West Chester University: Master of Science in Community Nutrition

The Be Well Solutions Dietetic Internship (BWS DI) and West Chester University (WCU) collaborated to provide dietetic interns with the opportunity to enroll in a fully online, 33-credit-hour Master of Science in Community Nutrition (MSCN).

The Master of Science in Community Nutrition (MSCN) at West Chester University (WCU) promotes nutritional health and disease prevention in communities, emphasizing vulnerable populations. The MSCN includes core courses in nutrition science, applied nutrition, and nutrition research techniques as well as elective courses including nutrition concepts and controversies, vegetarian nutrition, nutrition education K-12, and exercise and older adults among others.

More information about the program’s mission and objectives can be found here.

Admission and Application Requirements

Individuals interested in this pathway will need to apply separately to each program as part of the MS/DI pathway application process. Applications for the WCU program are accepted on a rolling basis for the fall and spring semesters. More information is detailed below for each program’s admissions and application requirements.

West Chester University

The admission requirements for West Chester University are as follows:

  • An undergraduate GPA of 3.0 or above.
  • Baccalaureate degree from a regionally accredited college or university.
  • WCU does not require the GRE for admission into their program.

The application requirements for WCU are as follows:

  • DPD Verification Statement
  • Letter of Intent
  • One letter of recommendation
  • One official copy of transcripts from every college or university attended

More information about applying to WCU can be found here.

For the most up-to-date information regarding tuition and fees for WCU, click here.

Information about financial aid and loan deferments can be found on the WCU website here. For students who maintain a GPA of 3.0 or higher, graduate assistantships are available.

Be Well Solutions Dietetic Internship Program

  • Official Transcript
    • MS/DI Pathway: Letter of acceptance into the chosen graduate program provided to BWS DI before Orientation
    • DI-Only Pathway: Official transcript from a graduate program that has either been completed or in progress. Or letter of acceptance into a graduate program provided to BWS DI before Orientation
  • Valid DPD Verification Statement
  • A 3.0 GPA is preferred, but not required
  • Note: BWS DI does not require a Graduate Record Examination score (GREs)

To apply to the BWS DI Program, please follow the instructions below:

  1. Register and submit the following DICAS requirements:
    1. Academic requirements
    2. Write a personal statement
    3. Submit 3 letters of recommendation
    4. Resume
  2. Complete your BWS DI Program Plan (submitted via DICAS)

Tuition for the Be Well Solutions Dietetic Internship Program is $12,500 for applicants who have graduated from, are currently attending, or plan to complete their MS/DI with West Chester University. BWS DI covers professional liability insurance, a background check, HIPAA and OSHA training, and 1-year student memberships to the Academy of Nutrition & Dietetics and Nutrition Care Manual in the tuition, so there are no additional program fees. Applicants can also save an additional $500 off their tuition by applying through our early decision process.

For those utilizing student loans for their MS program, interns can also apply any remaining student loan dollars to their dietetic internship tuition. Personalized payment plans are also available. More information can be found here.

Important Dates

Applications for the West Chester University and Be Well Solutions Dietetic Internship MS/DI program are accepted during the spring and fall application cycles. Other important dates specific to the BWS DI program can be found here.

Spring Application Cycle Deadlines

BWS DI Application Deadline: February 15th*
Graduate School Application Deadline: April 15th

Submit your application to WCU by April 15th to be considered for the fall semester start date. For the spring application cycle, the dietetic internship will start in February, as outlined in the MS/DI curriculum below.

*Apply to BWS DI by January 15th to qualify for our Early Decision Discount.
Apply to WCU Here

Fall Application Cycle Deadlines

BWS DI Application Deadline: October 15th*
Graduate School Application Deadline: October 15th

Submit your application to WCU by Oct 15th to be considered for the spring semester start date. For the fall application cycle, the dietetic internship will start in August, as outlined in the MS/DI curriculum below.

*Apply to BWS DI by September 15th to qualify for our Early Decision Discount.
Apply to WCU Here

Note: Individuals can pursue the West Chester University and Be Well Solutions Dietetic Internship MS/DI Program without adhering to the exact application schedule above. If you are interested in customizing your timeline, please email bwsdi@bewellsolutions.com.

MS/DI Curriculum

To view the West Chester University academic calendar, please click here.

MS + DI Curriculum Timeline (Spring Application Cycle)

The curriculum timeline for the Spring Application Cycle can be found below:

Fall 1 (August-December) Spring 1 (January-May) Summer 1 (June-August) Fall 2 (August-December) Spring 2 (January-May) Summer 2 (June-August)
24 Months
  • NTD 503
  • NTD 515
  • NTD 517

9 Credits
  • NTD 600
  • NTD 612

6 Credits

BWS DI Program Begins (Feb)
  • NTD – Elective Course

3 Credits

BWS DI Program
  • NTD 520
  • NTD 601

6 Credits

BWS DI Program Ends (Oct)
  • NTD 518
  • NTD 610

6 Credits
  • NTD 630 – Nutrition Capstone can be taken in spring session with special permission

3 Credits

DI Verification Statement

MS + DI Curriculum Timeline (Fall Application Cycle)

The curriculum timeline for the Fall Application Cycle can be found below:

Spring 1 (January-May) Summer 1 (June-August) Fall 1 (August-December) Spring 2 (January-May) Fall 2 (August-December) Spring 3 (January-May)
24 Months
  • NTD 600
  • NTD 610

6 Credits
  • NTD Elective Course

3 Credits
  • NTD 503
  • NTD 515
  • NTD 517

9 Credits

BWS DI Program Begins (Aug)
  • NTD 518
  • NTD 612

6 Credits

BWS DI Program Ends (Apr)
  • NTD 520
  • NTD 601

6 Credits
  • NTD 630 Nutrition Capstone

3 Credits

DI Verification Statement

Graduation Requirements

To graduate from WCU, students must complete 33 credit hours and maintain a 3.0 GPA and at least a B or better in all classes. Information about academic standing, probation, and dismissal can be found here.

Contact Information

For questions about the West Chester University curriculum and/or specific WCU application requirements, please email Christina Riccardo at CRiccardo@wcupa.edu.

For questions about the Be Well Solutions Dietetic Internship Program and/or MS/DI pathway, please email bwsdi@bewellsolutions.com.