Graduate Programs – Masters of Science
Graduate studies in nutrition provide students with the knowledge base and skills to research nutrition problems and to plan community, clinical, and individual applications of nutrition prevention and treatment at various levels. The M.S. in Nutrition provides advanced nutrition competencies and skills for application at the clinical, research, and group settings.
The department offers two options under the M.S. degree: nutrition science and community nutrition, for those who have completed the Bachelor of Science (B.S.) or Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) degree. Students wishing to continue on in a Ph.D. program are encouraged to follow the thesis option.
Course Requirements
Basic Science Core:
At least 5 out of these 7 courses must be taken before matriculation. Two can be taken while enrolled in the M.S., but not for graduate credit.
- Introductory Zoology or Biology (1 semester)
- Human Physiology (1 semester)
- General Chemistry (2 semesters/with labs)
- Organic Chemistry (1 semester/with lab)
- Biochemistry (1 semester/with lab)
- Microbiology (1 semester/with lab)
- Basic Human Nutrition (1 semester)
Nutrition Core:
These courses must be taken by those who do not have a B.S. degree in nutrition. Courses numbered 500 can be taken for graduate credit.
- NUTRITN 352: Life Cycle Nutrition
- NUTRITN 572: Community Nutrition
- NUTRITN 577: Nutritional Problems in the U.S.
- NUTRITN 580: Medical Nutrition Therapy
- NUTRITN 430: Nutrition and Metabolism OR
- KIN 574: Energy Metabolism
Nutrition Science Option
Advanced Nutrition Core (11 credits)
These courses must be taken by all enrolled in the M.S. program.
- NUTRITN 630: Nutrition & Chronic Disease
- NUTRITN 731: Nutritional Assessment
- NUTRITN 793/4: Graduate Seminar (2 semesters, 1 credit/semester)
- PUBHLTH 540: Introductory Biostatistics
Concentration courses (6 credits)
- NUTRITN 714: Adv. Nutrition - Vitamins
- NUTRITN 715: Adv. Nutrition - Minerals
Electives/Courses Outside of Major (6 credits)
Two courses, with at least one from outside the Department.
Culminating Experience:
Choose from Thesis or Non-thesis Option.
Thesis Option (9-13 credits)
- PUBHLTH 640: Intermediate Biostatistics
- NUTRITN 699: M.S. Thesis (6-10 credits)
Non-thesis Option (13 credits)
- NUTRITN 696: Research Problems (6 credits) plus
- 6 credits of cousework 500 level or above, within or outside of Department
- + 1 additional seminar, special topics course or journal club (1 credit)
All students are encouraged to gain practical experience and to complete the requirements of the American Dietetic Association for eligibility to become Registered Dietitian (R.D.).
Community Nutrition Option
Advanced Nutrition Core (11 credits)
These courses must be taken by all enrolled in the M.S. program.
- NUTRITN 630 Nutrition & Chronic Disease
- NUTRITN 731 Nutritional Assessment
- NUTRITN 793/4 Graduate Seminar (2 semesters, 1 credit/semester)
- PUBHLTH 540 Introductory Biostatistics
Concentration courses (6 credits)
- NUTRITN 640 Public Health Nutrition
- NUTRITN 585 Practice Skills in Nutrition Counseling
Electives/Courses Outside of Major (6 credits)
Two courses from outside the Department, with one as
- PUBHLTH 630 Principles of Epidemiology
Culminating Experience
Choose from Thesis or Non-thesis Option:
Thesis Option (9-13 credits):
- PUBHLTH 640 Intermediate Biostatistics
- NUTRITN 699 M.S. Thesis (6-10 credits)
Non-thesis Option (13 credits):
6 credits of cousework 500 level or above, within or outside of Department, plus:
- NUTRITN 696 Research Problems (4 credits)
- NUTRITN 698 Practicum (3 credits)
All students are encouraged to gain practical experience and to complete the requirements of the American Dietetic Association for eligibility to become Registered Dietitian (R.D.).
