS CPD) must have a bachelor’s degree that satisfies one of the following options:
  • Bachelor of Science in Exercise Science/Physiology from a regionally accredited university
  • Bachelor of Science in Human Nutrition/Dietetics from a regionally accredited university
  • Bachelor of Science in Nutrition and Exercise Physiology from WSU
• Eligible applicants must also have:
  • A cumulative GPA of 3.0
  • A cumulative GPA of 3.0 in the MS CPD prerequisite courses
  • No grade lower than a C in any individual prerequisite course (C- does not count)
• Prerequisite courses (see webpage)
• Applicants apply through DICAS

Related separate degrees at WSU:

• Bachelor of Science in Nutrition and Exercise Physiology
• Doctor of Philosophy in Nutrition and Exercise Physiology

Website: https://medicine.wsu.edu/nutrition-exercise-physiology/mscpd/

 

Distance MS/DI or stand-alone distance DI programs within the US

Apply to one of the programs listed in this section if are ready to complete your dietetic internship through a distance program. This means that you will look for internship rotations near the place you reside while participating in a MS/DI or DI program that is based in a different state.

On the pathway map, you are here:

Diversify Dietetics Internship Program

Format: Distance program 

• Based in Atlanta, GA

Total duration:

• Stand-alone DI option: 10 months full time
• MS/DI option: 18 months full time
• Program includes an in-person onsite meeting in Atlanta, GA

Track or Focus:

• Focus on increasing racial and ethnic diversity in the field of nutrition by empowering nutrition leaders of color. 
• DDIP Mission: to prepare graduates to be culturally-sensitive RDNs with the competence and skills that will allow them to advance the science and practice of nutrition and dietetics equitably for all individuals and communities
• Interns placed in rotations through DDIP locally (Atlanta metro area) or across the US Stand-alone DI or MS/DI
• Local (Atlanta metro area) or distance rotation options

Partnered master’s degree program(s):

• Georgia State University – Master of Science in Nutrition (online program)
• University of Alabama – Master of Science in Human Nutrition (online program)

Cost (23-24 cycle):

• Program cost: $10,250
• Mandatory and onboarding costs average around $1,300
  • DDIP lists expected expenses on their dietetic internship page
• DDIP offers scholarships to qualifying BIPOC applicants through their DDIP Preselect Application Scholarship
• DDIP does not qualify for federal financial aid, so tuition for DDIP is not a “qualified educational expense”. This means the program cannot provide 1098-T forms and does not qualify for federal financial aid. Interns who are enrolled in a graduate  program while completing the internship may qualify for federal financial aid for their graduate school tuition only. 

Application requirements:

• Preferred minimum DPD GPA and overall GPA of 3.0 or greater out of 4.0, with a grade of C or higher in all core classes (MS/DI applicants are required to have a GPA of 3.0 or higher by the partnered university)
• Minimum of a bachelor’s degree from a U.S. regionally accredited college/university or foreign equivalent
• A medical nutrition therapy course completed no more than four years prior to application (or the equivalent)
• Evidence of a completed graduate degree or proof of acceptance to DDIP affiliate program (see Graduate Program Admissions, below).
• A declaration of intent to complete degree or original verification statement from an ACEND® accredited DPD or Foreign Dietitian Education program (FDE) (Verification statement must be submitted before the applicant can begin the internship.)
• Pre-select application submission:
  • Preselected applicants are eligible to apply to the DDIP Preselect Scholarship. To be eligible, applicants must live in the United States (including Washington D.C. and Puerto Rico).
  • Applications are evaluated via a holistic rubric, where applicants must show evidence of financial need and demonstrate how their past experiences align with the DDIP mission and indicate their potential to support the program goals and objectives.
• Standard application submission:
  • Prior Assessed Learning (PAL) credits toward supervised practice hours accepted
• Applicants apply through  DICAS

Website: https://www.ddinternship.org/