The MDA degree is a professional degree with online coursework designed to provide dietitians with training in management and leadership in food and nutrition program administration. This program includes training in financial management, human resource management, marketing, and dietetics-specific management and entrepreneurship. This program is for individuals who have already passed the RD exam, are Registered Dietitians, and want to complete a master's degree. Graduates of the USU Dietetic Internship* can used graduate credits earned in the dietetic internship toward the requirements for the MDA. Credits can be applied for up to 6 years after completing the internship. The MDA program is completely online and is designed to be completed while working full or part-time as a dietitian in your home location. USU Dietetic Internship graduates complete 18 additional credits to earn the MDA. Other students need to complete 33 credits.
Why consider the MDA?
- You’ve already earned credits in the USU Dietetic Internship that apply to the MDA
- Increase your knowledge and skills in dietetics practice, management and leadership
- Increase your job opportunities and pay potential- there is a shortage of dietitians for management positions
- The CDR mandate for master’s level prepared RDNs after January 1, 2024
- Build a professional network of dietitians in your MDA cohort
Program Cost (2023-2024)
Graduates of the USU Dietetic Internship complete 18 additional credits to earn the MDA. Tuition is approximately $9,000. For MDA students completing 33 credits, the cost is around $16,500. For more information on program costs, please contact the program director Martha Archuleta.
For an overview of admission requirements and program of study, refer to the USU Catalog.
*The USU Dietetic Internship is now the Pre-RD Master of Dietetics Administration accredited by ACEND as a future graduate program.