Best Class Ever: Nutrition and Dietetics: Farm to Family Wheels

Leah Waldron ’25
Nutrition & Dietetics, M.S.

We have name recognition

A Russell Sage nutrition degree means something in the field:

  • We are a top-three producer of nutrition degrees and certificates in New York state.
  • We are the ONLY accredited nutrition program in New York’s greater Capital Region.
  • Many employers look for a Sage-educated RDN above all others.
  • Online convenience: If you have an undergraduate degree in nutrition, this master’s program is fully online. Students with a bachelor’s degree in another field may have to pick up some classes in another format.
  • We have incredible lab spaces: The Hannaford Nutrition and Physical Assessment Lab and the Manor Nutrition Sciences Lab are equipped with advanced research tools.
  • Opportunities for service: Students engage in research that supports community wellness efforts, like a recent project to help the United Way of the Greater Capital Region’s Summer Meals Collaborative ensure it is meeting local children’s needs.
  • We are a leader in population health efforts: Department-sponsored events, like our annual lecture with CDPHP, are a major source of community health information.
  • We still have a path to becoming an RDN: A combined master’s and Dietetic Internship is available for students who want to sit for the exam to become an RDN.

    This two-year, 45-credit course of study includes the core 24 credits from the Dietetic Internship with an additional 21 credits to complete the Applied Nutrition M.S.
  • Research-oriented: Our experts are tapped for research on issues like childhood wellness in the Capital Region.

Course Requirements

Credits and Completion

Our master’s in applied nutrition programs range from 30 to 33 credits and can be completed full time in approximately 18 months to two years part time.

View Program Catalog

  • Critical evaluation skills through analysis of research literature
  • Ability to integrate and apply what is learned to relevant and current situations
  • Strong background in health behavior theory and translation into practice
  • Planning, conducting and evaluating food and nutrition programs and interventions
  • The ability to communicate messages effectively to a wide variety of audiences
    • Hands-on experience in designing and conducting research, including:
    • Identifying research hypotheses
    • Developing surveys
    • Collecting and analyzing data
    • Interpreting results
    • Manuscript preparation

The learning experience is tailored to students’ needs and interests. Learn:

  • Research analysis and interpretation
  • Writing and communication
  • Critical thinking
  • How to evaluate the effectiveness of interventions
  • Global understanding of obesity
  • Medical nutrition therapy
  • Confidence using evidence-based guidelines in practice
  • Presentation skills at professional meetings

Easily Apply

We offer rolling admission, and you can start when you are ready — fall, spring, or summer semesters.

Applicants should provide:

  • Official transcripts from all post-secondary institutions
  • Two letters of recommendation
  • A one- to two- page career goals essay
  • A resume
  • An RSC graduate school application
  • Note: Students seeking the combined M.S. in Applied Nutrition/Dietetic Internship program must apply through DICAS and would start their program in the fall semester.
Apply Now
Personal advising, experienced faculty

Our applied nutrition master’s comes with a deep, Russell Sage-level of support from an assigned faculty advisor who works with you to ensure your success.

Sonya Hauser
Sonya
Hauser

Associate Professor of Nutrition

Learn more about Sonya
Portrait of a smiling person with blonde hair, wearing hoop earrings, a black top, and a beige jacket
Selina
Preyer-Blakney, MS, RDN

Assistant Professor of Nutrition

Learn more about Selina

Your Future Career with a Master’s in Applied Nutrition

A Master of Science in Nutrition will increase your marketability and provide you with skills to interpret scientific literature, utilize evidence-based guidelines, evaluate programs and conduct research. You’ll be able to work in industry, government or clinical or community settings.

Graduates of this program are employed at Community Care Physicians, Cornell Cooperative Extension, St. Peter’s Hospital and New York State Women, Infants and Children programs.

Spotlights Pattern

M.S. in Applied Nutrition Spotlights

Read more from students, faculty and alumni in the Applied Nutrition master’s program.

Alumni
Applied Nutrition 2020
Jamal Sanders ’20

Jamal Sanders was originally drawn to a bachelor’s program in the nutrition sciences for personal and professional reasons.  On the …

Read More
Alumni
Lindsey Cumoletti, RDN ’18

Lindsey Cumoletti, RDN, earned her M.S. in Applied Nutrition in 2018 and is now owner/operator of her private nutrition counseling …

Read More
Student
2023
Majd Jauhary-Nayfeh

“My mother was an avid reader of nutrition books and my father, being a chemist, would always explain the process …

Read More
Alumni
Christi Kargl, RD

When Christi Kargl enrolled in Russell Sage College’s Dietetic Internship program, she expected to become a well-qualified dietitian. What she …

Read More

Related Resources

Nutritionist in a white coat gesturing to a phone during a consultation with a client seated at a table with various fruits and vegetables in view.

The Path to Becoming a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist

Registered Dietitian Nutritionists (RDNs) use their expertise in food and nutrition to help individuals and communities achieve better health. RDNs may work as part of a healthcare team in hospitals, private practice, or other health-related facilities. They also may work in nonprofit and public health settings, educational and research positions, in food-related businesses, and more.  […]

Need help?
Sonya Hauser
Associate Professor of Nutrition
[email protected]
518-244-2047

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