Nutrition, M.S.
The M.S. in Nutrition offers a thesis option (37 credit hours minimum) and a non-thesis option (40 credit hours minimum). The thesis option is research-based and designed to prepare students for research, administration and practitioner positions in nutrition, or for progression to the Ph.D. program. A written thesis is required for graduation. The non-thesis option is designed to prepare students for consulting, administrative, and practitioner positions in nutrition. A comprehensive examination must be passed. The registered dietitian (RD) credential must be obtained for a career in dietetics.
For information regarding deadlines and requirements for admission, please see the Guide to Graduate Admissions.
In addition to the application materials required by The Graduate School, applicants must submit a letter of intent that includes research and professional objectives and that identifies faculty with research interests most central to student research and career interests.
Prerequisites for admission to the graduate program in nutrition include: 2-3 semesters of biology (general biology with lab, human physiology) and 3-4 semesters of chemistry (inorganic chemistry with lab, organic chemistry with lab, biochemistry).
Degree Program Requirements
Required: 37-40 credit hours
Thesis Option
Required: 37 credit hours minimum
At least 26 credits must be in 600-level courses. The minimum requirements include:
| Code | Title | Credit Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Required Core (15 credits minimum) | ||
| NTR 609 (COURSE INACTIVE) 1 | 4 | |
| NTR 625 | Gene Expression and Protein Metabolism | 2 |
| NTR 626 | Energy, Carbohydrate, Lipid Metabolism | 2 |
| NTR 627 | Antioxidants and Bioactive Food Components | 2 |
| NTR 628 | Vitamins and Minerals | 2 |
| Select one course (3 credits) from the following: | 3 | |
| Advanced Statistics in the Behavioral and Biological Sciences I | ||
| Intermediate Statistical Methods in Education | ||
| Quantitative Methods | ||
| Research Techniques (9 credits minimum) | ||
| NTR 673 | Nutrition Research Methodology | 3 |
| Select 6 credits from the following: | 6 | |
| Directed Study in Nutrition | ||
| Current Trends in Nutrition | ||
| Problems in Food and Nutrition | ||
| Research Skill Development | ||
| Electives (7 credits minimum) | ||
| Select one 3-credit course from other NTR courses at the 500- or 600-level 2 | 3 | |
| Select at least 4 credits from other 500- or 600-level courses in NTR or other graduate-level courses 3 | 4 | |
| Thesis (Capstone Experience) (6 credits) | ||
| NTR 699 | Thesis | 6 |
| Total Credit Hours | 37 | |
| 1 | Four (4) credits total in NTR 609 are required. |
| 2 | With approval of the Graduate Advisory Committee. |
| 3 | As approved by the student's thesis committee. |
Non-Thesis Option
Required: 40 credit hours minimum
At least 26 credits must be in 600-level courses. The minimum requirements include:
| Code | Title | Credit Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Required Core (14 credits) | ||
| NTR 609 (COURSE INACTIVE) * | 3 | |
| NTR 625 | Gene Expression and Protein Metabolism | 2 |
| NTR 626 | Energy, Carbohydrate, Lipid Metabolism | 2 |
| NTR 627 | Antioxidants and Bioactive Food Components | 2 |
| NTR 628 | Vitamins and Minerals | 2 |
| Select one course (3 credits) from the following: | 3 | |
| Advanced Statistics in the Behavioral and Biological Sciences I | ||
| Intermediate Statistical Methods in Education | ||
| Quantitative Methods | ||
| Research Techniques (6 credits minimum) | ||
| NTR 673 | Nutrition Research Methodology | 3 |
| Select at least 3 credits from the following: | 3 | |
| Directed Study in Nutrition | ||
| Current Trends in Nutrition | ||
| Problems in Food and Nutrition | ||
| Research Skill Development | ||
| Electives (20 credits minimum) | ||
| Select at least 20 credits of electives as outlined below | 20 | |
| Total Credit Hours | 40 | |
| * | Three (3) credits total in NTR 609 are required. |
Electives (20 credits minimum)
Select at least 20 credits from other 500-or 600-level courses in NTR or other graduate-level courses as approved by the Graduate Advisory Committee. 15 elective credits will come from the DI course requirements for those students who are completing the Dietetic Internship requirements as part of their graduate program of study.
Comprehensive Examination
The written examination is offered at specific times each year. Please consult with the Director of Graduate Study for the exam date.