The MS degree offers a core curriculum that emphasizes understanding the effects of food and nutrients on the human body. The program includes aspects of professional development, critical thinking, and scientific communication. Electives associated with each of the specializations help prepare students for further studies in doctoral or professional degrees, as well as careers in government agencies, industry, and professional practice. A minimum of 35 credits is required for the M.S. degree.
The Nutrition Specialization includes work in advanced nutrition science and nutrient metabolism, recent developments in human nutrition, and research methods and approaches. The specialization offers flexibility across molecular, community, and clinical nutrition and is suitable for students seeking advanced degrees or professional careers. For students planning to become registered dietitian nutritionists, the MS Program offers courses needed for didactic training in dietetics and could include an added competitive coordinated master’s program including dietetic internship (Coordinated MS Program in Dietetics), accredited by the Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics.
Students interested in graduate work should refer to the Graduate and Professional Bulletin.
Learning Objectives
Upon successful completion, students will be able to:
- Conduct research meeting the standards of the discipline. This includes identifying an appropriate research problem, critically reviewing the literature, designing and implementing appropriate research protocols, analyzing data, and arriving at appropriate conclusions and implications. Students will be able to communicate the design, methodology, and results of their research both orally and in writing.
- Demonstrate mastery of fundamental nutrition science/applied science principles while incorporating other core areas, including statistics, biochemistry, physiology, food safety, microbiology, and education.
- Competently apply nutrition knowledge and skills in a work environment.
- Effectively disseminate research findings.
Effective Fall 2021
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Required Courses | ||
| FSHN 550 | Advanced Nutritional Science I | 3 |
| FSHN 551 | Advanced Nutritional Science II | 3 |
| FSHN 640 | Selected Topics in Nutritional Epidemiology | 2 |
| Select one course from the following: | 2 | |
| Recent Developments in Human Nutrition: Protein, Vitamins, and Minerals | ||
| Recent Developments in Human Nutrition: Carbohydrates, Lipids, and Energy | ||
| Recent Developments in Human Nutrition: Genomic, Proteomics, and Metabolomics | ||
| FSHN 692 | Seminar | 1 |
| Thesis | ||
| FSHN 699B | Thesis: Nutrition | 10 |
| or FSHN 699C | Thesis: Food Service Management | |
| Required Statistics/Research Methods Courses – Select one course from the following: | 3-4 | |
| Introduction to Research Methods | ||
| Principles: Quantitative Data Analysis | ||
| Qualitative Research | ||
| Qualitative Data Analysis | ||
| Methods of Research in Psychology I | ||
| Methods of Research in Psychology II | ||
| Design and Data Analysis for Researchers I | ||
| Design and Data Analysis for Researchers II | ||
| Electives | 10-11 | |
Select a minimum of 10 credits not taken elsewhere in the program in consultation with the graduate committee (see Example Elective Courses list below) | ||
| Program Total Credits: | 35 | |
Example Elective Courses
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| BC 401 | Comprehensive Biochemistry I | 3 |
| BC 403 | Comprehensive Biochemistry II | 3 |
| BC 465 | Molecular Regulation of Cell Function | 3 |
| BC 517 | Metabolism | 2 |
| BC 565 | Molecular Regulation of Cell Function | 4 |
| BC 663 | Gene Expression | 2 |
| BIOM 526/ECE 526 | Biological Physics | 3 |
| BMS 430 | Endocrinology | 3 |
| BMS 500 | Mammalian Physiology I | 4 |
| BMS 501 | Mammalian Physiology II | 4 |
| BMS 505/NB 505 | Neuronal Circuits, Systems and Behavior | 3 |
| BMS 610A | Managing a Career in Science: Survival Skills for Coursework (M.S.) | 1 |
| BMS 631 | Mechanisms of Hormone Action | 2 |
| BMS 632 | Metabolic Endocrinology | 2 |
| BZ 455 | Human Heredity and Birth Defects | 3 |
| EDRM 600 | Introduction to Research Methods | 3 |
| EDRM 606 | Principles: Quantitative Data Analysis | 3 |
| EDRM 704 | Qualitative Research | 3 |
| EDRM 705 | Qualitative Data Analysis | 3 |
| ERHS 542 | Biostatistical Methods for Qualitative Data | 3 |
| ERHS 544/STAT 544 | Biostatistical Methods for Quantitative Data | 3 |
| ERHS 567 | Cell and Molecular Toxicology Techniques | 3 |
| ERHS 611 | Cancer Genetics | 2 |
| FSHN 445/HDFS 445 | Early Childhood Health, Safety, and Nutrition | 3 |
| FSHN 496A | Group Study in Dietetics and Nutrition: Energy, Weight Management | 1 |
| FSHN 496B | Group Study in Dietetics and Nutrition: Sustainable Food Issues | 1 |
| FSHN 496C | Group Study in Dietetics and Nutrition: Nutrition and Chronic Disease | 1 |
| FSHN 496D | Group Study in Dietetics and Nutrition: Nutrition for Athletes | 1 |
| FSHN 496E | Group Study in Dietetics and Nutrition: Food Safety | 1 |
| FSHN 496F | Group Study in Dietetics and Nutrition: Service Marketing | 1 |
| FSHN 496G | Group Study in Dietetics and Nutrition: Food and Consumer Issues | 1 |
| FSHN 496H | Group Study in Dietetics and Nutrition: Public Health and Policy | 1 |
| FSHN 496I | Group Study in Dietetics and Nutrition: Special Topics | 1 |
| FSHN 500 | Food Systems, Nutrition, and Food Security | 2 |
| FSHN 520 | Advanced Medical Nutrition Therapy | 3 |
| FSHN 525 | Nutrition Education Theories and Practice | 2 |
| FSHN 540 | Nutrigenomics and Advanced Lipid Metabolism | 3 |
| FSHN 561 | International Nutrition Studies | 2 |
| FSHN 600 | Responsible Conduct of Research | 1 |
| FSHN 620 | Community Nutrition Planning and Evaluation | 3 |
| FSHN 628 | Advanced Nutrition Counseling Techniques | 2 |
| FSHN 630/HES 630 | Integrative Exercise and Nutrition Metabolism | 3 |
| FSHN 650A | Recent Developments in Human Nutrition: Protein, Vitamins, and Minerals | 2 |
| FSHN 650B | Recent Developments in Human Nutrition: Carbohydrates, Lipids, and Energy | 2 |
| FSHN 650C | Recent Developments in Human Nutrition: Genomic, Proteomics, and Metabolomics | 2 |
| FSHN 660 | Women's Issues in Lifecycle Nutrition | 2 |
| FSHN 686A | Practicum: Counseling | 1-3 |
| FSHN 686B | Practicum: Nutrition | 1-3 |
| FSHN 695B | Independent Study: Nutrition | 1-3 |
| FSHN 700 | Cellular Nutrition | 2 |
| FSHN 750 | Nutritional Basis of Chronic Disease | 2 |
| FSHN 792 | Seminar-Research Topics in Nutrition | 1 |
| FSHN 795 | Independent Study | 1-4 |
| FTEC 570 | Food Product Development | 2 |
| FTEC 578/HORT 578 | Phytochemicals and Probiotics for Health | 3 |
| GRAD 792 | Seminar on College Teaching | 2 |
| HDFS 608 | Program Planning and Implementation | 3 |
| HES 603 | Advanced Topics in Exercise Physiology | 3 |
| HES 610 | Exercise Bioenergetics | 3 |
| HES 630/FSHN 630 | Integrative Exercise and Nutrition Metabolism | 3 |
| HORT 579 | Mass Spectrometry Omics-Methods and Analysis | 3 |
| JTC 614 | Public Communication Campaigns | 3 |
| JTC 630 | Health Communication | 3 |
| JTC 661 | Information Design | 3 |
| JTC 662 | Communicating Science and Technology | 3 |
| MIP 540 | Biosafety in Research Laboratories | 2 |
| MIP 555 | Principles and Mechanisms of Disease | 3 |
| MIP 612 | Applied Immunology | 3 |
| MIP 614 | Medical Microbiology | 3 |
| PSY 652 | Methods of Research in Psychology I | 4 |
| PSY 653 | Methods of Research in Psychology II | 4 |
| STAR 511 | Design and Data Analysis for Researchers I | 4 |
| STAR 512 | Design and Data Analysis for Researchers II | 4 |
| VS 562 | Applied Data Analysis | 3 |
A minimum of 35 credits are required to complete this program.
Effective Fall 2021
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Required Courses | ||
| FSHN 550 | Advanced Nutritional Science I | 3 |
| FSHN 551 | Advanced Nutritional Science II | 3 |
| FSHN 640 | Selected Topics in Nutritional Epidemiology | 2 |
| Select one course from the following: | 2 | |
| Recent Developments in Human Nutrition: Protein, Vitamins, and Minerals | ||
| Recent Developments in Human Nutrition: Carbohydrates, Lipids, and Energy | ||
| Recent Developments in Human Nutrition: Genomic, Proteomics, and Metabolomics | ||
| FSHN 692 | Seminar | 1 |
| Research Project – Select one course from the following: | 4 | |
| Research: Dietetics | ||
| Research: Nutrition | ||
| Research: Food Service Management | ||
| Required Statistics/Research Methods Courses – Select one course from the following: | 3-4 | |
| Introduction to Research Methods | ||
| Principles: Quantitative Data Analysis | ||
| Qualitative Research | ||
| Qualitative Data Analysis | ||
| Methods of Research in Psychology I | ||
| Methods of Research in Psychology II | ||
| Design and Data Analysis for Researchers I | ||
| Design and Data Analysis for Researchers II | ||
| Electives | 16-17 | |
Select a minimum of 16 credits not taken elsewhere in the program in consultation with the graduate committee (see Example Elective Courses list below) | ||
| Program Total Credits: | 35 | |
Example Elective Courses
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| BC 401 | Comprehensive Biochemistry I | 3 |
| BC 403 | Comprehensive Biochemistry II | 3 |
| BC 465 | Molecular Regulation of Cell Function | 3 |
| BC 517 | Metabolism | 2 |
| BC 565 | Molecular Regulation of Cell Function | 4 |
| BC 663 | Gene Expression | 2 |
| BIOM 526/ECE 526 | Biological Physics | 3 |
| BMS 430 | Endocrinology | 3 |
| BMS 500 | Mammalian Physiology I | 4 |
| BMS 501 | Mammalian Physiology II | 4 |
| BMS 505/NB 505 | Neuronal Circuits, Systems and Behavior | 3 |
| BMS 610A | Managing a Career in Science: Survival Skills for Coursework (M.S.) | 1 |
| BMS 631 | Mechanisms of Hormone Action | 2 |
| BMS 632 | Metabolic Endocrinology | 2 |
| BZ 455 | Human Heredity and Birth Defects | 3 |
| EDRM 600 | Introduction to Research Methods | 3 |
| EDRM 606 | Principles: Quantitative Data Analysis | 3 |
| EDRM 704 | Qualitative Research | 3 |
| EDRM 705 | Qualitative Data Analysis | 3 |
| ERHS 542 | Biostatistical Methods for Qualitative Data | 3 |
| ERHS 544/STAT 544 | Biostatistical Methods for Quantitative Data | 3 |
| ERHS 567 | Cell and Molecular Toxicology Techniques | 3 |
| ERHS 611 | Cancer Genetics | 2 |
| FSHN 445/HDFS 445 | Early Childhood Health, Safety, and Nutrition | 3 |
| FSHN 496A | Group Study in Dietetics and Nutrition: Energy, Weight Management | 1 |
| FSHN 496B | Group Study in Dietetics and Nutrition: Sustainable Food Issues | 1 |
| FSHN 496C | Group Study in Dietetics and Nutrition: Nutrition and Chronic Disease | 1 |
| FSHN 496D | Group Study in Dietetics and Nutrition: Nutrition for Athletes | 1 |
| FSHN 496E | Group Study in Dietetics and Nutrition: Food Safety | 1 |
| FSHN 496F | Group Study in Dietetics and Nutrition: Service Marketing | 1 |
| FSHN 496G | Group Study in Dietetics and Nutrition: Food and Consumer Issues | 1 |
| FSHN 496H | Group Study in Dietetics and Nutrition: Public Health and Policy | 1 |
| FSHN 496I | Group Study in Dietetics and Nutrition: Special Topics | 1 |
| FSHN 500 | Food Systems, Nutrition, and Food Security | 2 |
| FSHN 520 | Advanced Medical Nutrition Therapy | 3 |
| FSHN 525 | Nutrition Education Theories and Practice | 2 |
| FSHN 540 | Nutrigenomics and Advanced Lipid Metabolism | 3 |
| FSHN 561 | International Nutrition Studies | 2 |
| FSHN 600 | Responsible Conduct of Research | 1 |
| FSHN 620 | Community Nutrition Planning and Evaluation | 3 |
| FSHN 628 | Advanced Nutrition Counseling Techniques | 2 |
| FSHN 630/HES 630 | Integrative Exercise and Nutrition Metabolism | 3 |
| FSHN 650A | Recent Developments in Human Nutrition: Protein, Vitamins, and Minerals | 2 |
| FSHN 650B | Recent Developments in Human Nutrition: Carbohydrates, Lipids, and Energy | 2 |
| FSHN 650C | Recent Developments in Human Nutrition: Genomic, Proteomics, and Metabolomics | 2 |
| FSHN 660 | Women's Issues in Lifecycle Nutrition | 2 |
| FSHN 686A | Practicum: Counseling | 1-3 |
| FSHN 686B | Practicum: Nutrition | 1-3 |
| FSHN 695B | Independent Study: Nutrition | 1-3 |
| FSHN 700 | Cellular Nutrition | 2 |
| FSHN 750 | Nutritional Basis of Chronic Disease | 2 |
| FSHN 792 | Seminar-Research Topics in Nutrition | 1 |
| FSHN 795 | Independent Study | 1-4 |
| FTEC 570 | Food Product Development | 2 |
| FTEC 578/HORT 578 | Phytochemicals and Probiotics for Health | 3 |
| GRAD 792 | Seminar on College Teaching | 2 |
| HDFS 608 | Program Planning and Implementation | 3 |
| HES 603 | Advanced Topics in Exercise Physiology | 3 |
| HES 610 | Exercise Bioenergetics | 3 |
| HORT 579 | Mass Spectrometry Omics-Methods and Analysis | 3 |
| JTC 614 | Public Communication Campaigns | 3 |
| JTC 630 | Health Communication | 3 |
| JTC 661 | Information Design | 3 |
| JTC 662 | Communicating Science and Technology | 3 |
| MIP 540 | Biosafety in Research Laboratories | 2 |
| MIP 555 | Principles and Mechanisms of Disease | 3 |
| MIP 612 | Applied Immunology | 3 |
| MIP 614 | Medical Microbiology | 3 |
| STAR 511 | Design and Data Analysis for Researchers I | 4 |
| STAR 512 | Design and Data Analysis for Researchers II | 4 |
| VS 562 | Applied Data Analysis | 3 |
A minimum of 35 credits are required to complete this program.
For more information, please visit Requirements for All Graduate Degrees in the Graduate and Professional Bulletin.
Summary of Procedures for the Master's and Doctoral Degrees
NOTE: Each semester the Graduate School publishes a schedule of deadlines. Deadlines are available on the Graduate School website. Students should consult this schedule whenever they approach important steps in their careers.
Forms are available online.
| Step | Due Date |
|---|---|
| 1. Application for admission (online) | Six months before first registration |
| 2. Diagnostic examination when required | Before first registration |
| 3. Appointment of advisor | Before first registration |
| 4. Selection of graduate committee | Before the time of fourth regular semester registration |
| 5. Filing of program of study (GS Form 6) | Before the time of fourth regular semester registration |
| 6. Preliminary examination (Ph.D. and PD) | Two terms prior to final examination |
| 7. Report of preliminary examination (GS Form 16) - (Ph.D. and PD) | Within two working days after results are known |
| 8. Changes in committee (GS Form 9A) | When change is made |
| 9. Application for Graduation (GS Form 25) | Refer to published deadlines from the Graduate School Website |
| 9a. Reapplication for Graduation (online) | Failure to graduate requires Reapplication for Graduation (online) for the next time term for which you are applying |
| 10. Submit thesis or dissertation to committee | At least two weeks prior to the examination or at the discretion of the graduate committee |
| 11. Final examination | Refer to published deadlines from the Graduate School Website |
| 12. Report of final examination (GS Form 24) | Within two working days after results are known; refer to published deadlines from the Graduate School website |
| 13. Submit a signed Thesis/Dissertation Submission Form (GS Form 30) to the Graduate School and Submit the Survey of Earned Doctorates (Ph.D. only) prior to submitting the electronic thesis/dissertation | Refer to published deadlines from the Graduate School website. |
| 14. Submit the thesis/dissertation electronically | Refer to published deadlines from the Graduate School website |
| 15. Graduation | Ceremony information is available from the Graduate School website |