The online master's degree program is open for enrollment for the fall and spring semesters each year. You must meet the following requirements to be considered for admission:

1. Bachelor's Degree: A bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited institution is required and must be documented by submission of official transcript indicating the degree has been conferred before entering the program. The bachelor’s degree may be in any field.
   
   
2. Prerequisite Coursework: Before entering the program, students must have completed prerequisite courses in biochemistry (one semester), physiology (one semester), and nutrition (more than one semester preferred).
   
   
3. RD Credential: Applicants who are credentialed as a registered dietitian by the Commission on Dietetic Registration of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics or have completed a Didactic Program in Dietetics accredited by the Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics (ACEND) are eligible to take any course offering (Documentation of CDR card or DPD verification statement is required).
   
   Applicants without the RD credential or who have not completed a DPD program will not be eligible to enroll in clinical nutrition courses. 
   
   
4. Grade Point Average: A cumulative grade-point average of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale for undergraduate college coursework is required for admission. A GRE score is not required for this program.
   
   
5. Background Check: The Joint Commission requires all incoming students to provide to KU a background check report. This one-time expense must be paid for by the student directly to the company performing the background investigation. Students will be asked to complete this process upon official acceptance into the program. For more information, please see the School of Health Professions background check instructions.
   
   
6. English Proficiency: Applicants who are not native speakers of English, whether domestic or international, must demonstrate they meet the minimum English proficiency requirement.
   
   
7. International Students: An applicant is considered an international student if he or she requires a visa, or currently resides in the U.S. with non-immigrant status, or currently resides in the U.S. while applying for permanent residency. Additional requirements and documentation, such as proof of English language proficiency, are required for international students to become eligible for KU programs. Please review the information for international applicants before applying.
   
   The IDEA program acknowledges reciprocity as outlined by the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics. Reciprocity is defined as individuals who have completed the education and credentialing requirements in one country may be eligible for another country's credentialing examination if the two countries have entered into an agreement to allow this process. The Commission on Dietetics Registration currently has registration eligibility reciprocity agreements with the following foreign dietetic associations and regulatory boards:
   • Canada: Dietitians of Canada
   • Netherlands: Dutch Association of Dietitians and Ministry of Welfare, Public Health and Culture
   • Philippines: Philippine Professional Regulation Commission
   • Ireland: Irish Nutrition and Dietetic Institute