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The Coordinated Program for Master of Arts in Dietetics (CPMA) program prepares students to become Registered Dietitian Nutritionists (RDNs) through a unique, integrated approach that combines classroom instruction with over 1,200 hours of supervised practice. Students apply what they learn in real time, gaining hands-on experience with expert preceptors across Oklahoma.

Graduates are eligible to sit for the national registration exam and obtain state certification or licensure to begin practice. Applicants may enter with a bachelor’s degree or with 90 credit hours (including prerequisites); those without a bachelor’s degree will earn it concurrently during the program.

Dual-Degree Option Available

Students in the Coordinated Program for Master of Arts in Dietetics (CPMA) may have the opportunity to pursue a Master of Science (MS) in Nutritional Sciences alongside their MA. This option allows select coursework to count toward both degrees, providing an advanced academic experience focused on research, critical thinking, and problem-solving. Completing the MS is not required for becoming a registered dietitian but may offer additional career advantages. Interested students should contact the college for details.

How Long to Complete the Program?

6 Semesters

Median Salary

$65,990

Average GPA of Admitted Class

3.5

Curriculum

The CPMA program consists of 68 credit hours designed to provide students with the knowledge and clinical skills to thrive in the profession. 

Course Requirements

Semester 1: Fall

Semester 1: Fall (15 hours)

Course Name 

Course Number 

Nutrition During the Life Cycle

NS 7153

Clinical Dietetics Profession

NS 7111

Nutrition Assessment

NS 7192

Research Methods in Dietetics

NS 5233

Quantity Foods

NS 7212

Nutrition Biochemistry and Physiology

NS 5104

Semester 2: Spring

Semester 2: Spring (15 hours) 

Course Name 

Course Number 

Nutrition Counseling

NS 7222

Counseling Practicum

NS 7121

Medical Nutrition Therapy I

NS 7244

Energy Nutrients

NS 5823

Experimental Foods

NS 5253

Food Preparation Practicum

NS 7412

Semester 3: Summer

Semester 3: Summer (8 hours) 

Course Name 

Course Number 

Adult Weight Management

NS 5132

Public Health Nutrition I

NS 5133

Dietetic Education Capstone Seminar

NS 7313

Semester 4: Fall

Semester 4: Fall (15 hours)

Course Name 

Course Number 

Advanced Medical Nutrition Therapy

NS 5134

Food Nutrition Services Management

NS 7213

Non-Energy Nutrients

NS 5833

Public Health Nutrition II

NS 6133

Medical Nutrition Therapy Practicum

NS 7542

Semester 5: Spring

Semester 5: Spring (10 hours) 

Course Name 

Course Number 

Clinical Nutrition Practicum*

NS 7615

Food and Nutrition Service Management Practicum*

NS 7625

*May be completed in any order 

Semester 6: Summer

Semester 6: Summer (5 hours) 

Course Name 

Course Number 

Community Nutrition Practicum*

NS 7635

*May be completed in any order  

Admission Requirements

To be eligible for admission to the CPMA program, applicants must have met the following requirements: 

  • Complete a bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university prior to enrollment in the program OR complete 87-90 credit hours, including prerequisite coursework, prior to enrollment in the program 
  • Maintain a minimum 2.75 cumulative GPA and a minimum 2.75 prerequisite GPA (Chemistry 1, Chemistry 2, Human Physiology, and Introduction to Nutrition). Note that the university does not recognize academic forgiveness nor reprieve policies. All attempts of a course are included in the calculation of GPAs 
  • Complete the required prerequisite coursework with a ‘C’ or higher prior to enrollment in the program. 

Applicants to the DI program will need to complete an application through the  Dietetics Inclusive Centralized Application Service (DICAS)  and the OU Health Campus to be considered.

If after reviewing the qualifications for the program you are unsure of whether you meet them, please contact ahinfo@ouhsc.edu. We are here to help and support you as you pursue a career in the health sciences. 

Prerequisite Requirements 

Select the appropriate tab below based on any degrees you will have completed before the start of the program to view the required prerequisite coursework. 

No Degree, AAS, or AA/AS from Non-Oklahoma School

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No Degree, AAS, or AA/AS from Non-Oklahoma School 

Applicants are required to complete 87-90 credit hours of coursework prior to the beginning of the program. The total credit hours should include all coursework listed below and any additional elective courses needed to reach the credit hour requirement. 

Note: Applicants who have taken an OU First Year Experience course will need to complete 87 credit hours prior to beginning the program. Those who have not completed this course will take it during the program and will need to complete 90 credit hours prior to beginning the program. 

OU Course Number 

Course Name 

Credit Hours 

General Education Coursework 

MATH 1503

College Algebra

3

PSY 1113 

Elements of Psychology 

3 

ENGL 1113 

English Composition I 

3 

ENGL 1213 

English Composition II 

3 

HIST 1483 or HIST 1493 

U.S. History 1492-1865 or U.S. History 1865-Present 

3 

P SC 1113 

American Federal Government 

3 

Varies 

Foreign Language 1st Course* 

Varies 

Varies 

Foreign Language 2nd Course* 

Varies 

Varies 

Western Culture** 

3 

Varies 

World Culture** 

3 

Varies 

Artistic Forms** 

3 

Varies 

OU First Year Experience Course*** 

3 

Varies 

Upper-Level Courses

10

Program Prerequisite Requirements 

CHEM 1315

General Chemistry I & Lab

4-5

CHEM 1415

General Chemistry II & Lab

4-5

BIOL 1005 or BIOL 1124 

Concepts in Biology or Intro Biol: Molecule/Cell/Phys 

4-5 

BIOL 2124**** 

Human Physiology & Lab

4

HES 2823****

Intro to Nutrition

3

* Two semesters of the same foreign language must be completed. This requirement is waived if proof of two years of the same language being completed in high school is provided 
**Either the western culture, world culture, or art form must be completed at an upper-level (3000- or 4000-level) to meet the upper-level general education prerequisite requirement 
***Only offered at the University of Oklahoma. Students who have not taken this course will only need 87 total credit hours and will take this course during their program 
****Must have been taken within five years of admission

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AA/AS from Oklahoma School

 AA/AS from Oklahoma School 

 Applicants are required to complete 90 credit hours of coursework prior to the beginning of the program. The total credit hours should include all coursework listed below and any additional elective courses needed to reach the credit hour requirement.  

OU Course Number 

Course Name 

Credit Hours 

General Education Coursework 

Varies 

Upper-Level General Education Course* 

3 

Varies

Upper-Level Courses

10

Program Prerequisite Requirements 

CHEM 1315

General Chemistry I & Lab

4-5

CHEM 1415

General Chemistry II & Lab

4-5

BIOL 1005 or BIOL 1124 

Concepts in Biology or Intro Biol: Molecule/Cell/Phys 

4-5 

BIOL 2124**

Human Physiology & Lab

4

HES 2823**

Intro to Nutrition

3

 *Course must be a western culture, world culture, or art form completed at an upper-level (3000- or 4000-level) to meet prerequisite requirement 
**Must have been taken within five years of admission

Bachelor's Degree

OU Course Number 

Course Name 

Credit Hours 

CHEM 1315

General Chemistry I & Lab

4-5

CHEM 1415

General Chemistry II & Lab

4-5

BIOL 1005 or BIOL 1124 

Concepts in Biology or Intro Biol: Molecule/Cell/Phys 

4-5 

BIOL 2124*

Human Physiology & Lab

4

HES 2823*

Intro to Nutrition

3

*Must have been taken within five years of admission

Program Details

Location Offered

Oklahoma City

Degree Acquired

Master of Arts in Dietetics  

Application Window

OU Health: Opens: July 15th
DICAS: Opens: August 6th
Rolling Decisions Review Start: October 1st
Closes: April 15th

Admissions

Have questions about the admissions requirements? We're here to help you navigate the process.

Tuition and Aid

Need help with tuition and financial aid? We're here to help you explore your options and support you through the process.

Accreditation

The OUHSC Coordinated Program for Master of Arts in Dietetics is accredited by The Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics (ACEND), the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics accrediting agency for education programs preparing students for careers as registered dietitians.

Effective January 1, 2024, the Commission on Dietetic Registration (CDR) will require a minimum of a master’s degree to be eligible to take the credentialing exam to become a registered dietitian nutritionist (RDN). In order to be approved for registration examination eligibility with a bachelor’s degree, an individual must meet all eligibility requirements and be submitted into CDR’s Registration Eligibility Processing System (REPS) before 12:00 midnight Central Time, December 31, 2023. For more information about this requirement visit CDR’s website. 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 the ACEND-accredited Coordinated Program for Master of Arts in Dietetics at the University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center are eligible to apply to take the CDR credentialing exam to become an RDN.

In most states, graduates also must obtain licensure or certification to practice. For more information about state licensure requirements click here.

Further information about accredited dietetic education programs may be obtained from:

Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics (ACEND)
120 South Riverside Plaza, Suite 2190
Chicago, Illinois 60606-6995
Phone: 800/877-1600, ext. 5400
Website - Email

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