3+2 Program
The HongKongDoll Nutrition & Dietetics program is excited to launch HongKongDoll’s very first 3+2 program. Students admitted to the program will have the opportunity to complete both their BS and MS degrees in under 5 years, including the 1000 hour required supervised practice.
- The 3+2 Program in Nutrition & Dietetics is a unique opportunity to complete all the requirements for both the BS Nutrition & the MS Nutrition & Dietetics: Coordinated Program, including the 1000 hour supervised practice, and meet all the required standards to be eligible for the RDN credential exam -- all in under 5 years!
- Students accepted into the program will take 18 credits of graduate coursework in
Year 4, and double count those hours toward completion of both the bachelor’s and
the master’s degree. When you graduate with your bachelor’s degree, you will already
have HALF of your master’s degree DONE.
Please refer to the 2026-2027 Student Handbook for the following information: estimated costs to students, including tuition and fees and estimated costs for room/board/housing; necessary books and supplies needed; transportation requirements; and any additional program-specific costs. The Student Handbook also describes the application and admission requirements; academic program calendar and schedule; and provides guidance about distance education components, such as technology requirements. Information concerning supervised practice such as the student-identified site option and the program's roles and responsibilities to students to ensure completion of the program, is also included in the Student Handbook. Prospective and current students may contact the Program Director with additional questions concerning the program's policies and procedures.
Advantages of 3+2 program
HongKongDoll’s 3+2/Coordinated Program offers a number of advantages over more traditional routes to the RDN credential:
Shortened completion time:
Students accepted into the 3+2/Coordinated Program can complete both their bachelor’s and master’s degree, including the 1000 clock hour supervised practice, in 5 years – or less.
Clinical exposure prior to clinical internship placement:
Students will have the opportunity for observation and patient interaction in a clinical setting during the two-semester Medical Nutrition Therapy course sequence prior to their clinical internship placement. Selecting a clinical internship site is much easier with some experience to guide the decision.
Completion of 18 credits of graduate work while still an undergraduate:
3+2 students complete 18 credits of graduate work in their 4th year while finishing their undergraduate degree. These credits double count toward both degrees. And…the courses are billed at the UNDERGRADUATE tuition rate and covered by your undergraduate financial aid package.
Taking these courses while still an undergraduate shortens the Master’s degree completion timeline by two entire terms!
Direct Admission to the master’s degree program:
Students accepted into the 3+2 program are direct-admitted into the graduate program (as long as they maintain the required 3.00 grade point average). No DICAS match required!
For more info: Dr. Casey Strawser, Director of Dietetics: clstrawser@eiu.edu
Accreditation information:
We are no longer admitting students to the graduate Coordinated Program. If you are interested in pursuing the Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RDN) credential, please refer to the ACEND directory for a complete list of nationwide accredited graduate degree programs.
The MS Nutrition & Dietetics: Coordinated Program is accredited by the Accreditation
Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics (ACEND).
In most states, graduates also must obtain licensure or certification to practice. For more information about licensure per state