COURSE CURRICULUM

The thesis-based Master of Science in Nutrition requires a minimum of 30 graduate credits and is designed to provide advanced scientific training, research experience, and professional development in nutritional sciences. A central component of the program is the completion of a 6-credit Master’s Thesis based on original research of publishable quality, allowing students to actively contribute to scientific knowledge in nutrition and health. The curriculum emphasizes competency in experimental design, scientific analysis, research methodology, and professional communication. Required core courses include NUTR 960 and NUTR 961 Research Methods in Nutritional Science I and II, which provide foundational and practical training in research design, data collection, statistical analysis, interpretation of findings, and scientific communication. Students generally complete these courses during the first year of study. Additional required coursework includes ANFS 901 Introduction to Agriculture, Nutrition, and Food Systems Graduate Studies and participation in ANFS 997 Agriculture, Nutrition, and Food Systems Seminar for at least two credits. Seminar participation encourages professional engagement, scientific discussion, and presentation experience within the nutrition and food systems fields. Students also complete a minimum of eight elective graduate credits selected in consultation with their thesis committee and based on individual research interests and career goals. Elective options include nutritional epidemiology, sports nutrition, community nutrition, sustainable food systems, nutritional biochemistry, weight management, behavioral nutrition and counseling, diabetes care, and nutrition and gut microbiome studies. Early in the program, students form a thesis committee consisting of at least three graduate faculty members, including a primary mentor, who guide the student’s academic coursework and research development. Additional undergraduate coursework may be required if the committee identifies beneficial competency gaps. Students must defend both a written and oral research proposal before proceeding with their thesis work. Program expectations also include presenting research at seminar events at least twice, gaining teaching or mentoring experience through at least one semester as a teaching assistant or equivalent educational activity, and completing an original thesis defense. Students are encouraged to present at professional conferences and participate in broader scholarly activities. Annual evaluations require students to complete self-assessments, maintain professional curriculum vitae, document service activities, and establish yearly academic and professional goals. Overall, the program combines rigorous research training, advanced nutrition science, scientific communication, teaching experience, and interdisciplinary learning to prepare graduates for careers in research, healthcare, public health, academia, and doctoral or professional programs.