Students can seamlessly transfer to MSU Denver to complete an accelerated bachelor’s-master’s degree.
Students who want to become registered dietician nutritionists (RDNs) can now complete the required degrees for their professional credential in less time—and for less money.
Earn 3 Degrees in 5 Years
Together FRCC and MSU Denver have designed a new pathway to guide students directly from an Associate of Science to a Master of Science degree in nutrition and dietetics. This accelerated track allows students to complete their associate, bachelor’s and master’s degrees in only five years.
People who want to pursue the Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RD/RDN) professional credential will be required to have a graduate degree starting on January 1, 2024.
Why Start at FRCC?
“The FRCC associate degree program offers a flexible option for students who want to save money on their first two years of this rigorous accelerated program,” said James Stevens, lead faculty for the college’s nutrition and dietetics program.
“They can take classes at any of our three campuses—in Westminster, Longmont and Fort Collins—or complete the associate degree entirely online.”
Learn more about FRCC’s new nutrition and dietetics program.
Smooth Transfer to MSU Denver
Students in this new program will first earn an Associate of Science (AS) degree over the course of four semesters—or approximately two years—at FRCC. They can then seamlessly transfer to MSU Denver as a junior for the remaining three years of their education.
This pathway leads to two degrees from MSU Denver—a Bachelor of Science and a Master of Science in nutrition and dietetics.
“When the Commission on Dietetic Registration made the decision to increase the requirements associated with becoming an RDN, the Department of Nutrition knew that we had to come up with more options for students to meet those requirements,” said Rachel Sinley, Ph.D., MSU Denver Nutrition Department Chair. “This pathway was established to get students into the workforce sooner, save time and tuition costs and ensure that courses transferred easily.”
High-Demand Careers
Studying nutrition and dietetics offers a clear career path with a wide variety of opportunities in healthcare and wellness. In Colorado, demand is high for registered dieticians and nutritionists—with 11% job growth projected nationally (between 2020 and 2030, according to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics).
Registered Dietitian Nutritionists (RDNs) can work for many different types of organizations. Students who complete this credential can find jobs in a wide range of fields, such as:
• Schools
• Hospitals
• Local government
• Public health
• Wellness programs
• Sports teams
• Food industry
• Product development
• Regulatory affairs
• Teaching
• Military
• And much more…
About Front Range Community College
Front Range Community College offers 200 degrees and certificates in a wide variety of programs from locations in Boulder County, Larimer County and Westminster—as well as online. FRCC is a member of the Colorado Community College System.
About Metropolitan State University of Denver
As one of Colorado’s leading public universities, MSU Denver is reimagining what is possible in higher education through the power of access, diversity, excellence and innovation. Founded in 1965, MSU Denver offers high-value, real-world education to nearly 18,000 students through career- and community-focused bachelor’s and master’s degree programs. And 80% of our 100,000 alumni live and work in Colorado, advancing their communities and the state economy. Based in the heart of the Mile High City, MSU Denver’s thriving urban campus provides unparalleled access to internships and professional networks that jump-start careers.
About the Colorado Community College System
The Colorado Community College System (CCCS) is the state’s largest system of higher education, serving 138,000 students annually at 13 colleges and 39 locations across Colorado. Our open access mission ensures all Coloradans who aspire to enrich their lives have access to quality higher education opportunities.
