How long does it take to get a master's in dietetics?

January 2, 2026 •

2 min read

As of January 1, 2024, all candidates for the Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RDN) exam must hold a master's degree. Understanding how long does it take to get a master's in dietetics is a critical step for anyone pursuing this career, as the total timeline depends on the program type and your pace of study.

Quick Summary

The total timeline to become a Registered Dietitian and get a master's degree typically spans 6-7 years, including undergraduate prerequisites, graduate coursework, and a supervised practice internship. The overall duration can be influenced by full-time or part-time enrollment, prior education, and the specific program format chosen.

Key Points

New RDN Requirement: Since January 1, 2024, a master's degree is mandatory to become a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RDN).
Total Timeline: The complete process, including a bachelor's degree, master's degree, and internship, typically takes 6 to 7 years for new students.
Coordinated Programs: These programs integrate the master's degree and the supervised internship, potentially shortening the timeline to 2-3 years for those with an undergraduate degree.
Didactic Path: With this option, you complete a DPD-accredited master's program and then apply separately for a dietetic internship, which can be a competitive process.
Supervised Practice: All aspiring RDNs must complete at least 1,200 hours of supervised practice, regardless of their master's program path.
Career Changers: Individuals with a bachelor's in another field will need to complete prerequisite coursework before entering an accredited master's and internship program.

The New Master's Requirement and Overall Timeline

The Commission on Dietetic Registration (CDR) now requires a graduate degree to be eligible to take the RDN exam as of January 1, 2024. This means the path to becoming a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist now typically takes 6 to 7 years for those starting with a bachelor's degree. This includes completing an undergraduate degree, a master's program, and a supervised dietetic internship.

Breaking Down the RDN Path

Bachelor's Degree: A four-year degree from an ACEND-accredited Didactic Program in Dietetics (DPD) provides foundational coursework.
Master's Degree: This phase usually takes 1.5 to 2 years for full-time study, covering advanced topics in nutrition and dietetics.
Dietetic Internship: A required 1,200+ hour supervised practice experience follows the master's degree and typically lasts 6 to 12 months.
CDR Exam: After completing the master's and internship, passing the national exam is required for the RDN credential.

Comparing Program Paths: Coordinated vs. Didactic

Choosing between a Coordinated Program (CP) and a Didactic Program in Dietetics (DPD) followed by a separate internship will impact your timeline. For a comparison of program features, duration, internship structure, eligibility, and who each path is best suited for, see {Link: nutritioned.org https://www.nutritioned.org/registered-dietitian-nutritionist-degree/}.

Factors That Can Lengthen or Shorten the Journey

Several factors can influence the duration of your master's in dietetics journey:

Pace of Study: Part-time enrollment in a master's program will extend the coursework phase beyond the typical 1.5-2 years.
Prior Education: If your bachelor's degree is not in a related field, you may need to complete prerequisite science courses, adding 1-2 years before starting a master's program.
Internship Application: For the DPD path, the internship match is competitive, and not matching on the first attempt will prolong the process.
Online Programs: While coursework can be online, the supervised practice must be completed in person, which can take up to a year.

The Step-by-Step RDN Journey for Career Changers

For those with a bachelor's in an unrelated field, the path involves completing prerequisite coursework, often through a DPD certificate program, before pursuing an ACEND-accredited master's degree and a supervised internship. After completing these steps, candidates are eligible for the CDR exam and state licensure.

Conclusion

Obtaining a master's in dietetics is a multi-year process, with the total duration depending on individual educational background and program structure. The new CDR requirement for a master's degree has made careful planning essential for aspiring RDNs. Options like Coordinated Programs offer integrated coursework and internships. To ensure you have the latest information on the graduate degree requirement, consult the official {Link: CDR website https://www.cdrnet.org/graduatedegree}.

Frequently Asked Questions

The steps include: earning an ACEND-accredited bachelor's degree, completing an ACEND-accredited master's degree, finishing a 1,200+ hour dietetic internship, and passing the national CDR exam.

A dietetic internship usually lasts between 6 and 12 months, depending on whether the program is full-time or part-time.

A CP combines the master's coursework and internship into one program, while a DPD requires you to complete the master's coursework first and then apply separately for an internship.

Yes, many ACEND-accredited master's programs offer online coursework. However, the required supervised practice internship must be completed in-person.

Yes, the requirement for a master's degree to sit for the RDN exam was implemented on January 1, 2024.

While relevant experience can strengthen your application, it doesn't typically shorten the educational timeline. However, career changers with a science background may have fewer prerequisite courses to complete.

You should first complete prerequisite science courses required by ACEND-accredited master's programs, often through a DPD certificate program.