Bachelor's-Master of Science in Nutrition Dual Degree Program

Launch Your Path to Becoming a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RDN)

Demand for nutrition professionals continues to grow as health care organizations focus on preventive care, chronic disease management, and population health. Nutrition professionals play a key role in improving health outcomes across diverse communities.

Through Sacred Heart University's dual degree pathway, students in any undergraduate major can begin graduate coursework during their senior year to earn both a bachelor's degree and a Master of Science in nutrition in as little as five years.

Dual degree students who are admitted as incoming first-year students are guaranteed admission to the Master of Science in nutrition program, provided they continue to meet program progression requirements.

Why Become a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist?

Registered dietitian nutritionists are nationally credentialed nutrition professionals qualified to provide medical nutrition therapy and work in a variety of clinical, community, and wellness settings. Many hospitals, health care systems and other medical employers require or strongly prefer the RDN credential for nutrition professionals. Earning a graduate degree and completing supervised practice experiences are key requirements for RDN credential eligibility, and Sacred Heart's Master of Science in nutrition helps students achieve both.

Why Earn Your Bachelor’s-Master of Science in Nutrition at Sacred Heart?

Sacred Heart University’s dual degree program in nutrition provides you with a strong foundation in nutrition science, clinical practice, community health, and evidence-based care, along with the benefit of following a streamlined pathway to graduate education.

At Sacred Heart, students studying nutrition can earn their bachelor’s and master’s degree in five years, which can save time and reduce the cost of earning a graduate degree. As a dual degree student, you are guaranteed admission to the Master of Science in nutrition program provided you continue to meet program progression requirements. The master’s degree program in nutrition offers you the benefit of supervised practice experiences, interdisciplinary learning, and faculty guidance that connect classroom learning with professional practice.

In addition to your traditional four-year college education, you'll pursue a master's degree through a flexible hybrid format. You'll build the foundational knowledge and clinical experience needed to enter the field of nutrition and dietetics while completing important requirements toward becoming a registered dietitian nutritionist. The master's program includes supervised practice experiences totaling approximately 1,000 hours, providing the hands-on training required for RDN credential eligibility and preparing you for professional practice.

How the 4+1 Dual Degree Pathway Works

Students from any undergraduate major may pursue this pathway provided they complete the required prerequisite coursework and meet progression requirements. Students complete four years of undergraduate study and begin graduate coursework during their senior year. 

Up to 12 graduate credits may count toward both degrees, allowing students to complete the master's degree in approximately one additional year.

Students also complete supervised practice experiences required for registered dietitian nutritionist credential eligibility while earning their Master of Science in nutrition.

Other Benefits of Our 4+1 Dual Degree Program

Find Support

As undergraduates, students have an academic adviser, as well as other faculty and counseling resources to help them stay on track and progress toward their graduate degree. Industry-specific events and student clubs are also available for undergraduate students to become more deeply involved in their field.

Save Money

Students who participate in dual degree programs may save on tuition costs from a separate graduate program.

Less Stress

When you take advantage of the dual degree program, your spot in graduate school is already reserved. There’s no need for last-minute applications to graduate schools during the final months of senior year.

How Does Earning a Bachelor's-Master of Science in Nutrition Advance Your Career?

Graduates who earn the registered dietitian nutritionist credential are prepared for expanded career opportunities, including positions in hospitals, health care systems, and other medical settings where the credential is often required or preferred.

Demand for nutrition professionals continues to grow as health care organizations place greater emphasis on preventive care, chronic disease management, and population health. The dual degree pathway helps prepare students for careers in a range of health care, community, and wellness settings, including:

Who Can Apply to SHU’s Bachelor's–Master of Science in Nutrition Program?

The Bachelor's–Master of Science in nutrition dual degree pathway is open to students from any undergraduate major who complete the required prerequisite coursework and meet program progression requirements.

Criteria for Admission as an Incoming Freshmen

Students apply to Sacred Heart University through the Common Application and may elect the dual degree pathway, in addition to an undergraduate major, on the freshman application.

Minimum criteria:

• High school GPA of 3.0 or higher
• Strong preparation in math and science coursework
• Demonstrated interest in health and nutrition fields

Students admitted to the dual degree program must continue, as undergraduate students, to meet program-specific criteria to progress enrollment in the Master of Science in nutrition program.

More Information

Prospective first-year students may contact:

Undergraduate Admissions
203-371-7880
joinshu@sacredheart.edu

Current dual degree students may contact:

Graduate Admissions
203-365-7619
gradstudies@sacredheart.edu