On this page, you’ll find information about:

• Programs
• History
• Alumni
• Accreditation information

About the programs

The Graduate Programs in Human Nutrition include: 

• Dietetic Internship
• M.S. with a Dietetic Internship
• M.S. in Food Systems and Society
• M.S. in Human Nutrition

These programs prepare you for a range of careers in:

• Clinical nutrition 
• Dietetics 
• Community nutrition 
• Public health 
• Research 
• Private practice 
• Food service 

• Nonprofit leadership 

Mission

Our Graduate Programs in Human Nutrition are designed to: 

• Provide our students with a dynamic array of knowledge and skills that prepare them to practice in and advance the field of nutrition and dietetics.  
• Inspire service and collaboration within our profession and in communities enriched with people with diverse backgrounds, experiences, cultures and traditions. 
• Foster curiosity, competence, confidence and compassion in the next generation of nutrition professionals. 

Learn about our diversity, equity and belonging efforts.

History

OHSU’s Dietetic Internship launched in 1931, making it the oldest program of its kind in the West. Originally sponsored by Multnomah County Hospital, the program later partnered with the Portland Veterans Affairs Medical Center before becoming fully sponsored by OHSU in 2002.

The program has grown to meet the demand for dietitians, expanding from four students to 23 today.

OHSU expanded its graduate programs to support the profession:

• 2003: Introduced the M.S. in Clinical Nutrition (later renamed M.S. in Human Nutrition)
• 2017: Added thesis and capstone projects
• 2019: Added the M.S. in Food Systems and Society program

Alumni

Our alumni mentor students, serve as preceptors, and support the program through advisory boards, committees and guest lectures. 

If you're a graduate interested in job and volunteer updates, email gphn@ohsu.edu or connect with us on LinkedIn. 

Accreditation

The Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics (ACEND) is the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics accrediting agency for education programs that prepare students for careers as registered dietitians. ACEND establishes and enforces eligibility requirements and accreditation standards that ensure the quality and continued improvement of nutrition and dietetics education programs. 

The OHSU Dietetic Internship and Combined Master of Science and Dietetic Internship have maintained continued accreditation status by ACEND. At the July 2017 ACEND board meeting, the board voted to continue full accreditation of our program for a term of seven years ending December 31, 2024. In April 2020 and again in July 2022, the ACEND Board voted to extend the program's accreditation term, until December 31, 2026, due to the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic. ACEND will conduct the next program review in 2025. 

Contact information for ACEND

Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics (ACEND)

120 South Riverside Plaza, Ste. 2190

Chicago, IL 60606-6995

ACEND@eatright.org

800-877-1600 (ext. 5400)