M.S. in Nutrition Program Curriculum
Overview
The Master of Science in Nutrition prepares students to lead health promotion through the expansive realm of nutritional sciences. Recently updated, the program guides students through a well-rounded curriculum. Students receive a 21-credit-hour core in the fundamental courses, including an applied capstone project to integrate new knowledge and skills. Students choose a generalist program of study with adding elective courses to complete at least 30-credit-hours to graduate or they can declare concentrations in sports nutrition, community nutrition, functional nutrition and herbal therapy or professional practice as a registered dietitian nutritionist.
Students from varied disciplines and professional backgrounds join this program to gain common knowledge and practical skills in nutrition. Experiential learning offered throughout allows students to apply innovative concepts within their own areas of influence. Students explore contemporary research, evidence-based practice, therapeutic concepts with diet, nutrition’s relationship to health and disease, programmatic approaches in populations; and emerging topics, such as genetic applications and plant-based eating patterns.
The degree is rooted in a comprehensive background from translational sciences, which integrates the components of health promotion, nutrition for populations, assessment, basic interventions, and evidence-informed practice. The curriculum promotes critical thinking, interprofessional leadership, and advocacy in applying effective nutrition strategies in all sectors. Areas of emphasis include sports nutrition, nutrition research, community and population health, or functional nutrition.
Students can enjoy the convenience of a fully online program or may choose a hybrid option with face to face classes on campus. All of the courses have frequent live interactions using web-based technology as a unique signature of the program. This benefit allows our students to work with esteemed faculty directly but balance busy schedules or live away from campus. An orientation is provided at the beginning of the program to meet fellow students and faculty members, and students are invited to commencement in May with other college graduates to celebrate their success at the end.
The program curriculum offers a lot of student autonomy and flexibility to suit individual interests. A minimum of 6-credits each term is required for full-time status, and students may take up to six years to complete the program.
Review Core Performance Standards
Program Mission
The Mission of the Master of Science in Nutrition is to develop a cadre of interprofessional leaders who integrate and promote the role of nutrition in a dynamic and changing global society.
Program Goals:
- Prepare graduates who demonstrate critical thinking skills and the ability to solve problems in the nutritional sciences.
- Prepare graduates who formulate and communicate nutrition information using effective strategies, advocacy, and integrated systems of care.
- Prepare graduates who apply concepts of social influence, cultural competence, and environmental dimensions of nutrition within the community.
- Prepare graduates who promote health and wellbeing throughout the life course by applying knowledge of human metabolism and nutrient functions, assessment techniques, and emerging evidence to inform practice.
Please note: Curriculum Plans are updated as of fall 2020.
Core Courses
(21 credits)
NUT 5025 - Nutrition Across the Lifespan
NUT 5120 - Nutrition Advocacy and Interprofessional Leadership
NUT 5200 - Nutritional Biochemistry
NUT 6105 - Wellness and Healthy Weight
NUT 6400 - Nutritional Assessment and Medical Nutrition Therapy
NUT 6450 - Advanced Concepts in Nutrition Science
NUT 6805 - Applied Nutrition Capstone
In addition to 7 required courses, students may choose at least 3 electives (9 credits) or optional concentrations (12 credits) in community nutrition, sports nutrition, or functional nutrition and herbal therapy to complete the degree requirements. Students can work with their academic advisor to customize a custom plan to pursue specific goals, such as an advanced degree in research.
Optional Concentrations
Community Nutrition (12 Credits)
NUT 5100 - World Culture, Food,
NUT 5110 - Foundations of Community Nutrition
NUT 5400 - Psychology of Eating
PUH 5430 - Epidemiology
Sports Nutrition (12 Credits)
NUT 5050 - Nutrition and Exercise Performance
NUT 5060 - Strength and Conditioning for Nutrition Professionals
NUT 6700 - Advanced Sports Nutrition
NUT 6750 - Dietary and Sports Supplements
Functional Nutrition and Herbal Therapy (12 credits)
NUT 5075 - Advanced Practice Principles of Functional Nutrition and Herbal Therapy
NUT 5305 - Clinical Approach to Functional Nutrition 1: Gastrointestinal Systems
NUT 5315 - Clinical Approach to Functional Nutrition 2: Endocrine, Immune and Nervous Systems
NUT 5325 - Clinical Approach to Functional Nutrition 3: Cardiovascular and Musculoskeletal Systems
A Sampling of Elective Courses (offered in varied patterns):
MED 0630 - Effective Instruction Strategies in Health Professions Education
MED 0690 - Professional Ethics and Health Law
MED 0710 - Effective Interpersonal Communication and Collaboration in the Health Professions Environment
MI 5200 - Survey of Biomedical Informatics
MI 6401 - Biostatistics
NUT 5005 - Foundations of Nutritional Science
NUT 5040 - Functional Foods in Society
NUT 5050 - Nutrition and Exercise Performance
NUT 5060 - Strength and Conditioning for Nutrition Professionals
NUT 5075 - Advanced Practice Principles in Functional Nutrition
NUT 5100 - World Culture, Food, and Nutrition
NUT 5110 - Foundations of Community Nutrition
NUT 5130 - Nutritional Counseling
NUT 5305 - Clinical Approach to Functional Nutrition 1: Gastrointestinal Systems
NUT 5315 - Clinical Approach to Functional Nutrition 2: Endocrine, Immune, and Nervous Systems
NYT 5325 - Clinical Approach to Functional Nutrition 3: Cardiovascular and Musculoskeletal Systems
NUT 5400 - Psychology of Eating
NUT 5700 - Vegetarian and Plant-based Eating Patterns
NUT 6700 - Advanced Sports Nutrition
NUT 6750 - Dietary and Sports Supplements
NUT 6900 - Special Topics Courses: Topics such as Obesity, Genomics, Technology Applications
NUT 6915 - Directed Independent Study
PUH 5002 - Health Promotion and Disease Prevention
PUH 5430 - Epidemiology
Looking for Professional Practice Concentration?
Please visit our dedicated page for more information.
The Department of Nutrition is proud to offer a Professional Practice Concentration as the only pathway to becoming a registered dietitian nutritionist. As a Future Graduate Program, NSU has received full approval from the Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics (ACEND) through December 31, 2029. Please note that as of January 1, 2024, candidates seeking to take the certification examination for registered dietitians must have at least a master's degree along with professional training and other program elements to qualify. Read more here.