Quick links
Program Overview
The Dietitian/ Nutritionist Specialization is no longer accepting applications.
A rigorous and integrated specialization within Human Development Studies, the Dietitian/Nutritionist specialization prepares professionals who can critically explore and synthesize the dynamic relationships among individuals, environments, and human systems. Using a systems theory lens and linking research with practice, students will examine different developmental domains as well as design strategies and interventions to promote healthy development among individuals, groups, and organizations.The program includes an internship in collaboration with Vanderbilt University Medical Center, which was named to U.S. News and World Report's Honor Roll of America's Best Hospitals. Interns develop professional practice skills in leadership, clinical judgement, food and nutrition advocacy, evidence-based problem solving, active citizenship and lifelong learning. Internship faculty and preceptors are experts in clinical practice.
Program Facts
Program Director: Bradley T. Erford
For More Information: HDS Info*
Admission Term: Summer
Credit Hours: 30
* For more information on the Dietetic Internship Program, contact Kerri Baxter at VUMC.
This video gives an overview of the internship and VUMC. The internship VUMC homepage is available here.
Requirements for admission to the Dietitian/Nutritionist Specialization:
- Baccalaureate degree from an accredited college or university.
- Verification statement from an ACEND-accredited Didactic Program in Dietetics (DPD)
- Overall GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale
- Degrees granted more than 3 years prior to the application must be updated with appropriate DPD coursework
- Complete Vanderbilt University's Peabody College application.
- Complete the DICAS application.
All entering graduate and professional students at Vanderbilt University must submit final, official transcripts for prior degrees earned in order to register for classes for their first semester. For students enrolled in Peabody's M.Ed. Program in Human Development Studies-Dietitian/Nutritionist Specialization, official transcripts of prior degrees, a final transcript upon Vanderbilt degree completion, and other relevant academic data are shared with Vanderbilt University Medical Center's Programs in Allied Health for credentialing and accreditation purposes.
Our Commitment to Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion
We train future practitioners through a lens of health equity and literacy, connecting food and nutrition knowledge to real-world situations. Through reflection, hands-on-experiences and faculty-preceptor mentoring, interns learn to use their voices as leaders in diverse practice settings where food and nutrition advocacy matters, including serving underresourced and marginalized communities and families. To complement clinical training, a community-based practice network of our partners influence food systems, address health disparities and drive change as nutrition entrepreneurs.
Program Curriculum
In this innovative program, you'll develop your skills to drive and manage change, working with diverse populations in a wide range of settings, and set yourself apart as an effective organizational leader focused on equity and systemic change. Courses offered in the Human Development Studies dietitian/nutritionist program are designed to foster close working relationships with faculty and a personalized approach, resulting in productive classroom experiences.
This is a 30-credit-hour capstone-based master's program that includes a two-semester dietetic internship. It begins in the summer and is completed in 4 semesters.
Coursework
Careers in Human Development Studies
DIETITIAN/NUTRITIONIST SPECIALIZATION
There are several possible career paths for our Human Development Studies alumni. Graduates of the track are prepared to work as registered dietitian nutritionists in:
- Hospitals
- Local or state government agencies
- Businesses
- Organizations providing care, education, advocacy and/or services to help individuals across the lifespan navigate health and wellness challenges