Masters in Nutrition Program Information
A Master of Science degree program in Nutrition is usually completed in two years of study (full-time) and prepares students for careers in the nutritional sciences; although, many graduates choose to enter the job market as registered dietitians. Depending on the program, different emphasis areas are available, and students may complete thesis or non-thesis tracks.
Master of Science in Nutrition
Public health, clinical nutrition, nutrition education and nutrition therapy are some of the concentration areas that students may pursue in the Master of Science in Nutrition. Some courses focus on human physiology, particularly metabolic and molecular processes, while other classes look at the behavioral dimension of nutrition, along with how people choose what they eat.
Students in a graduate-level nutrition program learn which foods are high in nutritional composition and are beneficial and integral to overall well-being. Alternatively, students may investigate foods that are low in nutritional value and may contribute to lethargy and obesity. Students may look at common factors that can impact the nutritional content of food, such as food handling, cooking and food processing.
Educational Prerequisites
Admission into a master's program in nutrition varies from school to school. Most universities require that students have an undergraduate degree, but do not specify a particular area of study. However, programs do require that applicants complete prerequisite courses in biology, chemistry, physiology and nutrition.
Other universities, especially those that offer master's degree programs with a clinical nutrition emphasis, require that applicants have undergraduate degrees in nutrition and be registered dietitians. GRE scores and letters of recommendation are also likely to be requested.
Program Coursework
Classes vary according to area of emphasis. Many nutrition master's degree programs provide a foundation in the sciences before introducing advanced topics in nutrition. Some possible core courses include:
- Culture and nutrition
- Exercise and nutrition
- Minerals
- Vitamins
- Metabolic diseases
- Therapeutics and nutrition
- Nutritional status assessment
- Nutrition and biochemistry
Possible Career Options
Graduates of a master's program in nutrition pursue careers in many different areas. Most students become registered dieticians, but other career opportunities are available. Some possible career outcomes include:
- Research dietician
- Private health consultant
- College instructor
- Clinical nutrition services director
- Health center nutritionist
Continuing Education Information
Students who wish to continue their graduate studies may choose to enroll in a Ph.D. program in nutrition. This degree is research-based and involves the completion of a dissertation. Many Ph.D. grads take research or teaching positions.
Licensure for those who plan to become registered dieticians is also currently required by 35 states. Master's degree graduates are encouraged to check with the state they plan to work in for specific requirements. Additionally, the registered dietician (RD) credential is awarded by the American Dietetic Association Commission on Dietetic Registration. The RD credential is optional but signifies knowledge and expertise in the area of dietetics.
Related to Masters in Nutrition
- Related
- Recently Updated
- Popular
Top Nutrition Masters Programs: List of Colleges
Master of Public Health (MPH) and Master of Science (M.S.) programs in nutrition are offered through several colleges...
Career Options and Salary Info for a Masters in Nutrition
Nutritionists and dietitians are skilled in the art of food, as it pertains to healthy eating, dietary recommendations...
Online Masters Degree in Nutrition: Program Summary
Nutrition has broad application in the fields of education and health, and it can lead to a stable career. Online...
Clinical Nutrition Certificate and Certification Program Summaries
A clinical nutritionist or dietitian organizes the meal plans for groups or individual patients in hospitals, nursing...
Career Options for Nutrition Majors
- Top Schools with Nutrition PHD Programs
- Jobs and Salary Info for a Bachelors Degree in Nutrition
- Fitness & Nutrition: Career Diploma Overview
- Top Networking Management University Programs - Houston, TX
- Top School for Business Degree Programs - Columbus, OH
- Top Degree Program for a Medical Laboratory Technician - Phoenix, AZ
- Top Architectural Drafting and CAD Degree Programs - Chicago, IL
- Clinical Nutrition Career Options and Education Requirements
- Online Masters in Sports Nutrition: Degree Program Information
- Top Degree Programs in Business Marketing - Denver, CO
- Top School for a Nursing Degree - Colorado Springs, CO
- Top Ranked Computer Information Systems Management Degree Programs - Denver, CO
12 Popular Schools
-
Minimum eligibility requirements:
- Must be a high school graduate or have completed GED
School locations:
- Online Learning
Online Programs
-
Minimum eligibility requirements:
- Must be a high school graduate or have completed GED
School locations:
- Online Learning
- Arizona (5 campuses)
- California (21)
- Colorado (2)
- Columbia (D.C.) (1)
- Florida (6)
- Georgia (3)
- Hawaii (1)
- Michigan (1)
- Missouri (2)
- Nevada (2)
- Ohio (1)
- Texas (2)
- Virginia (1)
Online and Classroom-Based Programs
-
Minimum eligibility requirements:
- Must be a high school graduate.
School locations:
- Online Learning
Online Programs
-
Master
-
- Master of Science in Education - Allied Health Teaching and Leadership
-
-
Minimum eligibility requirements:
- Must be a high school graduate or have completed GED
School locations:
- Online Learning
Online Programs
-
Minimum eligibility requirements:
- Must be 21 years of age or older and have completed some college or 24 years of age or older and a high school graduate for a Bachelor's degree
- Masters degree applicants must have a Bachelors degree
- Doctorate degree applicants must have a Masters degree
School locations:
- Online Learning
Online Programs
-
Minimum eligibility requirements:
- Must be a high school graduate or have completed GED
- Currently not accepting applications from Texas residents
School locations:
- Online Learning
Online Programs
-
Master
-
- MBA Dual Concentration: Healthcare Management and Project Management
-
- MBA Dual Concentration: Healthcare Management and Public Safety Leadership
-
-
Minimum eligibility requirements:
- Must be a high school graduate or have completed GED
School locations:
- Online Learning
Online Programs
-
Minimum eligibility requirements:
- Must hold a Bachelor's degree or higher
School locations:
- Online Learning
Online Programs
- Master
-
Minimum eligibility requirements:
- Applicants must have a bachelor's degree or higher
School locations:
- Online Learning
Online Programs
-
Master
-
- MBA in Healthcare Management & Leadership
-
-
Minimum eligibility requirements:
- Must be a high school graduate or have completed GED
School locations:
- Online Learning
- Colorado (1 campus)
- Minnesota (1)
Online and Classroom-Based Programs
-
Master
-
- MS in Health Services Management
