Dear Prospective Dietetic Intern:

Thank you for your interest in the Dietetic Internship at Texas Woman's University - Denton. Our program combines the dietetic internship with a graduate program leading to a Master of Science degree in one of five degree programs. The Online M.S. in Nutrition format is excluded as an option from the Combined Master's/Dietetic Internship program.  Upon successful completion of the internship, the student qualifies to take the registration exam to become a Registered Dietitian (R.D.).

Our Combined Master’s/Dietetic Internship program has a concentration in the area of Medical Nutrition Therapy.  Internship practice sites are planned that provide interns with a broad range of experience in both traditional and emerging practice settings. Besides the required practice sites to achieve the required competencies, students have the opportunity to complete other rotations in a variety of settings to meet their educational or special interest needs.  Some of these settings include wellness and diabetes centers, computer support companies, business, private practice, and entrepreneurial enterprises.

I invite you to search our web site for more information regarding the university and our department.  After reviewing these materials, please feel free to contact me with further questions. Thank you again for considering our program as a step in the process to become a Registered Dietitian!

Sincerely,

Martha L. Rew, M.S., R.D., L.D.                 
Associate Clinical Professor, Dietetic Internship Director
940/898-2657
mrew@twu.edu

This information is valid until February 16, 2010.


COMBINED MASTER'S
DIETETIC INTERNSHIP – Medical Nutrition Therapy Concentration
MASTER OF SCIENCE IN NUTRITION (traditional format only) 
FOOD SYSTEMS ADMINISTRATION
FOOD SCIENCE
EXERCISE AND SPORTS NUTRITION
(INTERDISCIPLINARY DEGREE)
M.B.A./M.S. FOOD SYSTEMS ADMINISTRATION
(DUAL DEGREE)

Introduction

The Dietetic Internship (DI) is offered in combination with a Master of Science degree at Texas Woman's University in Denton, Texas.   The DI requires successful completion of at least 1200 clock hours of supervised practice with a concentration in the area of Medical Nutrition Therapy.  The Dietetic Internship/Master's Degree consists of 45 to 63 graduate credit hours, which includes the master's credit hours and the dietetic internship credit hours.  

Students completing the academic requirements from a Didactic Program in Dietetics (DPD) are eligible for a Dietetic Internship (DI).  Upon successful completion of the DI, students are eligible to write the registration examination to become a Registered Dietitian.

The TWU-Denton Dietetic Internship/Master's Degree Program is currently granted accreditation status by the Commission on Accreditation for Dietetics Education of The American Dietetic Association, 120 S. Riverside Plaza, Suite 2000, Chicago, IL  60606-6995, 312/899-4876.

Program Mission

The mission of the dietetic internship program is to provide a quality educational program that prepares students for successful completion of the registration examination; for careers that meet current and future practice needs; and to provide research experiences through the achievement of the Master's degree component.

Program Goals

1. To provide competently-trained dietitians to meet current and future employment needs thereby contributing to the economic development of the State of Texas and elsewhere.
2. To contribute to the scientific base of knowledge with opportunities for basic and applied research in a variety of areas.
3. To provide supervised practice in the traditional practice settings of general hospitals, school foodservice, and community-based programs and emerging settings such as wellness programs, marketing and sales, and entrepreneurial ventures.
4. To encourage students to develop leadership skills through participation in professional and community service activities.
5. To promote a cooperative working relationship between the university and the community for the mutual benefit of both entities.

General Information

• Number of applications received in 2009:  45
• Average GPA range:  3.25 – 3.90
• Number of intern positions:  14
• Overall Pass Rate on R.D. exam (last 5 years):  100%

Supervised Practice Sites

The Dietetic Internship program coordinates with more than 60 supervised practice sites around the Denton/Dallas/Fort Worth area. During the internship, students gain experience and practice skills in facilities such as major regional medical centers, community hospitals, university and public school foodservice facilities and various community/preventive health agencies.  Although some rotation sites are determined by the program, students are encouraged to select other sites that reflect their career goals and aspirations.  Efforts are made to place students in rotations that meet program goals and student needs. 

DI/Master's Degree Calendar (Full-time Option)
 

Note: The part-time option for supervised practice program extends the DI rotations into the spring and/or summer.

Program Format

The TWU/DI program is pleased to offer variety within the program to meet student needs in a diverse and ever changing world. The specialized format aims to optimally prepare the individual student to enter the dietetics profession.

If a qualified student already has an advanced degree in the area of nutrition or a closely related area; ie, Food Science, Food Systems Administration, Public Health, etc., then no additional degree would be required. However, the student would be required to meet the course and supervised practice requirements of the internship.

If a qualified student already has an advanced degree in a non-related area; ie, History, Marketing, etc., the departmental degree requirements would be required.

In the Department of Nutrition and Food Sciences, each Master’s degree has the choice of three options.  Students can choose one of these options to complete their degree plan requirements:  Thesis (30 hour Master’s); Professional Paper (36 hour Master’s); or Coursework (42 hour Master’s).  The thesis or professional paper options culminate in the successful completion of either a thesis or professional paper project.  The coursework option requires the successful completion of an exit examination in that program content area.  The choice of options is usually determined after the student has started the master’s program and in coordination with their graduate advisor. 

Admission Requirements

Students interested in the Combined DI/Master's program must meet the following criteria:

1. Verification Statementshowing completion of Didactic Program in Dietetics curriculum or Declaration of Intent to Complete DPD (obtain from your DPD Director).  The Verification Statement completion date must document current education within five years.*
2. Grade Point Average of 3.25 or better on a 4.0 scale on the last 60 hours of all coursework.
3. Grade Point Average of 3.0 or better on DPD required science courses and DPD upper level nutrition and foodservice management courses.
4. Graduate Record Examination (GRE) with a preferred minimum score of 350 on the verbal portion and 450 on the quantitative.
5. 1-2 page resume providing evidence of work and volunteer experience related to the intended field of study.
6. Admission to TWU Graduate School. Note: DI selections are made prior to and separately from The Graduate School Admission process. If you are appointed into the DI program but are denied admission to The Graduate School, your DI appointment would be forfeited at that time. Please refer to the TWU Graduate Catalog for admission requirements.

*Students whose Verification Statement is 5 – 10 years old will need to update their education with the completion of Medical Nutrition Therapy I and II or a combined Medical Nutrition Therapy course.  If the Verification Statement is more than 10 years old, Advanced Nutrition or Nutritional Biochemistry will also be required in addition to a current MNT course. 

Note: Admission to all programs at TWU are open to qualified male and female students.

Application Process

Applications to the M.S./Dietetic Internship and The Graduate School are two separate processes.  Completed applications must be mailed directly to the addresses given below.  Failure to mail these applications as directed may result in your application not being considered.  All application materials are the property of TWU's Department of Nutrition and Food Sciences and will not be returned to the applicant.

1. Application to TWU's MS/Dietetic Internship:

1. Submit a completed ADA Application Form (the original plus 4 copies).
2. ADA Verification Statement or Declaration of Intent to Complete Didactic Program in Dietetics (DPD)/Academic Requirements (original only). 
3. Official transcripts from ALL colleges and universities attended. These are in addition to the transcripts sent to The Graduate School.
4. Three letters of recommendation (one professor in Nutrition, one professor in Foodservice Management and one work supervisor).  Use the Standard ADA Waiver/Recommendation Form.  Copies are allowed with an original signature from the recommender.
5. One copy of your Graduate Record Examination (GRE) scores.
6. A handwritten letter of application (original plus 4 copies). This letter should include your reasons for applying to this DI/Master's program, your interest in dietetics, your past work experiences, perceived strengths and areas for growth, and short-term and future professional goals (business letter format, maximum of two pages).
7. Internship Application Fee - None 
8. Supplemental Information Document (original plus 4 copies). This typed document should include the following (limit two pages):

Your Name
DPD Program
Your Email Address
Preferred Master’s Degree Choice

• Describe a situation you have had in which you did not get along with another person (either in a work or personal situation) and how you handled the event.  There in not necessarily a right or wrong answer - just tell us about your experience and what you learned from it.
• Tell us something about yourself that we might not know about in a regular classroom situation.  It could be travels you have had, your family, unique hobbies or interests, etc.
  
  Send to:

Martha L. Rew, MS, RD, LD
Dietetic Internship Director
Department of Nutrition and Food Sciences
Texas Woman's University
PO Box 425888 
Denton, TX  76204-5888
Application Deadline: February 16, 2010 (postmarked)

2. Application to TWU's Graduate School: Submit immediately AFTER you have been accepted to the TWU Dietetic Internship Program in April. Students interested in early admission to the TWU Graduate School may apply at any time. 

1. Submit the online Graduate School application. 
2. Pay $30 non-refundable application fee, payable to TWU Graduate Admission.
3. Submit GRE scores
4. Submit ALL official college transcripts to:
   Office of Graduate Student Records
   Texas Woman's University
   ACT 7
   PO Box 425649
   Denton, TX 76204-5649
5. Submit one to two page resume to: Chair, NFS Graduate Admissions, Dept Nutrition and Food Sciences, PO Box 425888, Denton, TX  76204-5888.

Applications to the dietetic internship program and to the Graduate School are two separate procedures. Completed applications must be mailed directly to the above addresses. All application materials are the property of TWU Department of Nutrition and Food Sciences and will not be returned to the applicant.

Selection Process

A Selection Committee, comprised of departmental faculty and area dietitians, reviews all qualified applications received by the deadline date. Application materials are evaluated by objective criteria in the areas of GPA, GRE, professional interests and goals, work experience (paid and/or volunteer -- some hospital dietary experience is encouraged), and letters of recommendation. Note: Texas Woman's University will not discriminate against any person because of race, color, sex, sexual orientation, religion, age, national origin, ancestry, marital status, or handicap.Computer Matching Process:
All applicants to Dietetic Internships (DI) must participate in computer matching. Applicants should request this material from any ADA-approved Didactic Program in Dietetics (DPD) or from D&D Digital Systems. This request should be made to allow turnaround time for submitting by the deadline date. There is no charge for this material; however, there is a $50 fee for computer matching that is due to D&D Digital Systems with the applicant's prioritized ranking. 

Schedule of Dates	1.	Obtain preference instructions from your Didactic Program Director or by writing: D&D Digital Systems 304 Main Street, Suite 301 Ames, Iowa 50010 Phone: 515/292-0490 Fax: 515/663-9427  dnd@netins.net
Postmarked by: February 16, 2010	2.	Applicants must register with D&D Digital online at:  http://www.dnddigital.com/, pay the $50 computer matching fee by credit card, enter their contact information and DI priority choices by 11:59 PM CST on February 16, 2010.
Postmarked by: February 16, 2010	3.	Submit application packet by certified mail to TWU's Dietetic Internship program.
Monday, April 5, 2010, beginning 6:00 PM CDT	4.	NOTIFICATION DAY.  Applicant matching results will be posted on http://www.dnddigital.com/ from 6:00 PM CDT, April 5 through April 7.  This is the ONLY source of notification for applicants.  Each applicant will receive either One Match or No Match after log in.
Wednesday, April 7, 2010	5.	APPOINTMENT DAY.  Matched applicants must contact the Dietetic Internship program by telephone, FAX or email on or before 5:00 PM (time zone of program) to confirm acceptance of the MATCH.  After this time, the program is under no obligation to hold the opening for the matched applicant.  Martha L. Rew, MS, RD, LD Dietetic Internship Director Texas Woman's University Dept of Nutrition and Food Sciences  PO Box 425888 Denton, TX  76204-5888 PHONE: 940-898-2657   FAX:      940-898-2634 mrew@twu.edu
April 8, 2010	6.	The DI Director will send an email to interns confirming their appointment.

 

Estimated Expenses

The expenses listed are approximations.  Actual costs may be more or less than these estimates.

The estimates are based on minimum program length of 45 graduate credit hours for the Combined Master's/Dietetic Internship. The professional paper and coursework options require additional credit hours.

	Resident	Non-Resident
Tuition & Fees	$12,500	$24,950	Per 45 hours, graduate credit hours*
Room Fees	$1,640	$1,640	Per semester, semi-private room
	$2,495	$2,495	Per semester, private room
On Campus Meal Plans	$1,125-1,400	$1,125-1,400	Per semester, optional
Off Campus Room & Board	Varies	Varies
Texts and Supplies	$350	$350	Per semester
Liability Insurance	$ 30	$ 30	One-time expense
Criminal Background/Drug Screening	$ 75	$ 75	One-time expense; average cost
ADA Membership	$ 45	$ 45	Annual fee
Lab Coat	$ 30	$ 30	One-time expense
ID Badge	$ 20	$ 20	One-time expense
TDA State Meeting	$200	$200	Estimated expense
Immunization Fee	Varies	Varies
Physical Exam Fee	Varies	Varies
Transportation Costs	Varies	Varies	Travel to and from facilities
Review for RD Exam	$310	$310	One-time only
CPR Training	$ 25	$ 25	One-time only

*Note:  Fees do not include property deposit or assigned course fees, and are subject to change without prior notice.  Based on current Fall 2009 rates.

• See section on Departmental Scholarships/Graduate Assistantships/Financial Aid

Transportation

Transportation to the facilities is the responsibility of the intern. It is necessary that the student have access to an automobile in good working condition and be able to drive within a one hour or 60 mile radius in a busy metropolitan area for certain rotations. Geographic considerations are granted whenever possible.

Graduate Housing

It is the intern's responsibility to select and provide his/her own housing.  Accommodations are available on campus for graduate students, including single parents and families. For information contact University Housing at 940-898-3676. Departmental Scholarships:
The Department of Nutrition and Food Sciences awards academic scholarships each year. Awards of $1,000 or more for a full academic year results in out-of-state tuition waivers for out-of-state students.  Scholarship deadlines are set each springfor the following academic year. For more information download the application form to apply for these scholarships or contact the department at 940-898-2636. Note: Scholarship application deadlines occur before internship appointments are made. Therefore, it is in the student's best interest to make application to NFS scholarship before the deadline date.

University Scholarships

Full-time graduate students are also eligible for university scholarships. Information and application deadlines may be obtained from the Financial Aid Office, Texas Woman's University, PO Box 425408, Denton, TX 76204-3408 or going to their Web site at www.twu.edu/finaid/.

Graduate Assistantships

Graduate assistantships are available to selected students who have been accepted into the degree program. Financial support includes a monthly stipend and an out-of-state tuition waiver for half-time employment (20 hrs/wk). Research assistantships may be available from individual faculty members in the department. Inquiries should be made to the Chair of the department at 940-898-2636.

Financial Aid

TWU maintains an the Financial Aid Office which provides financial assistance to qualified students. Aid may be awarded in the form of work, grants, loans, assistantships, scholarships or some combination of these. Please refer to the current graduate catalog for more details and deadlines for application and refer to their Web site at www.twu.edu/finaid.

A Final Comment...

The faculty in the Department of Nutrition and Food Sciences welcomes the opportunity to meet with prospective students. To obtain more information, contact us at your convenience. Thank you for your interest in Texas Woman's University!

Martha Rew, MS, RD, LD
Dietetic Internship Director
Texas Woman's University
Dept. of Nutrition and Food Sciences
PO Box 425888
Denton, TX 76204-5888
Phone:  940.898.2657
mrew@twu.edu