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The master's of Advanced Practice in Dietetics (MAPD) is an accelerated, non-thesis professional degree designed to help meet the ACEND requirements of a master’s degree for all aspiring registered dietitian Nutritionist (RDN). With a comprehensive curriculum focused on advanced training in dietetics, students can complete the program in as little as one year.
Whether you aim to work in acute care clinical settings, outpatient centers, or community health organizations, this degree offers the depth of knowledge needed to expand your professional development. By offering advanced training in dietetics and nutritional sciences for new and experienced professionals in nutrition, the program prepares students at an advanced level and provides graduates with advanced knowledge, expanded skills, lifelong learning, and professional leadership to pursue a wide range of career options in dietetics.
With the MAPD, you can tailor your education to your specific career goals by choosing one of three specializations:
Each specialization provides a targeted curriculum that equips you with the skills and knowledge necessary to excel in your chosen field. Whether you're looking to enhance your expertise in clinical settings or provide community-focused nutrition counseling, the program ensures a personalized learning experience that aligns with your career aspirations.
At CSU, you’ll learn from highly experienced dietetics professionals who are active in both research and practice. Our expert faculty bring real-world insights into the classroom, ensuring you’re exposed to the latest advancements in nutrition and dietetics. This direct connection to industry leaders gives you the tools and confidence to apply evidence-based practices in a variety of professional settings, helping you stay ahead in a rapidly evolving field.
Designed with flexibility in mind, the MAPD program offers fully online coursework that allows you to balance your studies with work or personal commitments. Whether you’re advancing your current career or transitioning to a new area within dietetics, CSU Online ensures you have access to interactive resources, faculty support, and the freedom to learn on your schedule. This convenience enables you to pursue your education without putting your career on hold, ensuring you stay on track with your academic and professional goals.
Graduates of the Accelerated Master’s in Dietetics program gain a competitive edge in the growing field of nutrition and preventive healthcare, while meeting the ACEND master’s degree requirement. With advanced knowledge and specialized skills, you’ll be well-prepared for diverse career opportunities in various settings such as:
The demand for dietitians is increasing across various sectors, including outpatient centers, research institutions, and community organizations. Whether you’re entering the field or advancing in your current role, this degree equips you to lead in both traditional and emerging areas of dietetics.
Alena has worked as a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist in private, community and clinical practice for over 25 years. She joined the faculty of the Department of Food Science and Human Nutrition in January of 2022. Previously, she was a professor and graduate program coordinator at University of Northern Colorado for fourteen years. Alena is also a Certified Lactation Counselor.
Sarah's research program aims to integrate multiple disciplines including nutrition, food, agricultural, and biomedical sciences to perform translational research studies in order to:
Identify foods, particularly those rich in polyphenols such as flavonoids, that exert functional effects on human physiology and health; Critically examine the clinical efficacy of nutrition and food-related interventions, namely polyphenol-rich functional foods, to improve vascular function and reduce cardiovascular and metabolic disease risk factors in high-risk aging human populations; Evaluate underlying mechanisms by which nutrition and food-related interventions induce clinical responses; Explore the bidirectional relationship between nutrition and food-related interventions and food systems as they relate to human health and sustainability; Inform evidence-based practice and dietary recommendations.
Michelle is an instructor and content developer for the FSHN department. She teaches primarily online, including several undergraduate courses and two courses she designed for the Graduate Certificate in Nutrition Sciences. She specializes in online content development, prioritizing accessible and inclusive design. She is always looking for new ways to incorporate active learning strategies and optimize engagement in her courses.
The overarching goal of Megan's research is to identify and inform systems, policy, and environmental approaches to obesity prevention, with a focus on children and families. Her current and future work examines the following: 1) meaningful differences in how children and parents respond to obesity prevention interventions; 2) individual, social, and contextual factors that modify individual and family responses to obesity prevention interventions; and 3) ways to leverage existing environmental changes (i.e., increases in healthier restaurant menu offerings) to promote family health and reduce obesity risk. Much of Megan's research is centered on the restaurant food environment.
James Peth is an assistant professor in the Department of Food Science and Human Nutrition at Colorado State University. James develops and teaches courses in nutrition. His main interest is preparing students to address complex issues in public health.
Brittney Sly is a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist and Assistant Professor at Colorado State University. She is also the Director of the Coordinated Master’s Program in Dietetics and teaches courses in Medical Nutrition Therapy, Foodservice Management, Women’s Health, and Global Nutrition. Her research is focused on addressing malnutrition in rural populations using participatory action research methods. She works with vulnerable populations, including women and children, in Rwanda and Zambia. Personally, Brittney is a mother, mountain climber, gardener, foodie, reader of everything and traveler to everywhere.
Students may be admitted for the fall semester only.
| Fall semester | March 15 - Priority; April 15 - Final |
Start your application online and upload materials directly into the online system. You can save your progress and return any time.
Apply NowProgram applicants should complete a Didactic Program in Dietetics (DPD) as accredited by the Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics (ACEND) prior to admission.
Note that meeting the minimum department standards does not ensure admission to the program. Admission to Colorado State University graduate programs is based on several factors, including prior academic and professional experience and the personal statement.
Prepare the materials below and upload when you apply online:
Note: Priority application deadline is March 15. Final deadline is April 15.
Complete the online graduate application and pay the nonrefundable application processing fee (payable online). As soon as you have completed the required information, please submit your application. Your application will not be reviewed until it is complete and all required materials have been received.
CSU's Graduate School offers several application fee waiver opportunities. Visit their website to determine if you are eligible for a waiver.
Request one official transcript of all collegiate work completed from all institutions attended. Transcripts from Colorado State University are not required. Transcripts must be received directly from the originating institution to be considered official.
Please Note: Students may be unconditionally admitted and registered in their first semester of courses with an unofficial transcript. Official transcripts must be submitted, prior to or during your first semester, before you can register for your second semester of graduate work. Failure to meet this condition will result in your dismissal from the Graduate School.
Electronic (preferred):
Digital Transcripts must be submitted by the originating institution using a secure service such as parchment, eScrip-Safe, the National Student Clearinghouse, or e-Quals. Transcripts received via emails are considered unofficial.
Use institution code 4075 for Colorado State University or gradadmissions@colostate.edu if the secure service requires an email address.
Mail (if necessary)
Graduate Admissions
Colorado State University – Office of Admissions
1062 Campus Delivery
Fort Collins, CO 80523-1062
View your application status at any time to ensure your application checklist is complete or to check on updates.
Once your complete application, including supporting materials, is received, the department admission committee will review your application and notify you of their decision.
Ensure official copies include a certified translation into English (only one set of transcripts is required).
Colorado State University requires that proficiency in English language be demonstrated either by the TOEFL, IELTS, or PTE academic tests prior to admission. Please submit one of the official scores from the list below. Tests must be taken within two years prior to admission and submitted directly from the Educational Testing Service (select institution code: 4075).
All applicants who are citizens of countries in which English is not the official language, and who do not have an undergraduate degree from the U.S. must submit TOEFL, IELTS, or PTE scores.
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