Master of Science Degree Program

Master of Science Degree Program

For the Master of Science program, a bachelor’s degree in nutrition or a related field such as biochemistry, biology, kinesiology, food science, physiology or public health is appropriate. Students with other bachelor’s degree emphases may also apply if prerequisite coursework is completed. At least five out of these seven courses must be taken before matriculation, one of which should be Basic Human Nutrition.  Two can be taken while enrolled in the M.S., but not for graduate credit.  Introductory Biology (1 semester), Human Physiology (1 semester), General Chemistry (2 semesters/with labs), Organic Chemistry (1 semester w/lab), Biochemistry (1 semester /with lab), Microbiology (1 semester w/lab) and Basic Human Nutrition (1 semester).     The M.S. degree program offers two tracks Nutrition Science and Community Nutrition.

Degree Requirements

1. Nutrition Core: These courses must be taken by those who do not have a B.S. degree in nutrition. Graduate credits are given for courses numbered above 500. 

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 585  Energy Metabolism

2. Advanced Nutrition Core—11 credits

These courses must be taken by all enrolled in the M.S. program. NUTRITN 630 Nutrition Metabolism and Chronic Diseases NUTRITN 731 Nutritional Assessment NUTRITN 793/4 Seminar (2 semesters, 2 credits) PUBHLTH 540 Introductory Biostatistics

3. Nutrition Concentration—6 credits                                                                               

Choose either the Nutrition Science or the Community Nutrition concentration:

a. Nutrition sciences NUTRITN 714 Advanced Nutrition— Vitamins NUTRITN 715 Advanced Nutrition— Minerals

b. Community Nutrition:
NUTRITN 585 Practical Skills in Nutrition Counseling
NUTRITN 640 Public Health Nutrition

4. Electives—6 credits
a. Nutrition Sciences:
Two courses, with at least one from outside the Department.

b. Community Nutrition:
Two courses from outside the Department, with one as

PUBHLTH 630 Principles of Epidemiology

5. Culminating Experience: a. Thesis (9-13 credits):
PUBHLTH 640 Intermediate Biostatistics
NUTRITN 699 M.S. Thesis (6-10 credits)