COURSE CURRICULUM

The Master of Science degree in Nutrition at Kent State University provides students with a rigorous foundation in nutritional sciences and prepares them for careers in healthcare, community nutrition, research, and education. The program emphasizes the integration of research, applied practice, and professional development, offering a wide array of coursework in core areas such as nutrition and disease, macronutrient and micronutrient nutrition, and advanced research methods. Students gain skills in assessing nutritional needs, interpreting scientific evidence, and applying nutrition knowledge to diverse populations. Supporting electives allow students to explore specialized topics, including lifecycle nutrition, medical nutrition therapy, community nutrition, integrative and functional nutrition, sports nutrition, and nutrition outreach. These electives provide flexibility to tailor the program to students’ individual interests and career goals. The program culminates in either a master’s project or a thesis, enabling students to synthesize their learning through applied or research-focused work. The master’s project is designed for students planning professional practice, emphasizing applied approaches to research and theory, while the thesis option is intended for research-oriented students, providing the opportunity to conduct original investigations and contribute to scholarly knowledge. Students may also choose the Dietetic Internship concentration, which combines coursework with supervised experiential learning in clinical, community, and management settings. This concentration develops competencies required for credentialing as a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RDN) and emphasizes communication, professionalism, and applied dietetic practice. Graduates of the program are prepared for roles as nutritionists, dietitians, research associates, cooperative extension specialists, and instructors in higher education, as well as positions in healthcare and community-based agencies such as WIC and Head Start. Through a combination of foundational coursework, electives, and culminating experiences, the M.S. in Nutrition cultivates well-rounded professionals capable of advancing nutritional knowledge, promoting health and wellness, and applying evidence-based practices to improve individual and community outcomes.