Programs and Degrees

The Department of Nutritional Sciences prepares graduates for a variety of careers, including leadership roles in local, state, and federal health agencies, educational institutions, community health organizations, hospitals, and clinics. The department offers studies in nutritional sciences, nutrition and disease states, and community/public health nutrition, as well as a path for students to obtain the Registered Dietitian (RD) credential.  

In addition to the programs and degrees listed below, students also have the opportunity to earn a Physical Activity and Nutrition (PAN) certificate through the School of Kinesiology. For more information, please visit the PAN site.

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Master of Public Health (MPH) 

The two-year Master of Public Health in Nutritional Sciences degree is intended for students who wish to pursue careers in the field of human nutrition in a wide range of clinical, community, advocacy, research, policy and governmental settings. The degree requires a summer public health internship and offers one optional dietetics concentration with additional requirements as a path to the Registered Dietitian credential.

Applicants to the Nutritional Sciences MPH program should have a strong interest in science and health, an undergraduate degree in a field of basic or applied science, and, at a minimum, should have taken courses in biology, physiology, general and organic chemistry, and biochemistry.

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Master of Science (MS) 

The Master of Science (MS) program in Nutritional Sciences is a two-year program aimed at students who plan to pursue academic or research careers, including those interested in pursuing a doctoral degree. The degree does not require a summer internship but does offer one optional dietetics concentration.

Applicants to the Nutritional Sciences MS should have a strong interest in science and health, an undergraduate degree in a field of basic or applied science, and, at a minimum, should have taken courses in biology, physiology, general and organic chemistry, biochemistry, and calculus.

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Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)

Faculty resources, expertise, and program coursework support three focus areas within the nutritional sciences doctoral program:

  • Molecular and Biochemical Nutrition
  • Nutritional Epidemiology
  • Nutritional Interventions

Applicants should have a strong interest in science and health, an undergraduate degree in some field of basic or applied science, and, at a minimum, should have taken courses in biology, physiology, general and organic chemistry, biochemistry, and calculus.

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