Program Policies and Costs

Program Costs

The internship program fee is $10,000. Multiple payment plans are available. 

Interns who simultaneously pursue Virginia Tech’s Online Master of Science in Agricultural and Life Science (OMALS) will also pay tuition according to the bursar’s fee schedule. Per the 2025–2026 rates, the total cost of the OMALS degree is approximately $30,000. The tuition is the same regardless of your state residence. Virginia Tech undergraduate nutrition and dietetics students who dually enroll in the OMALS program during their final undergraduate semester can reduce their graduate school costs proportionally.

Other Expenses

*Cost of living varies in different areas of Virginia. Many interns reduce costs by sharing an apartment with a roommate, particularly in the Washington DC metro area.

**Many rotations are difficult to reach on public transit. A vehicle or other method of private transportation is needed to get to the majority of our supervised practice sites and some class meeting locations. To reduce expenses, interns are encouraged to discuss geographic considerations with the program director before committing to housing.

***Expenses depend on the requirements of an intern’s supervised practice sites. Some interns will need to be certified in Basic Life Support for Healthcare Providers. Others may need to demonstrate ServSafe certification.

Financial Aid

Individuals pursuing Virginia Tech’s OMALS program or another graduate degree program can apply for federal financial aid. Individuals seeking information about loans and deferments during Virginia Tech’s internship may find this document helpful. 

Assessment of Prior Learning Policy

Interns with substantial work experience may be eligible for a waiver towards a portion of their supervised practice hours. Interns are invited to discuss with the program director the potential for earning credit for prior learning if they meet one or both of the following criteria:

• At least one year (or 2,000 hours) of employment in a food, nutrition, or public health setting.

• Graduate level academic research, practicum, or field experience related to food, nutrition, or public health.

Interns who are awarded supervised practice credit for prior learning experiences are still expected to attend all class meetings or substitute with equivalent learning experiences approved by the director.

Immunizations, Background Checks, and Drug Screens

Interns must provide documentation of all required immunizations, including COVID-19, in order to meet affiliation agreement requirements of our supervised practice sites. Waivers may not be available for students or interns. Inability to meet immunization requirements may result in dismissal from the program.

Interns must successfully pass a background check and drug screen. Inability to pass may result in dismissal from the program.

All internship policies are described in detail in our policies and procedures manual.

All internship policies are described in detail in our policies and procedures manual.