Nutrition—Master of Science
Degree: Master of Science
Website: Master of Science in Nutrition
College/School: School of Mathematics, Science and Engineering
Program Accreditation: Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics (ACEND) of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics
Apply to UIW: Application for the Master of Science in Nutrition program
Master of Science in Nutrition
The Master of Science in Nutrition degree program is designed to accommodate employed professionals pursuing an advanced degree, persons wishing to complete the Didactic Program in Dietetics needed for entry into a dietetic internship, and those seeking continuing education in nutrition. The graduate program provides students with knowledge of current theory, research, and nutrition policy, and gives them the skills necessary to apply that knowledge throughout their professional careers. The Master of Science in Nutrition program will prepare students for a variety of positions in nutrition and dietetics. Program graduates have accepted positions in clinical and administrative dietetics, community nutrition, nutrition consulting, food service management, nutrition research, business, and secondary and college education.
A minimum of 30 credit hours are needed to complete the Master of Science in Nutrition degree.
Admission Requirements
Applicants to the Master of Science in Nutrition program must have
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An earned Baccalaureate degree from an accredited institution of higher learning with an overall GPA of 2.7 or better;
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Minimum GRE scores of 143 for Verbal Reasoning, 141 for Quantitative Reasoning, and 3.0 for Analytical Essay, or a previously earned graduate degree.
Students must meet adequate undergraduate background requirements, including:
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Chemical Principles I and II with laboratories (8 hours). Must be completed before applying.
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Organic Chemistry (3 hours).
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Anatomy and Physiology I and II or an upper division survey in human physiology. Must be completed before matriculating.
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Statistics (3 hours).
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Biochemistry (3 hours).
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Community and World Nutrition.
Master of Science in Nutrition Degree Plan
Students complete 14 credit hours of core requirements, 4 to 9 credit hours of synthesis/research (Capstone Project or Thesis), and Nutrition electives for a minimum of 30 credit hours.
Nutrition Required Courses
Certain areas of knowledge must be mastered by all nutritionists. Upon review of transcripts a student may be required to satisfactorily complete these courses.
| NUTR 5470 | Human Nutrition and Metabolism | 4 |
| NUTR 5477 | Medical Nutrition Therapy II | 4 |
| NUTR 6255 | Nutrition in Adults and the Elderly | 2 |
| NUTR 6245 | Maternal and Pediatric Nutrition | 2 |
| Total Credit Hours: | 12 |
Master of Science in Nutrition Core Requirements
Nutrition Electives
Choose Nutrition Electives to meet the 30 credit hour program minimum. Students must complete one didactic nutrition elective. The semester hours of dietetic internship courses are considered nutrition electives but not didactic nutrition electives.
Additional Course Requirements
In addition, students may select electives to meet the requirements for the Didactic Program in Dietetics (DPD). Students may be required to complete other courses in order to meet these didactic requirements. Students apply separately to the DPD. Please consult with the DPD director.
Comprehensive Understanding Requirement
Completion of the Master of Science in Nutrition degree program requires the student to pass a comprehensive examination. The comprehensive exam includes both written and oral components and should be taken during the student’s last year of study.
Synthesis/Research Capstone Option
Students choosing the Capstone option take the Capstone Master's Project across 2 semesters for a total of 4 to 6 credit hours.
Synthesis/Research Thesis Option
Students choosing the Thesis option take 3 credit hours of NUTR 63TP Thesis Proposal and 3 to 6 credit hours of NUTR 63TR Thesis Research. Continuous enrollment at UIW is required until completion of Thesis.
Dietetic Internship
Dietetic Internship
Students apply to the Dietetic Internship separately from the Master of Science in Nutrition program. For information about the Dietetic Internship, please contact the Dietetic Internship Director. The Internship and the Didactic Program in Dietetics at the University of the Incarnate Word are currently granted accreditation by the Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics (ACEND). The address and phone number of ACEND are: 216 W. Jackson Blvd., Suite 800, Chicago, IL 60606; 312-899-4876.
| NUTR 6200 | Community Nutrition Practice | 2 |
| NUTR 6300 | Foodservice Management Practice | 3 |
| NUTR 6400 | Clinical Dietetics Practice | 4 |
| Total Credit Hours: | 9 |