Frequently Asked Questions

Registered Dietitian Nutritionists (RDN) or Registered Dietitians (RD) are healthcare professionals who strive to improve the nutritional profile of individuals, communities, and populations through education, counseling, food and nutrient delivery, program development, and policy change. 

The credential RDN and RD are synonymous.

Registered dietitian nutritionists work in healthcare facilities, schools, community programs, large foodservice operations, corporations, and in many other facilities and roles. Learn more about RDNs at the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics. 

Salaries vary by years in the field, years in position, position held, and location.  According to the 2021 Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics Compensation & Benefits Survey, the salary range for RDNs ranges from $52,000-$114,000 with the median being approximately $72,000 for all RDNs and $82,000 for those working in the Pacific geographical region.

The Master of Nutritional Sciences & Dietetics is a professional master's degree, which prepares graduates with the knowledge, skills, and professional behaviors to practice and succeed as a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist. The program trains students to enter the profession of dietetics. Graduates earn the designation of MNSD.

The required academic coursework primarily takes place during year one. This is followed by a summer research project and then approximately 35 weeks of supervised practice during year two. A smaller supervised practice rotation also occurs during year one, and two courses are completed during year two.

Approximately 35 weeks of supervised practice will be completed during the program, most of which occurs during year two of the program.  When in a supervised practice rotation, students are expected to be on-site at their assigned facility four or more days a week.  Students are expected to follow the normal business hours for the facility and preceptor, which could include some longer 10-hour days, early start times (6:30 or 7:30 am), weekends, and training on holidays. Students are expected to be fully available during this time and demonstrate flexibility with the worksite schedules.

Students will be required to travel up to 40 miles, and some will travel up to 50 miles, from the UCB campus for this experience.

During the supervised practice time, students are trained under the supervision of a qualified practitioner. Students practice skills and complete additional projects and assignments. The program and practitioners have a high standard for professional behavior. Students succeed when they have the motivation to learn, are able to quickly apply new learning, are able to adapt to the facility and expectations, have strong interpersonal skills, organizational and time management skills, and are resilient and open to reflection and feedback.

There are opportunities to be involved with UC Berkeley groups and initiatives such as the Basic Needs Center, Cal Athletics, and the Berkeley Food Institute.

The degree has been approved as a full-time and in-person program.

Graduation requirements to earn the Master of Nutritional Sciences and Dietetics degree can be found in the program handbook.

Given the large number of core competencies, there are no elective courses built into the curriculum. If students are in good academic standing and complete an elective request form in the fall of their first year, they are welcome to complete a 2-3 week rotation elective (NST 400) during their second year, if a facility is available.

The program aims to accept approximately 20 students per year.

Most students will be working in a laboratory that focuses on understanding the function of nutrients and their metabolic interactions in living organisms. Learn more about our faculty's specializations on the faculty roster. Some students may have the opportunity to participate in clinical or qualitative research.

Berkeley is located in the San Francisco Bay Area and combines an attractive campus within a diverse city. There is much to do both on campus and off, including many cultural, sport, and outdoor (hiking, skiing, aquatic activities, etc.) events and opportunities. Downtown Berkeley has a large variety of restaurants with various ethnic cuisine options available. 

No, graduates from any bachelor’s program are welcome to apply as long as they have taken the prerequisite courses.

The UCB  Graduate Division page provides guidance for writing the Statement of Purpose and the Personal Statement. In addition to this guidance, please be sure to share with us why you are interested in our program, specifically, and demonstrate that you have the qualities needed to succeed during supervised practice. Be concise; an ideal essay should say everything it needs to with brevity. Approximately 500 to 1000 well-selected words (1-2 single-space pages in 12-point font) is better than more words with less clarity and poor organization.

Please read more about our application requirements here.

We admit for the fall semester only.

Please read more about application fee waivers here.

No, unofficial transcripts are uploaded to the application and official transcripts are required prior to starting the program. Please read more about our application requirements here.

Our goal is to have our final decisions made by the end of February.

We suggest you prepare for the interview by reviewing the ideas found here. You might read this before you apply to the program, as it provides additional insight into the program.

Planned department or program awards can be found here.

The School of Public Health offers a Public Health Dietetic Internship for those who hold a DPD verification statement. Learn more here