Overview of the Master's Required Dietetic Internship

The Master’s Required Dietetic Internship (MSDI) at The University of Southern Mississippi (USM) integrates graduate-level education and research with supervised practice activities to prepare entry-level registered dietitians that work to improve the health of individuals, families and communities. The USM MSDI is specifically designed to coordinate graduate coursework with supervised learning experiences in this accredited Dietetic Internship, and the research projects in this emphasis focus on activities and projects that are completed during the internship.

Students in the MSDI take courses in the three main areas of practice, including medical nutrition therapy, food systems management, and community nutrition. Other courses in areas such as leadership, nutrition counseling and education, and health promotion, complement the traditional areas of dietetics, creating a well-rounded food and nutrition professional. All of the degree requirements are available fully online, requiring no visits to campus. Participation in online coursework requires that interns have access to a computer/laptop and high-speed internet to participate in synchronous online learning. Although all classes are offered online, the dietetic internship is not a distance program because of the supervised practice requirement. In addition, interns are not required to locate their own supervised practice sites or preceptors.

This program fully follows the university's academic calendar including start and end dates of the program, holidays and breaks with the exception of fall break and Mardi Gras.

The Master’s Required Dietetic Internship is a 21-month and 30-credit graduate internship program. Throughout the course of the internship, interns will participate in a minimum of 1000 hours of supervised practice that take place in an additional 6-credit hours. Rotations during the internship include: general and advanced clinical, renal, nutrition support, long-term care, WIC, child nutrition programs, food service management, food bank, and a 2-week special interest rotation at the end of the internship. In addition, interns gain other experiences through a variety of experiences and activities, including: Health Promotion & Education, Diabetes Camp, Community Health Activities, Journal Club, Menu Planning, Professional Development, and Leadership Activities. Each intern is assigned to a primary supervised practice facility or group of facilities in Jackson, Meridian, the Hattiesburg area, or along the Mississippi Gulf Coast. Typically, there are 6-8 supervised practice slots in Jackson, 2-4 in Meridian, 2-4 in the Hattiesburg area, and 4-6 on the Gulf Coast.

Interns must meet all requirements during the internship to maintain graduate school admission throughout the internship. Failure to maintain graduate school admission requirements will result in dismissal from the dietetic internship. Students must maintain at least a 3.0 GPA for the entire internship to receive a verification statement. Upon successful completion of all program and academic requirements, dietetic interns will be awarded both a dietetic internship verification statement and have their Master of Science degree conferred.

Goals & Outcomes

Goal 1

To develop and maintain a high quality Dietetic Internship that prepares graduates for careers in dietetics and provides the knowledge and skills for employment in dietetics.

1.1	90% of program graduates take the CDR credentialing exam for dietitian nutritionists within 12 months of program completion.
1.2	The program’s one-year pass rate (graduates who pass the registration exam within one year of first attempt) on the CDR credentialing exam for dietitian nutritionists is at least 80%.
1.3	85% of program graduates indicate they are adequately prepared to begin practice as an entry-level dietitian in the following areas: foodservice management, school foodservice, clinical nutrition, community nutrition, and long-term care, as measured by a minimum score of 3 out of 4.
1.4	100% of employers rank satisfaction with program graduates to work as an entry-level registered dietitian as satisfactory, as measured by a minimum score of 3 out of 4.

Program Goal 2

To prepare graduates to enter the profession with the skills to analyze and synthesize information at the graduate level.

2.1	At least 80% of program interns complete program/degree requirements within 32 months (150% of the program length).
2.2	80% of employers rank the graduate’s ability to analyze and synthesize complex information as satisfactory, as indicated by a minimum score of 3 out of 4.

Program Goal 3

To prepare and supply graduates that meet the needs of the Southeastern region of the United States (GA, AL, FL, MS, AR, LA, TX, & TN)

3.1	Of graduates who seek employment, 90% are employed in nutrition and dietetics or related fields within 12 months of graduation.
3.2	80% of Dietetic Internship graduates who are actively seeking employment are employed in the SE region of the United States within 12 months of completing the program.

A summary of outcome data is available upon request.

Admissions Requirements

You must be admitted to the Master of Science in Nutrition and Food Systems at Southern Miss (Either regular or conditional admission) to be considered as a candidate for the Southern Miss Master’s Required Dietetic Internship (MS/DI). Admission to the graduate program may be granted pending receipt of final undergraduate transcript. Please apply for FALL TERM admission.
A Verification Statement signed by the DPD Program Director. If you have not yet completed your DPD, you must be able to submit a Declaration of Intent to Complete Degree signed by the DPD Program Director, and submit the Verification Statement following completion of the program.
GPA of 2.75 on the last 65 undergraduate hours (graduate school requirement)
GPA of 3.00 on didactic coursework (dietetic internship requirement), and you must have a minimum GPA of 2.70 on required science prerequisites, with no grade lower than "C" in ANY of those courses. The following courses are included but not limited to:

General Chemistry (at least 1 semester)
Anatomy & Physiology (at least 1 semester)
Organic Chemistry (1 semester)
Microbiology (1 semester)
Biochemistry (1 semester)

Application Process

To be considered for admission into the Master’s Required Dietetic Internship, applicants must apply concurrently to the dietetic internship program through the DICAS system and Southern Miss Graduate School. Applications will not be accepted without all unofficial transcripts, letters of recommendation, and immunization records.

Application Steps and Deadlines for MSDI Application

The Application Process for Students is provided as a general overview for admissions to any supervised practice program.

Preferred Admission at Southern Miss is open from October 1st - December 1st with notification of admissions decision on or before January 15th. All students must use DICAS.

Applications for regular admission are due February 1st with notification on or before March 1st.

All offers must be accepted or rejected by March 15th.

Please see the Student Traffic Rules and Code of Conduct information for more details.

Step 1: Dietetic Internship Centralized Application Service - DICAS

The Dietetic Internship Program at The University of Southern Mississippi uses DICAS for all applicants. When completing your application in DICAS you will need the following:
- A personal statement in 1,000 words or less that addresses the following:
  - Why do you want to enter the profession of dietetics?
  - What are some experiences that have helped to prepare you for your career?
  - Provide some examples of your perseverance, resilience, and/or ability to overcome challenges.
  - What are your short-term and long-term goals?
  - What are your strengths and weaknesses or areas needing improvement?
  - - Official Transcripts from ALL colleges and universities attended
    - The name and contact information (specifically an e-mail address) for three references. This will trigger an e-mail message requesting completion of a reference form. The form will be completed on-line.
    - The student's preference for supervised practice placement will be completed along with the application in DICAS.
    Step 2: Apply to Graduate School for Fall Term Admission
    - Application to Graduate School Program
    - All college/university transcripts to graduate school (you may want to wait to apply to grad school until you know you are accepted into the DI).
    Estimated Expenses and Financial Aid
    The Food and Nutrition Conference & Exhibition (FNCE) of the academy of Nutrition and Dietetics and Mississippi Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics (MS-AND) Annual Conference are required professional meetings with the intern covering all expenses including registration, hotel, & travel
    
    * Fees subject to change without notice
    
    ** Registration, hotel, meals, & travel cost will vary
    
    Financial Aid
    
    Full-time graduate students are eligible for federally guaranteed student loans and other forms of financial assistance. Those interested in such assistance should contact the Southern Miss Office of Financial Aid at 601-266-4774.
    
    In addition, scholarships are offered through the School of Kinesiology and Nutrition. Applications are available on the USM Foundation website. Additional professional scholarships may be available through the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics Foundation. Information on the ANDF scholarships can be found online. Students must be a member of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics to be eligible to apply for Foundation scholarships.
    
    Interns are also responsible for all housing, transportation, insurance (health and automobile) and professional dress expenses.
    Program Resources
    Please join us on Zoom for our upcoming virtual open house to meet with the internship director and a current intern, and learn more about the program. Make sure to register beforehand using the link below.
    
    Wednesday October 15th 2024 at 1:00pm Central Time:
    
    You may view the recording from last year's virtual open house below: