Track 1: Master's Degree with a Dietetic Internship
The Central Valley WIC Dietetic Internship now offers 3 new pathways to complete a combined graduate degree and dietetic internship:
Pathway 1: Master's Degree in Applied Nutrition with Russell Sage College (MS/DI)
The Central Valley WIC Dietetic Internship offers a graduate degree option through Russell Sage College. The degree offered is a Master's Degree in Applied Nutrition. The master's degree is 100% online, and all classes are asynchronous, allowing students to complete coursework when they have time, such as at night or on the week-ends. Students can work full-time during the first three semesters of the program. During the last four semesters, interns fulfill their dietetic internship supervised practice hours, while working part-time. Rotation placements are arranged as close as possible to where the intern lives and works, with the goal of supporting continued WIC employment throughout the program. Due to the limited number of sites for rotations, interns may be required to travel within a 200 mile radius to rotations.
Admission Requirements
Course Requirements and Prerequisites
Once acceptance to the dietetic internship is confirmed, interns need to obtain a self-managed application packet from the Russell Sage Graduate School Office of Admission, and provide the application fee. The packet will include instructions to collect the following items and forward them as a package to the Office of Admission:
Academic Calendar
Russell Sage College offers rolling admissions. Students can start in the summer, fall or spring semesters. Interns enrolled in the Master's Degree with Dietetic Internship typically enroll in the Master's Degree in Applied Nutrition in the summer semester.
- Pathway 1: Combined Master's Degree in Applied Nutrition with Russell Sage College (MS/DI)
- Pathway 2: Master of Advanced Study in Maternal and Child Nutrition with University of California, Davis (MAS/DI)
- Pathway 3: Master of Professional Studies - Leadership in Nutrition with Middle Tennessee State University (MPS-LIN/DI)
Pathway 1: Master's Degree in Applied Nutrition with Russell Sage College (MS/DI)
The Central Valley WIC Dietetic Internship offers a graduate degree option through Russell Sage College. The degree offered is a Master's Degree in Applied Nutrition. The master's degree is 100% online, and all classes are asynchronous, allowing students to complete coursework when they have time, such as at night or on the week-ends. Students can work full-time during the first three semesters of the program. During the last four semesters, interns fulfill their dietetic internship supervised practice hours, while working part-time. Rotation placements are arranged as close as possible to where the intern lives and works, with the goal of supporting continued WIC employment throughout the program. Due to the limited number of sites for rotations, interns may be required to travel within a 200 mile radius to rotations.
Admission Requirements
- Current employment with the California Department of Public Health (CDPH) WIC Program. Applicants also need to have worked for WIC for at least six consecutive months prior to the date of program acceptance.
- A bachelor's degree from an accredited institution.
- Verification Statement indicating completion of an accredited Didactic Program in Dietetics (DPD) within the last 5 years. If more than 5 years have passed since the student completed the DPD program, the student may be able to take additional classes to qualify for internship application. Please contact the Internship Coordinator for more information.
- A minimum GPA of 3.0
- If native language is not English and applicant did not graduate from a college or university in the United States, a minimum TOEFL score of either 560 (paper based test), 241 (computer-based test), or 83 (internet-based test) is required.
- Three letters of recommendation: 1 from a WIC Supervisor, 1 from a college/university instructor, 1 from a person of applicant's choice (working or retired professional).
- Reliable transportation is required.
- We are unable to accept international students at this time.
Course Requirements and Prerequisites
- 30 credits to include five core courses, three support courses and three research methods courses
- There are no prerequisite courses
Once acceptance to the dietetic internship is confirmed, interns need to obtain a self-managed application packet from the Russell Sage Graduate School Office of Admission, and provide the application fee. The packet will include instructions to collect the following items and forward them as a package to the Office of Admission:
- A completed application
- A current resume
- A one-to-three page career goals essay (typewritten and double-spaced) indicating the reasons for seeking a graduate degree from Russell Sage
- Official transcripts from each previous college attended
- Two letters of recommendation from individuals able to assess the applicant’s ability to successfully complete graduate-level academic work.
- Official transcripts will also be evaluated by Russell Sage. A maximum of six graduate credits may be transferred from another institution if such work was completed within five years. Transferred credits must be a “B” or better.
- GRE scores are not required
Academic Calendar
Russell Sage College offers rolling admissions. Students can start in the summer, fall or spring semesters. Interns enrolled in the Master's Degree with Dietetic Internship typically enroll in the Master's Degree in Applied Nutrition in the summer semester.
Technology Requirements
Graduation Requirements
Graduation from the Master's Degree with Dietetic Internship expected by the end of the program with demonstration of the following:
RDNs are required to be licensed/certified in some states. This requirement is not applicable in California, because California does not offer licensure to RDNs. State licensure requirements can be found on the CDR website.
Scholarships, Financial Aid and Tuition
California WIC employees are eligible to apply for a California Nutrition Corps (CNC) Scholarship through the California WIC Association at www.calwic.org. Additional scholarships are available through the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics at www.eatright.org and the California Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics at www.dietitian.org.
There is no tuition for the Dietetic Internship.
Interns are required to pay Russell Sage College for the Master's Degree in Applied Nutrition graduate classes. Student financial aid is available through Russell Sage College. Please see the “Federal and State Aid” webpage on the Russell Sage College website, at https://www.sage.edu/admission/financial-aid/federal-state-aid/.
- Interns are required to have their own laptop, reliable internet access, webcam and microphone. Interns are also required to have their own personal mobile hotspot at their rotation sites.
Graduation Requirements
Graduation from the Master's Degree with Dietetic Internship expected by the end of the program with demonstration of the following:
- Ability to maintain a minimum cumulative grade point average (GPA) of 3.0 or higher for graduate level courses at Russell Sage College
- Successful completion of all required courses for the Master's Degree in Applied Nutrition Degree
- Successful completion of 1040 supervised practice hours
- Successful completion of all supervised practice rotations, competencies, didactic assignments as determined by preceptors, the Internship Director
- The Master's Degree with Dietetic Internship is 28 months long. If the intern is not able to complete the program in 28 months due to illness or other authorized reasons, the program may be extended to a maximum of 150% (42 months/3.5 years), per ACEND requirements.
RDNs are required to be licensed/certified in some states. This requirement is not applicable in California, because California does not offer licensure to RDNs. State licensure requirements can be found on the CDR website.
Scholarships, Financial Aid and Tuition
California WIC employees are eligible to apply for a California Nutrition Corps (CNC) Scholarship through the California WIC Association at www.calwic.org. Additional scholarships are available through the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics at www.eatright.org and the California Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics at www.dietitian.org.
There is no tuition for the Dietetic Internship.
Interns are required to pay Russell Sage College for the Master's Degree in Applied Nutrition graduate classes. Student financial aid is available through Russell Sage College. Please see the “Federal and State Aid” webpage on the Russell Sage College website, at https://www.sage.edu/admission/financial-aid/federal-state-aid/.
Pathway 2: Master of Advanced Study in Maternal and Child Nutrition with University of California, Davis (MAS/DI)
The Central Valley WIC Dietetic Internship also includes a graduate degree option through University of California, Davis. The degree offered is a Master of Advanced Study in Maternal and Child Nutrition. The master's degree is 100% online. Classroom lectures are synchronous, broadcast live, twice a week from 6:00 - 8:30 pm. With evening classes and online resources, this program can accommodate busy professional schedules. Rotation placements are arranged as close as possible to where the intern lives and works, with the goal of supporting continued WIC employment throughout the program. Due to the limited number of sites for rotations, interns may be required to travel within a 200 mile radius to rotations.
Admission Requirements
Course Requirements and Prerequisites
Once acceptance to the dietetic internship is confirmed, interns need to apply through UC Davis Graduate Studies before the Priority Deadline on February 15, 2026, with the application fee. The application is online. Interested applicants will need to provide:
Academic Calendar
Applications need to be submitted by the Priority Deadline, February 15, 2026. Please visit the How to Apply page for more information https://nutrition.ucdavis.edu/academics/grad-programs/mcn/how-to-apply.
Admission Requirements
- Current employment with the California Department of Public Health (CDPH) WIC Program. Applicants also need to have worked for WIC for at least six consecutive months prior to the date of program acceptance.
- A bachelor's degree from an accredited institution.
- Verification Statement indicating completion of an accredited Didactic Program in Dietetics (DPD) within the last 5 years. If more than 5 years have passed since the student completed the DPD program, the student may be able to take additional classes to qualify for internship application. Please contact the Internship Coordinator for more information.
- A minimum GPA of 3.0 on last 60 semester/90 quarter units.
- If native language is not English and applicant did not graduate from a college or university in the United States, a minimum TOEFL score of either 560 (paper based test), 241 (computer-based test), or 83 (internet-based test) is required.
- Three letters of recommendation: 1 from a WIC Supervisor, 1 from a college/university instructor,1 from a person of applicant's choice.
- Reliable transportation is required.
- We are unable to accept international students at this time.
Course Requirements and Prerequisites
- 36 units to include four core courses, four seminars/electives, and one student capstone project
- Course prerequisites:
- One year of general chemistry
- Two quarters (one semester) of organic chemistry
- A course in statistics
- One course in general physiology
- Two quarters (one semester) of biochemistry of nutrition
Once acceptance to the dietetic internship is confirmed, interns need to apply through UC Davis Graduate Studies before the Priority Deadline on February 15, 2026, with the application fee. The application is online. Interested applicants will need to provide:
- A completed application
- Curriculum vitae (CV) or resume
- Personal history and diversity statement
- Name and email address for three contacts who can submit letters of recommendation on your behalf. Graduate Studies will provide them with instructions for electronically submitting their letters. Letters must be received by the application deadline.
- Unofficial academic transcripts from all prior college-level institutions you attended or are currently attending.
- English test scores if applicant did not earn a bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited U.S. college or university where English is the sole language of instruction.
- GRE scores are not required
Academic Calendar
Applications need to be submitted by the Priority Deadline, February 15, 2026. Please visit the How to Apply page for more information https://nutrition.ucdavis.edu/academics/grad-programs/mcn/how-to-apply.
Technology Requirements
Interns are required to have their own laptop, reliable internet access, webcam and microphone. Interns are also required to have their own personal mobile hotspot at their rotation sites.
Graduation Requirements
Graduation from the MAS/DI is expected by the end of the program with demonstration of the following:
The Master's Degree with Dietetic Internship is 28 months long. If the intern is not able to complete the program in 28 months due to illness or other authorized reasons, the program may be extended to a maximum of 150% (42 months/3.5 years), per ACEND requirements.
Interns who meet the graduation requirements above, and upon validation by the Commission on Dietetic Registration, are eligible to take the registration exam for dietitians. Interns are required to participate in a free Registration Exam Study Program after completing all supervised practice hours. The study program is a structured, online program provided by the California WIC Career Development Coordinator. Guided instruction and support, as well as access to valuable study materials, are given to interns to help prepare them for the exam.
RDNs are required to be licensed/certified in some states. This requirement is not applicable in California, because California does not offer licensure to RDNs. State licensure requirements can be found on the CDR website.
Scholarships, Financial Aid, and Tuition
California WIC employees are eligible to apply for a California Nutrition Corps (CNC) Scholarship through the California WIC Association at www.calwic.org. Additional scholarships are available through the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics at www.eatright.org and the California Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics at www.dietitian.org.
There is no tuition for the Dietetic Internship.
Interns are required to pay UC Davis for the Master of Advanced Study in Maternal and Child Nutrition. Student financial aid may be available. Please see the “Financial Information” webpage at https://nutrition.ucdavis.edu/academics/grad-programs/mcn/financial-information.
Interns are required to have their own laptop, reliable internet access, webcam and microphone. Interns are also required to have their own personal mobile hotspot at their rotation sites.
Graduation Requirements
Graduation from the MAS/DI is expected by the end of the program with demonstration of the following:
- Ability to maintain a minimum cumulative grade point average (GPA) of 3.0 or higher at UC Davis
- Completion of 36 units of graduate and upper division classes to meet course requirements for the Master of Advanced Study in Maternal and Child Nutrition
- Completion of a capstone project
- Successful completion of 1040 supervised practice hours
- Successful completion of all supervised practice rotations, competencies, didactic assignments as determined by preceptors, the Internship Director
The Master's Degree with Dietetic Internship is 28 months long. If the intern is not able to complete the program in 28 months due to illness or other authorized reasons, the program may be extended to a maximum of 150% (42 months/3.5 years), per ACEND requirements.
Interns who meet the graduation requirements above, and upon validation by the Commission on Dietetic Registration, are eligible to take the registration exam for dietitians. Interns are required to participate in a free Registration Exam Study Program after completing all supervised practice hours. The study program is a structured, online program provided by the California WIC Career Development Coordinator. Guided instruction and support, as well as access to valuable study materials, are given to interns to help prepare them for the exam.
RDNs are required to be licensed/certified in some states. This requirement is not applicable in California, because California does not offer licensure to RDNs. State licensure requirements can be found on the CDR website.
Scholarships, Financial Aid, and Tuition
California WIC employees are eligible to apply for a California Nutrition Corps (CNC) Scholarship through the California WIC Association at www.calwic.org. Additional scholarships are available through the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics at www.eatright.org and the California Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics at www.dietitian.org.
There is no tuition for the Dietetic Internship.
Interns are required to pay UC Davis for the Master of Advanced Study in Maternal and Child Nutrition. Student financial aid may be available. Please see the “Financial Information” webpage at https://nutrition.ucdavis.edu/academics/grad-programs/mcn/financial-information.
Pathway 3: Master of Professional Studies - Leadership in Nutrition with Middle Tennessee State University (MPS-LIN/DI)
The Central Valley WIC Dietetic Internship is also offering a graduate degree option through Middle Tennessee State University (MTSU). The degree is a Master in Professional Studies with a concentration in Leadership in Nutrition. The master's degree is 100% online and classes are asynchronous. The first three semesters can be completed while working full-time. During the last four semesters, interns fulfill their dietetic internship supervised practice hours, while working part-time. Rotation placements are arranged as close as possible to where the intern lives and works, with the goal of supporting continued WIC employment throughout the program. Due to the limited number of sites for rotations, interns may be required to travel within a 200 mile radius to rotations.
Admission Requirements
Course Requirements and Prerequisites
Once acceptance to the dietetic internship is confirmed, interns need to apply to the MTSU College of Graduate Studies http://www.mtsu.edu/graduate/apply.php, with application fee. The application is online. Once the initial application has been accepted, the applicant will receive direction on how to enter the graduate portal to be able to submit other materials. Interested applicants will need to provide:
Submit a portfolio of works for those with a 2.75 GPA or higher and five (5) years of full-time work experienced OR those with a 3.25 GPA with less than five (5) years of full-time work experience. Applicants who meet this requirement can inquire about the portfolio requirements by emailing [email protected] or going to http://www.mtsu.edu/university-college/mps/portfolio.php.
Academic Calendar
Applications need to be submitted by February 10, 2026. Please visit the Admission Process page https://w1.mtsu.edu/edu_leadership/professional_counseling/process.php for more information.
Admission Requirements
- Current employment with the California Department of Public Health (CDPH) WIC Program. Applicants also need to have worked for WIC for at least six consecutive months prior to the date of program acceptance.
- A bachelor's degree from an accredited institution.
- Verification Statement indicating completion of an accredited Didactic Program in Dietetics (DPD) within the last 5 years. If more than 5 years have passed since the student completed the DPD program, the student may be able to take additional classes to qualify for internship application. Please contact the Internship Coordinator for more information.
- A minimum GPA of 3.0
- If native language is not English and applicant did not graduate from a college or university in the United States, a minimum TOEFL score of either 560 (paper-based test), 241 (computer-based test), or 83 (internet-based test) is required.
- Three letters of recommendation: 1 from a WIC Supervisor, 1 from a college/university instructor, 1 from a person of applicant's choice.
- Reliable transportation is required.
- We are unable to accept international students at this time.
Course Requirements and Prerequisites
- 30 semester hours to include four core courses, five leadership or nutrition courses, and one professional project in the final semester of the program
- Prerequisite
- The admission requirement as stated in the draft website materials is a 3.0 GPA. If a statement about the portfolio is required, should I include just the section stating, "those with a 3.25 GPA with less than five (5) years of full-time work experience. Applicants who meet this requirement may inquire about the portfolio requirements by e-mailing [email protected] or going to https://w1.mtsu.edu/university-college/mps/portfolio.php.
Once acceptance to the dietetic internship is confirmed, interns need to apply to the MTSU College of Graduate Studies http://www.mtsu.edu/graduate/apply.php, with application fee. The application is online. Once the initial application has been accepted, the applicant will receive direction on how to enter the graduate portal to be able to submit other materials. Interested applicants will need to provide:
- A completed application
- Official transcripts from all collegiate institutions attended
Submit a portfolio of works for those with a 2.75 GPA or higher and five (5) years of full-time work experienced OR those with a 3.25 GPA with less than five (5) years of full-time work experience. Applicants who meet this requirement can inquire about the portfolio requirements by emailing [email protected] or going to http://www.mtsu.edu/university-college/mps/portfolio.php.
Academic Calendar
Applications need to be submitted by February 10, 2026. Please visit the Admission Process page https://w1.mtsu.edu/edu_leadership/professional_counseling/process.php for more information.
Technology Requirements
Interns are required to have their own laptop, reliable internet access, webcam and microphone. Interns are also required to have their own personal mobile hotspot at their rotation sites.
Graduation Requirements
Graduation from the MPS-LIN/DI is expected by the end of the program with demonstration of the following:
The Master's Degree with Dietetic Internship is 28 months long. If the intern is not able to complete the program in 28 months due to illness or other authorized reasons, the program may be extended to a maximum of 150% (42 months/3.5 years), per ACEND requirements.
Interns who meet the graduation requirements above, and upon validation by the Commission on Dietetic Registration, are eligible to take the registration exam for dietitians. Interns are required to participate in a free Registration Exam Study Program after completing all supervised practice hours. The study program is a structured, online program provided by the California WIC Career Development Coordinator. Guided instruction and support, as well as access to valuable study materials, are given to interns to help prepare them for the exam.
RDNs are required to be licensed/certified in some states. This requirement is not applicable in California, because California does not offer licensure to RDNs. State licensure requirements can be found on the CDR website.
Scholarships, Financial Aid, and Tuition
California WIC employees are eligible to apply for a California Nutrition Corps (CNC) Scholarship through the California WIC Association at www.calwic.org. Additional scholarships are available through the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics at www.eatright.org and the California Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics at www.dietitian.org.
There is no tuition for the Dietetic Internship.
Interns are required to pay MTSU for the Master of Professional Studies – Leadership in Nutrition graduate classes. Student financial aid may be available through MTSU. Please see the “Affording Graduate School” webpage at https://w1.mtsu.edu/graduate/funding.php.
Interns are required to have their own laptop, reliable internet access, webcam and microphone. Interns are also required to have their own personal mobile hotspot at their rotation sites.
Graduation Requirements
Graduation from the MPS-LIN/DI is expected by the end of the program with demonstration of the following:
- Ability to maintain a minimum cumulative grade point average (GPA) of 3.0 or higher at Middle Tennessee State University
- Completion of 30 semester hours of graduate credit to meet course requirements for the Master of Professional Studies – Leadership in Nutrition
- Completion of a professional project during the final semester of the program
- Successful completion of 1040 supervised practice hours
- Successful completion of all supervised practice rotations, competencies, didactic assignments as determined by preceptors, the Internship Director
The Master's Degree with Dietetic Internship is 28 months long. If the intern is not able to complete the program in 28 months due to illness or other authorized reasons, the program may be extended to a maximum of 150% (42 months/3.5 years), per ACEND requirements.
Interns who meet the graduation requirements above, and upon validation by the Commission on Dietetic Registration, are eligible to take the registration exam for dietitians. Interns are required to participate in a free Registration Exam Study Program after completing all supervised practice hours. The study program is a structured, online program provided by the California WIC Career Development Coordinator. Guided instruction and support, as well as access to valuable study materials, are given to interns to help prepare them for the exam.
RDNs are required to be licensed/certified in some states. This requirement is not applicable in California, because California does not offer licensure to RDNs. State licensure requirements can be found on the CDR website.
Scholarships, Financial Aid, and Tuition
California WIC employees are eligible to apply for a California Nutrition Corps (CNC) Scholarship through the California WIC Association at www.calwic.org. Additional scholarships are available through the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics at www.eatright.org and the California Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics at www.dietitian.org.
There is no tuition for the Dietetic Internship.
Interns are required to pay MTSU for the Master of Professional Studies – Leadership in Nutrition graduate classes. Student financial aid may be available through MTSU. Please see the “Affording Graduate School” webpage at https://w1.mtsu.edu/graduate/funding.php.
Requirements to Become an RDN
Effective January 1, 2024, the Commission on Dietetic Registration (CDR) requires a minimum of a master’s degree to be eligible to take the credentialing exam to become a registered dietitian nutritionist (RDN). In addition, CDR requires that individuals complete coursework and supervised practice in program(s) accredited by the Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics (ACEND). Graduates who successfully complete one of the three graduate degrees listed above, and supervised practice hours provided by the Central Valley WIC Dietetic Internship, will be eligible to take the CDR credentialing exam to become an RDN.
Acceptance into this program is not influenced by age, sex, language, race, religion, marital status, sexual orientation, national origin, or ancestry.