COURSE CURRICULUM

The Master of Science in Nutrition requires the completion of a minimum of 32 graduate credits and is designed to provide advanced education in nutrition science, clinical nutrition, public health, research, and food systems. The curriculum combines foundational coursework, research training, and elective specialization opportunities to prepare students for professional careers and advanced study in nutrition and health-related fields. Students must earn a grade of B- or higher in graduate courses for credits to count toward the degree. The program includes eight required core courses that build expertise in community nutrition, nutritional biochemistry, clinical nutrition, critical nutrition issues, and research methodology. Core courses such as NUTR 820 Community Nutrition, NUTR 850 Nutritional Biochemistry, and NUTR 873 Clinical Nutrition help students develop a strong understanding of nutrition science, human metabolism, healthcare applications, and public health nutrition. Students also complete NUTR 880 Critical Issues in Nutrition, which examines current debates and emerging challenges in nutrition research and practice. A major component of the program is the year-long research experience through NUTR 960 Research Methods in Nutritional Science I and NUTR 961 Research Methods in Nutritional Science II. These courses provide hands-on training in research design, scientific investigation, data collection, analysis, and interpretation while helping students strengthen critical thinking and evidence-based problem-solving skills. Additional required courses include ANFS 901 Introduction to Agriculture, Nutrition, and Food Systems Graduate Studies and ANFS 997 Agriculture, Nutrition, and Food Systems Seminar, which encourage interdisciplinary learning and professional engagement within the broader food and nutrition system. Students further customize the degree through elective coursework aligned with their professional interests and career goals. Elective options include advanced diabetes care, sports nutrition, sustainable food systems, nutritional epidemiology, behavioral nutrition and counseling, clinical care, weight management, nutrition for children with special needs, and nutrition and gut microbes in human health. Investigative and independent study opportunities are also available through research-focused electives. The program combines advanced scientific training, experiential research, interdisciplinary study, and specialized nutrition education to prepare graduates for careers in clinical nutrition, community health, food systems, research, healthcare, public policy, wellness industries, and advanced professional or doctoral programs.