The Master of Science in Nutritional Sciences (MSNS) program is designed to educate and form servant leaders in the field of health and wellness. With a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RDN) option and a Thesis option, the Nutritional Sciences MS degree program allows students to customize curriculum to fit their career goals and interests.
Students pursuing their master’s in nutrition leading to the RDN credential at FranU will also experience the Nutrition Skills Lab and Simulation Environment Teaching Hospital (SETH), a state-of-the-art simulated learning environment where students can complete computer-based task training.
With diverse simulation suites and a number of debriefing rooms, students will find FranU’s facilities play a crucial role in our efforts to provide students with collaborative, hands-on learning experiences.
Closure of the DI:
The FranU Master of Science in Nutritional Sciences with Dietetic Internship program will be closing on December 31, 2025 and transitioning to the FranU Master of Science in Nutritional Sciences RDN concentration program. Alumni of the dietetic internship program may reach out to Dr. Kathryn Fakier to obtain a copy of their verification statement after program closure.
The RDN concentration is primarily for students who want to become registered dietitians nutritionists (RDNs).
The thesis option is for students who are already RDNs seeking a master’s degree, dietetic interns seeking a master’s degree, or students who want to pursue research in the field of nutrition and dietetics.
Franciscan Missionaries of Our Lady University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges to award associate, baccalaureate, masters, and doctorate degrees. Questions about accreditation of Franciscan Missionaries of Our Lady University may be directed in writing to the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges at 1866 Southern Lane, Decatur, GA 30033-4097, by calling (404) 679-4500, or by using information available on SACSCOC’s website (www.sacscoc.org).
Franciscan Missionaries of Our Lady University's Future Education Model Graduate Program is granted full accreditation by the Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics (ACEND), 120 South Riverside Plaza, Suite 2190, Chicago, IL 60606-6995, 312-899-0040 ext. 5400. For more information, visit their website at www.eatrightpro.org/acend.
Note: Prospective students should visit the State Authorization page to verify that Franciscan Missionaries of Our Lady University is authorized to offer online courses and programs in your respective state. Prior to enrollment, students are also encouraged to visit their state educational agency or licensing board to ascertain whether or not they can utilize their degree program for additional compensation, initial licensing or renewal, as well as any other benefits.
Graduates can pursue careers as registered dietitians nutritionists (RDN) or nutrition and dietetic practitioners in various settings, as well as careers in food research, menu development, wellness, exercise and other related health practices.
1. Complete a minimum of a master's degree at a U.S. regionally accredited university or college or foreign equivalent, and coursework through an Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics (ACEND) accredited Didactic (DPD), Coordinated (CP), Graduate Program (GP) or Foreign (FDE) program.
2. Complete required supervised practice/experience through an ACEND accredited Dietetic Internship (DI), Coordinated (CP), Graduate Program (GP) or an Individualized Supervised Practice Pathway (ISPP) offered through an ACEND- accredited program.
The MSNS program at Franciscan Missionaries or Our Lady University meets this requirement in the process to becoming an RDN.
3. Pass a national examination administered by the Commission on Dietetic Registration (CDR). For more information regarding the examination, refer to CDR's website at http://www.cdrnet.org .
4. Complete continuing professional educational requirements to maintain registration. Some RDNs hold additional certifications in specialized areas of practice. These are awarded through CDR, the credentialing agency for the Academy, and/or other medical and nutrition organizations and are recognized within the profession, but are not required. Some of the certifications include pediatric or renal nutrition, sports dietetics, nutrition support, and diabetes education.
After fulfilling the requirements for becoming a registered dietitian nutritionist, some states may require further licensure. This program meets the requirements for Louisiana state licensure, as well as several others. For information on state licensure requirements, please visit the Commission on Dietetic Registration at https://www.cdrnet.org/licensure
The mission of the MSNS program is to educate and form entry-level registered dietitian nutritionists or dietetic practitioners to meet the core competencies for becoming servant leaders in health and wellness. With a concentration in community nutrition, graduates will be educated in the most rigorous, individualized, professional, and comprehensive manner.
Students in the MSNS program will follow a curriculum that builds a solid foundation in nutritional sciences with courses including advanced medical nutrition therapy nutrition education and counseling, community nutrition and policy and a capstone in nutrition.
In addition to this core curriculum, students will complete supervised experiential learning hours or Thesis, rounding out their studies and providing opportunities for hands-on experience or advanced research in the field.
Nutritional sciences majors can choose to complete the concentration to become an RDN or a Thesis. The RDN option is primarily for students who want to become registered dietitians nutritionists (RDNs), while the Thesis option is geared toward students who are already RDNs, students completing a stand-alone dietetic internship program, or students who are not seeking RDN status but wish to pursue a master's degree in nutritional sciences.
With support from the Louisiana State Board of Regents and Our Lady of the Lake Regional Medical Center, FranU is proud to announce the 2021 FMOL Sisters Graduate Scholarship recipients from the MSNS program.
Kathryn Fakier, PhD, RDN, LDN, FAND
Program Director, Nutritional Sciences
(225) 526-1984
Apply
Visit