Graduate Academic Programs

Master's Degree Programs

Master of Science in Applied Health Science Degree (MSAHS), Nutrition Science Major

Description of Program

Nutrition science integrates nutrition and the physical and life sciences, such as chemistry, biology, anatomy, and physiology, to promote healthy lifestyles.

Degree Requirements

A minimum of 36 graduate credit hours is required for the nutrition science program.  A minimum 3.0 cumulative grade point average (GPA) is required for graduation. A minimum grade of C– is required in each course. A minimum of 20 credits must be in the Department of Applied Health Science. All electives for completing the degree must be approved by the advisor.

Complete each of the following courses (24 cr.):

  • HPER-C 589 Models and Theories of Health Behavior (3 cr.)
  • HPER-C 591 Public Health Statistics (3 cr.)
  • HPER-C 611 Epidemiology (3 cr.)
  • HPER-N 530 Advanced Nutrition I (3 cr.)
  • HPER-N 532 Advanced Nutrition II (3 cr.)
  • HPER-N 600 Nutrigenomics (3 cr.)
  • HPER-T 590 Introduction to Research in Health, Kinesiology, and Recreation (3 cr.)
  • HPER-T 592 Statistical Techniques in Research in Health, Kinesiology, and Recreation (3 cr.)

Complete one of the following courses (3 cr.):

  • CHEM-C 483 Biological Chemistry (3 cr.)
  • CHEM-C 484 Biomolecules and Catabolism (3 cr.)
  • MCHE-C 580 Medical Biochemistry (3 cr.)

Complete one of the following courses (3 cr.):

  • HPER-N 520 Food Chemistry (3 cr.)
  • HPER-N 525 Food Chemistry Laboratory (3 cr.)
  • HPER-N 531 Medical Nutrition Therapy (3 cr.)
  • HPER-N 533 Medical Nutrition Therapy Application (3 cr.)
  • HPER-N 536 Community Nutrition (3 cr.)
  • HPER-N 601 Phytonutrients (3 cr.)
  • HPER-N 620 Nutrition in Sports (3 cr.)
  • CHEM-C 485 Biosynthesis and Physiology (3 cr.)
  • MCHE-C 583 Physiological Biochemistry (3 cr.)

Complete one of the following 6 credit research options (6 cr.):

      Complete a master's thesis.
  • HPER-H 599 Masters Thesis (6 cr.)

          OR

      Complete the following 6 credit combination of courses.
  • HPER-N 640 Research in Nutrition Science (3 cr.)
  • HPER-N 641 Readings in Nutrition Science (3 cr.) --or-- HPER-N 539 Special Problems: Nutrition & Food Science (3 cr.)
Special Opportunities

Special opportunities include individualized research with faculty members, laboratory experiences, and volunteer opportunities in nutrition education.

Careers

The study of nutrition science lays a solid foundation for future academics, researchers, doctors, dentists, physicians' assistants, and other health professionals. Graduates with a bachelor's degree can also work in government agencies that focus on nutrition, or they can pursue laboratory work or pharmaceutical sales.

Graduates with an M.S. in Nutrition Science can do research in nutrition, food science, or health, and with additional courses they can also pursue Dietetic Registration.

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