M.S. Thesis

Our M.S. Thesis introduces you to research applications for careers in dietetics, clinical nutrition, community nutrition, food industry, government, and basic sciences. Pursue this option if you plan to pursue a doctoral degree and/or are planning a research career.

Graduate students in the thesis option conduct an in-depth research study in one of the department's specialized program areas in conjunction with supporting coursework. This is the best option for those who plan to pursue a doctoral degree or a career in research.

Program Requirements

  • Requirements include a minimum of 31 semester credit hours as follows: at least 24 hours of course work, 6 hours of thesis and related research, and 1 hour GradFIRST seminar. Of the 24 hours of course work, a minimum of 12 credit hours must be open only to graduate students. Students are encouraged to take at least 3 credits of 8000 level NUTR courses. In consultation with their Advisory Committee, students with credit in NUTR 4100 - Mirconutrient Nutrition, or another course in vitamin and mineral nutrition may substitute another graduate level course in NUTR.

    Nutritional Sciences courses

    Required NUTR courses (11 credits)

    ^6100 3 cr Micronutrient Nutrition (may be substituted with NUTR course if taken as undergraduate - see graduate handbook for procedure)

    *6400 3 cr Advanced Micronutrients

    *8560 3 cr Proposal Writing

    *8900 2 cr Seminar Nutritional Sciences

    Elective NUTR courses (choose 4 credits)

    ^6050 3 cr Optimal Nutrition for the Life Span

    ^6070 1 cr Research Methodology in Human Foods and Nutrition

    ^6200 3 cr We Are What We Eat

    ^6220 3 cr Nutrition in Physical Activity, Exercise, and Sport

    *6240E 3 cr Nutrition and Obesity Across the Life Span

    ^6500 3 cr  Medical Nutrition Therapy I

    ^6510 3 cr  Nutrition Related to the Human Life Cycle

    ^6520   2 cr  Clinical Nutrition Interventions

    ^6530   4 cr  Medical Nutrition Therapy II

    ^6540   3 cr   Public Health Nutrition

    *6560E 3 cr  Nutrition Health and Aging

    ^6570  3 cr  Inherited Metabolic Disorders

    ^6590  3 cr  Metabolism and Physiology of Energy Balance and Obesity

    ^6600E  2 cr  Food and Nutrition Policy

    ^6610   1 cr  Foodservice Procurement and Financial Management

    *6620E 2 cr  Management of Foodservice Organizations

    ^6630   3 cr  Cultural Aspects of Foods and Nutrition

    *6640E 3 cr  Food Sanitation and Safety

    ^6645   2 cr  Functional and Nutritional Properties of Foods

    ^6647   3 cr  Sensory Evaluation of Food

    ^6650   3 cr  Experimental Study of Food

    ^6660S  3 cr Food and Nutrition Education Methods

    *6665E 3 cr  Childhood and Adolescent Nutrition

    *6670E 3 cr  Nutrition Intervention

    ^6700E 3 cr  Weight Management Coaching

    *6800E 3 cr  Nutrition and Pharmacology for Disease Management

    ^7040    3 cr  Nutritional Epidemiology

    ^7710   3 cr  Study Tour in Nutritional Sciences

    *7940   VR   Nutrition, Physical Activity, Exercise, and Sport Internship

    *8150  3 cr  Food & Nutritional Biochemistry

    *8230  3 cr  Advanced Nutrition in Physical Activity, Exercise, and Sport

    *8240   3 cr  Nutrition and Neuroscience

    *8530   3 cr  Nutrition and Disease Processes I

    *8550   3 cr  Nutrition and Disease Processes II

    *8595   1 cr  Survey of Obesity and Weight Management

    *These apply towards the required 12 credit hours of graduate only courses

    ^Cannot be repeated if taken as undergraduate. Does not apply towards the required 12 credit hours of graduate only courses.

    Statistics (3 credits)

    View Potential Courses

    Thesis: (6 required credits)

    NUTR 7000 (maximum of 3 credit hours may be applied towards the 30 credits required for degree)

    NUTR 7300 (minimum of 3 credit hours required)

    Electives (6 required credits)

    NUTR courses (see above) and/or related courses outside the department at the 6000, 7000, or 8000 level. Major advisor can help identify electives if needed. 

    Graduate School Requirement (Min 1 credit)

    GRSC 7001 GradFIRST Seminar (1-3 credit hours)

    GradFIRST Info

    Minimum Total Credit Hours: 31

    These courses are not considered in the 15 required credits of NUTR courses: NUTR 7000, NUTR 7010, NUTR 7210, NUTR 7300, and other research or independent study.

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