Accreditation and Program Outcomes
Committed to quality. Focused on student success.
The University of Memphis MS in Integrated Nutrition prepares graduates to enter the profession as competent, confident, and engaged Registered Dietitian Nutritionists. Program quality is measured against published goals and objectives and evaluated using data from students, graduates, employers, faculty, and preceptors.
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Accreditation
The University of Memphis MS in Integrated Nutrition is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics (ACEND) of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics through December 31, 2031. ACEND is the accrediting agency for education programs preparing students for careers as Registered Dietitian Nutritionists and Nutrition and Dietetics Technicians, Registered.
Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics
Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics
120 South Riverside Plaza, Suite 2190
Chicago, IL 60606-6995
800-877-1600, ext. 5400
Visit ACEND
Mission, Goals, and Objectives
Consistent with the missions of our university, college, and unit, the mission of the MS Integrated Nutrition and Dietetic Internship program is to prepare graduates to work as entry-level dietitians through the provision of excellent education, experiential learning, research, and clinical practice experiences.
Goal 1: To prepare graduates for professional roles as competent entry-level registered dietitian nutritionists.
- Graduate employment. Of graduates who seek employment, at least 80% are employed in nutrition and dietetics or related fields within 12 months of graduation.
- Graduate performance on the registration exam.
- At least 80% of program graduates take the CDR credentialing exam for dietitian nutritionists within 12 months of program completion.
- The program's one-year pass rate (graduates who pass the registration exam within one year of first attempt) is at least 80%.
- Employer satisfaction. 80% of employers will rate program graduates at three (out of five) or better on preparedness for entry-level practice upon hire, as compared to other registered dietitian nutritionists of similar experience.
- Program completion. At least 80% of interns complete program requirements within 150% of planned program length.
Goal 2: To mentor, encourage, and motivate interns to excel and concurrently complete the MS in Integrated Nutrition and Dietetic Internship.
- 100% of prospective graduate interns will complete a minimum of two mentoring activities with a first-year intern mentee.
- 100% of interns will lead at least two leadership- and research-focused activities prior to graduation as part of their culminating requirements.
Goal 3: To prepare graduates to demonstrate a commitment to the community through professional involvement, leadership, and volunteerism.
- At least 80% of graduates will actively engage in professional and community service through leadership roles, volunteer activities, or professional organizations that promote nutrition, public health, nutrition advocacy, or community well-being within 12 months of graduation.
- At least 80% of graduates will demonstrate leadership and professional involvement in diverse workplace settings, or foster collaboration with and contributions to initiatives that enhance the nutrition and dietetics profession.
Program Outcome Data
Faculty review outcome data annually to evaluate what is working, identify opportunities for improvement, and ensure the program continues to prepare students for the changing demands of nutrition and dietetics practice.
Data demonstrating achievement of program goals and objectives are available upon request. To request program outcome data, contact the Program Director.
Program Completion Requirements
To earn the MS in Integrated Nutrition, students must:
- Complete 36 graduate credit hours
- Complete more than 1,000 hours of Supervised Practice Experience
- Successfully demonstrate all required ACEND competencies
- Maintain satisfactory graduate academic standing
- Successfully complete the outcomes-based Applied Project
- Complete all required Supervised Practice Experience documentation and evaluations
- Meet all University of Memphis Graduate School requirements for degree completion
Once all degree, supervised practice, and competency requirements are verified, the Program Director completes the verification and eligibility documentation required by the Commission on Dietetic Registration.
Credentialing and Licensure
RDN Credentialing Examination
Graduating from the MS in Integrated Nutrition does not by itself confer the RDN credential. After completing all program requirements and receiving eligibility confirmation from the Commission on Dietetic Registration, graduates must pass the national Registration Examination for Dietitians to earn the RD or RDN credential.
State Licensure
Licensure requirements vary by state, and graduates are responsible for meeting the requirements of the state where they intend to practice. Program faculty provide guidance on the transition from graduate student to credentialed professional, including Tennessee licensure and resources for students planning to practice elsewhere.
Student Complaints and Concerns
Students should begin by discussing concerns with the faculty member, preceptor, Clinical Coordinator, or Program Director. If the concern remains unresolved, College, Graduate School, and University grievance processes are available.
Students may also submit complaints related to ACEND accreditation standards directly to ACEND after institutional procedures have been followed.
Students will not face retaliation for raising a good-faith concern or filing a complaint.
Questions About Accreditation or Program Outcomes?
More detail on program policies, supervised practice, competency assessment, remediation, professional expectations, and graduation requirements is available in the current Student Handbook.
Mary Catherine Schallert, MS, RDN, LDN, FAND
Clinical Associate Professor | Program Director
MS in Integrated Nutrition, College of Health and Human Sciences
mcclark1@memphis.edu