Explore UNE Online’s Supervised Experiential Learning (SEL) Experience Through our Master of Science in Applied Nutrition – Dietetics Program

If you’re passionate about pursuing a career as a registered dietitian and looking for a flexible, real-world approach to learning, University of New England’s (UNE Online) Master of Science in Applied Nutrition – Dietetics Program could be the perfect fit for you. This online program uniquely integrates Supervised Experiential Learning (SEL) throughout the entire 28-month curriculum, ensuring hands-on experience in clinical, community, and food service management settings while you work toward earning your Master’s degree online. 

While some programs require a separate dietetic internship to complete your supervised practice hours, UNE Online’s dietetics nutritionist program has Supervised Experiential Learning (SEL) as a means to fulfill this requirement to receive a verification statement to sit for the RD exam. 

UNE Online’s MS in Applied Nutrition – Dietetics program offers coursework 100% online, with the flexibility to complete your SEL hours at a location near you. No need to relocate!

 Quick Takeaways

• What is SEL? UNE’s MS in Applied Nutrition – Dietetics program integrates SEL into the curriculum, so you earn your degree while gaining hands-on experience.
  
  
• Students are responsible for securing SEL sites, but you’ll receive guidance throughout the process.
  
  
• The program prepares you to sit for the RDN exam (after completing your degree and SEL hours).
  
  
• It’s fully online and flexible, designed for learners across the country.
  
  
• You’ll graduate with a strong foundation in clinical, community, and food service nutrition.

What is SEL?

Supervised Experiential Learning (SEL) refers to structured, hands-on practice under the guidance of a qualified preceptor in a real-world setting. (Note: a preceptor is an industry professional who provides guidance and supervision during a student’s supervised experiences).

In UNE’s dietetics program, SEL is built directly into the curriculum, unlike traditional dietetic internships that take place after coursework is complete. It is integrated throughout the entire 28-month program, and provides the same experience that you would receive in a traditional dietetic internship. Both are designed for students to complete the required practice hours needed to sit for the RDN licensure exam. 

SEL is a great option for students who are interested in accelerating their dietetics degree and prefer to complete their coursework and practice hours simultaneously.

Secure a SEL Site for Your Dietetics Practice Hours

Here’s where you come in: students are responsible for finding and securing their own SEL sites and preceptors. But don’t worry, UNE provides support and resources to help you every step of the way.

We recommend starting your search while you’re working on pre-dietetics coursework (which includes three 3-credit courses and can often be transferred in). 

Steps to finding a great SEL site:

1. Start with your community. Think hospitals, local clinics, schools, public health programs.
2. Check the Preceptor Database from the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics.
3. Reach out early and often. Send professional emails, follow up, and be persistent.
4. Lean on our support team. We offer templates, guidance, and recommendations to help you along the way.

Three Types of SEL Settings 

To meet accreditation standards and round out your education, you’ll complete SEL hours across each of the three domains:

1. Clinical Nutrition

You’ll work directly with patients in settings like hospitals, outpatient centers, or rehab clinics. This helps you apply medical nutrition therapy in real time.

2. Community Nutrition

From food banks to SNAP-Ed to public health departments, you’ll support programs that improve access to healthy food and promote wellness in diverse populations.

3. Food Service Management

Whether in schools or healthcare facilities, you’ll get experience overseeing menus, managing kitchen operations, and implementing nutrition protocols.

You’ll need a minimum of 400 hours across all three domains in your first year, and additional hours as you progress through the program.

Is This the Right Degree to Become a Registered Dietician Nutritionist?

Yes! The Master of Science in Applied Nutrition – Dietetics is specifically designed for students who want to become Registered Dietitian Nutritionists through a program recognized and fully accredited by ​​the Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics (ACEND), the accrediting agency for education programs preparing students for careers as Registered Dietitian Nutritionists.

This is not a general wellness or coaching certificate, it’s a rigorous nutrition degree that sets you up for long-term career growth and national certification.

What Makes UNE’s Registered Dietician Nutritionist Program Stand Out?

UNE’s Master of Science in Applied Nutrition – Dietetics Program offers a few standout features that make it especially practical for adult learners and career-changers alike:

• Integrated Dietetics Supervised Practice Hours: You don’t need to complete a separate dietetic internship. UNE Online’s unique Supervised Experiential Learning (SEL) hours are distributed across your 28-month journey. 
• Online flexibility: Our online registered dietician nutritionist program lets you study from anywhere.*
  • *Please note students need to be located in the United States or US territories to complete their Supervised Experiential Learning (SEL) hours.

The UNE Online MSAN Dietetics program is accredited by ACEND under the FEM standards. ACEND FEM policy states that SEL hours must be completed in the United States, US Territories or in places treated as US soil (like military bases or US Embassies). 

If you are an international student or in the military where you might be stationed abroad, you will need to locate SEL sites that comply with the stipulations listed. Virtual community and food service management SEL hours are accepted for a small minority of hours. However, virtual clinical hours are not accepted.

• No relocation needed: You’ll secure your SEL sites where you live, so you can keep your roots while building your future.
• RDN exam eligibility: After completing your coursework and SEL hours, you’ll receive a verification statement that qualifies you to sit for the RDN exam.

Important note: While UNE’s MS in Applied Nutrition – Dietetics program prepares you to meet eligibility requirements for the RDN exam, it does not automatically confer the RDN credential. Becoming a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist requires passing the Commission on Dietetic Registration (CDR) exam after program completion.

Ready to Take the Next Step?

If you’re passionate about nutrition and ready to take the next step toward becoming an RDN, UNE’s online dietetics program offers the flexibility, structure, and support you need to succeed. 

Explore UNE Online’s MSAN Dietetics program details and begin your nutrition journey today!