Nutrition Graduate Programs: Prerequisites and Requirements
Post-baccalaureate programs in nutrition are available at the graduate certificate and graduate degree levels. Graduate degrees include a Master of Science in Nutrition and a Ph.D. in Nutrition. Prerequisite courses in nutrition principles, anatomy and chemistry depend on a graduate student's background.
Graduate Certificate in Nutritional Science
Graduate certificate programs in nutritional science typically require completion of 4-6 classes covering advanced practical and theoretical approaches to nutrition. Many graduate certificate programs in nutrition are available online. Students gain research skills and learn to develop effective health programs.
Educational Prerequisites
Applicants to a graduate certificate program in nutritional science must have a 4-year degree from an accredited college, preferably in health, nutrition, science or a related field. Prerequisite coursework covers nutritional foundations.
Program Coursework
Graduate students must typically maintain a 3.0 GPA for successful completion of a nutrition science certificate program. Topics of study include:
- Nutrients
- Fats
- Supplements
- Food regulations
- Trends in nutritional science
Popular Career Options
Professionals already working in nutrition or weight management may earn a graduate certificate in nutrition science as part of a professional continuing education program. The graduate certificate program typically assists:
- Personal trainers
- Sports medicine athletic trainers
- Nutrition therapists
- Dietitians
- Nurse practitioners
Graduate Certificate in Nutrition Education
Nutrition education graduate certificate students generally complete six classes. Programs are often geared toward current health educators seeking advanced training, as well as nutrition program developers.
Educational Prerequisites
Nutrition education certificate candidates must have a relevant undergraduate degree, preferably with a 3.0 GPA or higher. Applicants are generally required to submit recommendation letters, a personal statement and a resume.
Program Coursework
To earn the nutrition education graduate certificate, students must usually maintain a minimum GPA of 2.0 in classes that include:
- Nutrition for athletes
- Nutritional issues affecting public schools
- Diet and nutrition instruction
- Nutritional programs for communities
- Regulations in health care
Employment Outlook and Salary Information
Employment of health educators was predicted to rise 18% beginning in 2008 and continuing through 2018, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (www.bls.gov). In 2008, nutritional educators averaged a salary of $48,590 annually, the BLS reported.
Master's Degree in Nutrition
Nutrition master's degree programs usually take two years to complete. In addition to readying students for work as nutritionists, master's degree programs also prepare individuals for work in public health administration or education. Graduate students may specialize in nutrition for particular life stages, such as pregnancy or infancy.
Educational Prerequisites
Master's degree-seeking students need a bachelor's degree, preferably with a 3.0 GPA or higher. Reference letters are usually required. Students must also have taken courses in anatomy, chemistry, biology and nutrition.
Program Coursework
Master's degree students complete a thesis project. Students also take lectures in:
- Human nutrition and disease
- Nutrition and metabolism
- Nutrition and exercise
- Vegetarianism
- Preventative nutrition
- Eating disorders
Employment Outlook and Salary Information
Graduates of a nutrition master's degree program may find work in food or pharmaceutical laboratories, schools or medical facilities. In 2008, nutritionists and dietitians earned a mean wage of $51,470, noted the BLS. The BLS also projected a nine percent increase in the number of nutritionists and dietitians between 2008-2018, slower growth than average for all occupations.
Professional Certification and Continuing Education Information
Nutrition master's degree program graduates interested in becoming dietitians or nutritionists may need to obtain state licensure. Voluntary certifications, such as the Registered Dietician credential, are available through nutritional organizations, including the American Dietetic Organization and the Commission on Dietetic Regulations. To qualify, applicants must have completed an approved educational program, participated in a professional work experience and pass an exam.
Ph.D. in Nutrition
Doctoral nutrition programs are largely research-based. Students learn how nutrients, drugs, toxins and other environmental factors affect human health. Doctoral nutrition programs typically consist of traditional coursework, research problems, group discussions, seminars and teaching assistantships.
Educational Prerequisites
A minimum of a bachelor's degree is required for acceptance into a doctoral-level nutrition program. Students who do not have a related master's degree must complete prerequisite coursework before beginning the doctoral program. Graduate Record Examination (GRE) scores must be submitted.
Program Coursework
Nutrition doctoral students conduct original research and complete a dissertation. However, before they can prepare for their graduate dissertation, they must prove competency in the discipline of nutrition through a verbal and written assessment. Graduate students also take required courses in:
- Food safety
- Metabolism
- Food toxicology
- Nutritional evaluations
- Biostatistics
Popular Career Options
Graduates of a doctoral degree program in nutrition may work for government agencies, private institutions and non-profit organizations. Specific job titles include:
- Food Science researcher
- Nutrition professor
- Nutrition consultant
- Food and dietary policy developer
- Scholarly writer
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9 Popular Schools
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Minimum eligibility requirements:
- Must be a high school graduate or have completed GED
School locations:
- Online Learning
Online Programs
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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
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Minimum eligibility requirements:
- Must be a high school graduate or have completed GED
School locations:
- Online Learning
Online Programs
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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
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Minimum eligibility requirements:
- Must be a high school graduate or have completed GED
School locations:
- Online Learning
Online Programs
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Minimum eligibility requirements:
- Must hold a Bachelor's degree or higher
School locations:
- Online Learning
Online Programs
- Master
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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
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Master
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- MS in Health Services Management
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Minimum eligibility requirements:
- Must be a high school graduate or have completed GED
School locations:
- Online Learning
- Georgia (1 campus)
- Texas (1)
Online and Classroom-Based Programs
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Minimum eligibility requirements:
- Must be a high school graduate or have completed GED
School locations:
- Online Learning
Online Programs
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Master
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- MPH in Health Promotion
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Other Schools:
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School locations:
- Tennessee (1 campus)
Areas of study you may find at University of Memphis include:
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- Graduate: Doctorate, First Professional Degree, Master
- Post Degree Certificate: Postbaccalaureate Certificate
- Undergraduate: Bachelor
- Medical and Health Professions
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