Program Overview
The Montana Dietetic Internship offers two pathways
Master's Degree + Dietetic Internship
(MSDI)
This program is designed for students who wish to simultaneously complete a Dietetic Internship and a Master of Science degree in Dietetic Systems Leadership.At completion of the program students will obtain a certificate (DI verification statement) that will qualify them to take the Registration Examination for Dietitians.
Dietetic Internship / non-degree
(DI)
For graduate prepared interns, the non-degree Dietetic Internship is a 2- semester internship program with a focus on Sustainable Food Systems.At completion of the MDI, interns will obtain a certificate (DI verification statement) that will qualify them to take the Registration Examination for Dietitians.
- The next round of applicantation acceptance will begin on October 19, 2025.
- Learn more about each pathway
Program Benefits
Diverse Pathways
Choose between a Master of Science & Dietetic Internship (MSDI) or a Non-Degree Graduate prepared Dietetic Internship (DI).
Strong Career Preparation
Develop leadership, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills to become an innovative dietitian.
Rural & Urban Healthcare Exposure
Experience in both large hospital systems and critical access hospitals in Montana & Wyoming.
Sustainable Food Systems Focus
Unique emphasis on sustainability, including work at Towne’s Harvest Garden and tours of the greater Gallatin Valley food system.
Integrated Learning Experience
Hands-on training in clinical nutrition, community nutrition, and foodservice management.
Interdisciplinary Collaboration
Engage in Culinary Medicine sessions and projects with nursing and medical students.Introduction to MDI
2025 Virtual Open House
The Montana Dietetic Internship (MDI) integrates experiences in clinical and community nutrition, and foodservice management with a sustainable food systems focus to provide a unique and progressive supervised dietetic practice experience to future registered dietitians.
Surrounded by mountains and farmland, Montana State University offers the perfect backdrop for dietetic interns interested in food systems and sustainable practices. Students will have the opportunity to work at MSU's Towne’s Harvest Garden, participate in field trips to local farms/ranches and lead interprofessional projects such as Culinary Medicine sessions with nursing and medical students.
The MDI program prepares future dietitians to be innovative leaders in the implementation of sustainable food practices in all areas of dietetics. Interns spend 9 -13 weeks in a large hospital system in a more urban area and 2 weeks in one of the many critical access hospitals that serve the rural areas. Montana and Wyoming are both primarily rural with unique considerations for access to healthcare. Our dedicated facilities and preceptors provide MDI interns with opportunities to practice their clinical skills, with the unique lens in SFS, with a rural healthcare focus.
Sustainable Food Systems (SFS) Focus
The goal of MDI is to develop leaders who can think outside the box and create innovative solutions to real world problems using the unique lens of SFS and rural healthcare.
With four weeks dedicated to exploring the Gallatin Valley’s vibrant food system, MDI cultivates a unique lens for interns to take into professional practice with opportunities to apply their strong systems and critical thinking skills to be important change agents in the health of individuals and communities.
Out-of-the box problem solving skills are developed through:
- Researching and discussing important topics that impact the dietetics profession
- Working together with local partners to deliver programs or execute projectsthat are mutually beneficial to both interns & the community
- Immersing in the production and distribution of organic produce at Towne’s Harvest
- Enhancing culinary skills and developing recipes with fresh, local ingredients
Visit the Sustainable Food Systems Focus page.
Program Costs
Visit our Program Costs Page for information on estimated tuition and fees, financial aid, and scholarship opportunities.
Intern Perspectives Videos
- Montana Dietetic Internship Tips & Tricks for Navigating the MS/DI Program
- The Benefits of MS Coursework before the DI
- Interns' Favorite Dietetic Systems Leadership MS Coursework
