Nutrition MPN

The Army-Baylor Master’s Program in Nutrition, located at the U.S. Army Medical Center of Excellence (MEDCoE) at Joint Base San Antonio, Texas, represents a significant stride in military dietetics training. This active-duty, entry-level program has evolved from the previous Military-Baylor Graduate Program in Nutrition (GPN) into a more comprehensive 24-month integrated program.

The coursework, totaling 66 credit hours, is conducted at MEDCoE and focuses on various crucial aspects of nutrition, such as clinical and humanitarian nutrition, food service, performance nutrition, research, and leadership. Students engage in 1,350 hours of supervised experiential learning rotations alongside the theoretical studies. These rotations take place at various locations, including civilian, VA, and military treatment facilities, providing broad and practical exposure to different aspects of dietetics and nutrition.

Upon successful completion, the program awards graduates with a Master of Nutrition Science degree from Baylor University. This qualification enables them to sit for the Commission on Dietetic Registration (CDR) credentialing exam. Graduates must obtain Registered Dietitian (RD) or Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RDN) credentials as per the CDR to maintain the 65C Area of Concentration (AOC) in the Army. The program also entails a 48-month Active Duty Service Obligation for officers upon completion.

For admission, candidates must apply through the Dietetic Internship Centralized Application Services (DICAS). The requirements include having a bachelor’s degree (or being in the final semester of undergraduate study), a minimum 3.0 overall GPA, and specific GRE scores—a minimum of 148 in both Quantitative and Verbal Reasoning, 3.5 in Analytical Writing, and a combined GRE score of at least 300.

This detailed and rigorous program is designed to prepare candidates for diverse roles in Army nutrition. It blends academic rigor with practical experiences, ensuring readiness for various nutrition-related challenges in military contexts.