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 the seven basic science core courses must be taken before matriculation, one of which must be Basic Human Nutrition or a closely related course. Two of these courses can be taken while enrolled in the M.S. program, but not for graduate credit. 

Introductory Biology (1 semester)

Human Physiology (1 semester)

General Chemistry (2 semesters/with labs)

Organic Chemistry (1 semester)

Biochemistry (1 semester)

Microbiology (1 semester)

Basic Human Nutrition (1 semester) or a closely related course may be taken as a substitute.

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 430 Nutrition and Metabolism

NUTRITN 572 Community Nutrition 

NUTRITN 577 Nutritional Problems in the U.S.

NUTRITN 580 Medical Nutrition Therapy

2. Advanced Nutrition Core—11 credits

These courses must be taken by all enrolled in the M.S. program.

NUTRITN 630 Advanced Nutrition and Metabolism

NUTRITN 714 Vitamins and Minerals

NUTRITN 793/4 Seminar 2 semesters, 1 credit each)

BIOSTATS 540 Introductory Biostatistics.                                                              

3. The following are required for all MS students.

NUTRITN 640 Public Health Nutrition

EPI 630 Principles of Epidemiology

NUTRITN 741 Methods in Nutrition Research

 4. The following are electives for all MS students

NUTRITN 572 Community Nutrition

NUTRITN 577 Nutritional Problems in the US

NUTRITN 585 Practical Skills in Nutrition Counseling

BIOSTATS 640 Intermediate Biostatistics

NUTRITN 715 Advanced Vitamins and Minerals

NUTRITN 580 Medical Nutrition Therapy (Required only for students who wish to pursue the DPD; elective for all other MS students)

5. MS THESIS

NUTRITN 699 M.S. Thesis (7-10 credits)

One 3-credit nutrition course 500 level or above; (applies to all MS thesis students)

6. MS NON-THESIS

6 credits of nutrition elective coursework 500-level or above; plus

6 credits of other elective courses 500-level or above, with at least 3 credits outside the department plus

1-credit nutrition seminar

7. TOTAL NUMBER OF CREDITS

MS thesis: 30-33 credits

MS non-thesis: 33 credits