The MCN Program is a 36-credit hour, 21-month program that includes coursework in nutrition at Texas A&M University and the dietetic internship program. The first year is focused on coursework at Texas A&M and includes two long semesters (fall and spring) and summer semesters. The second year includes the dietetic internship component that provides at least 1,062 hours of supervised practice and alternate supervised practice work that builds skills related to the ACEND core competencies and prepares the student for entry-level dietetic practice.
The general calendar for interns in the MCN program:
Expected Calendar for 2024-2026:
Year 1
- April 2024: Acceptance into the Texas A&M DI Program. Begin application to MCN Program
- Summer 2024: New graduate student orientation is available. Contact Graduate Program Coordinator for enrollment
- August 2024: Start of graduate school for fall semester
- January 2025: Start of graduate school for spring semester
- June 2025: Start of graduate school for Summer 1 semester
- Please refer to the Texas A&M academic calendar for specific calendar dates.
Year 2
- Mid-August 2025: Start of supervised practice
- Early-May 2026: Completion of supervised practice
Holidays and Days Off
During the supervised practice, interns are expected to work the schedule of their preceptor that may include some holidays, weekends or evenings. Interns have two weeks off over the winter holiday break and return to the supervised practice in January. Interns are expected to work over spring break during the supervised practice.
Tentative Academic Schedule of MCN Program*
Below is a suggested academic schedule for completing the required coursework for the MCN program. For the most current information regarding program requirements, degree plans, and course descriptions, please consult the Texas A&M University Graduate and Professional Catalog.
Year 1 Fall
| Course | Credit Hours |
|---|---|
| NUTR 641 or 642 Nutritional Biochemistry | 3 hours |
| NUTR 689 Advanced Nutrition | 3 one-hour sessions |
| NUTR 632 Nutrition and Disease | 3 hours, only offered in the Fall |
| NUTR 681 | 1 hour |
| Electives: EDHP 637 Interprofessional Practice and Education (online)† | 3 hours |
| Total | 11-13 hours |
Year 1 Spring
| Course | Credit Hours |
|---|---|
| KINE 637 Exercise Physiology | 3 hours |
| NUTR 681 | 1 hour |
| NUTR 685** | 1 hour |
| NUTR 689 Advanced Nutrition | 3 one-hour sessions |
| NUTR 689 Clinical Practice Skills | 1 hour |
| Electives (See catalog for options) | 3 hours |
| Total | 11-13 hours |
Year 1 Summer
| Course | Credit Hours |
|---|---|
| STAT 651 (online)† | 3 hours |
| Total | 3 hours |
Year 2 Fall
During the second year of the MCN program, interns will be completing the supervised practice and will be off-campus. Course work for NUTR 684 and 685 will be completed remotely during this time. Students will have access to course material via the learning management system, Canvas, and will meet with instructors and the Program Director remotely via Zoom or other equivalent platform.
| Course | Credit Hours |
| NUTR 684** | 2 hours |
| NUTR 685** | 3 hours |
| Total | 5 hours |
Year 2 Spring
| Course | Credit Hours |
| NUTR 684** | 2 hours |
| NUTR 685** | 1 hours |
| Total | 3 hours |
| Total Hours Required: | 36 Hours |
*Final coursework may be revised per discretion of Graduate Advisor.
** A maximum of nine credit hours of combined NUTR 685 and NUTR 684 may be taken or not more than four credit hours of NUTR 684 and not more than eight credit hours of NUTR 685.
† Distance Education Differential Tuition is an additional charge for distance education courses, which are offered online. Please visit the Distance Education website for more information differential tuition for online courses.