Application and Admission to the MS Dietetic Internship (MSDI)

Acceptance into the MSDI program is contingent upon completing all required internship and graduate school application processes, being formally admitted to the Kansas State University Graduate School, and the availability of internship placement positions within the program.

Program Capacity and Admission

Enrollment in the MSDI is limited to 15 interns per year.

Acceptance into the MSDI is contingent upon:

  • Completion of all required MSDI and Graduate School application materials
  • Formal admission to the Kansas State University Graduate School
  • Availability of supervised practice placement positions

Eligibility Requirements

Applicants must:

  • Graduate from the Bachelor of Science in Dietetics at Kansas State University
  • Earn a Didactic Program in Dietetics (DPD) Verification Statement
  • Meet admission requirements for the Master of Science in Food, Nutrition and Health

Currently, only students who have earned a DPD Verification Statement from K‑State are eligible to apply.

Application Process

The MSDI does not utilize the Dietetic Internship Centralized Application System (DICAS). Application is completed through an internal K‑State application portal for eligible students.

Applicants must also complete a separate application to the K‑State Graduate School for admission to the Master of Science in Food, Nutrition and Health (Dietetic Internship subplan).

Students interested in applying must complete the MSDI Interest Form available on the Dietetics Information Site. Submission of this form is required to receive access to the MSDI application portal, as well as important application instructions and timelines.

Application Timeline

  • August 1 – Application portal opens
  • September 1 – Application deadline
    • No late or incomplete submissions will be considered
    • K‑State Graduate School application must also be submitted by this date
  • Within one week of the application deadline – Interviews conducted
    • Approximately 30 minutes in length
    • Conducted in person; Zoom available if needed
    • Interview sign-up completed through the application portal
  • September 15 – Admission decisions released
  • September 22 – Deadline for accepted applicants to confirm their decision

Application Components

Applicants will complete the MSDI application through the application portal, where they will:

  • Submit the MSDI application form
  • Upload a cover letter
  • Complete the dietetics-related experience log
  • Respond to supplemental questions
  • Schedule an interview

Important:
A separate application to the K‑State Graduate School is required and must be submitted by September 1. This deadline may differ from standard Graduate School deadlines.

Students enrolled in the optional accelerated program may have already completed the Graduate School application.

Selection Process

The MSDI uses a holistic admissions process, evaluating applicants beyond academic performance. Applicants are assessed on:

  • Commitment to the field of dietetics
  • Analytical and writing skills
  • Adaptability and interpersonal communication
  • Diversity of life experiences
  • Leadership potential
  • Academic preparation

All applications are reviewed and scored by the MSDI selection committee.

Communication and Admission Decisions

Applicants will be notified of their admission decision by September 15.

  • One-on-one meetings are available for applicants who would like feedback on their application or interview
  • Applicants offered admission must accept the offer and complete required documentation by September 22

Post-Acceptance Requirements

Students accepted into the MSDI must complete and provide documentation of the following prior to the start of the program:

  • Official transcript verifying completion of a bachelor’s degree
  • Didactic Program in Dietetics (DPD) Verification Statement
  • Verification of physical exam confirming ability to meet essential functions and abilities
  • Verification of required immunizations
  • Drug screening
  • Criminal background check and sex offender registry check

Proof of personal health insurance

  • Proof of professional liability (malpractice) insurance
  • Basic Life Support (BLS/CPR) certification
  • ServSafe Manager Certification
  • Any additional documentation required by the MSDI program and/or supervised practice sites

Additional post-acceptance information is available in the Dietetic Internship Program Handbook. Detailed instructions and deadlines for submitting these materials will be provided upon acceptance.