Nutritional science marks the intersection of food, biology, chemistry, microbiology, sociology and more, centered on topics and challenges that affect everyday health and well-being.
The MS program in Nutritional Science prepares students to translate nutrition science into practical use for human health and wellness. Students immerse themselves in the latest nutrition topics and research partnered with accomplished faculty, developing practical understanding through internship experiences and their own guided research. Building on the scientific foundations of human nutrition, students learn strong writing and problem-solving skills, grow computer literacy, and increase interpretive expertise. Students are afforded nutrition research experiences grounded in the latest science that can match their own interests and goals.
A sports nutrition track provides an option for students to select specialized courses in sports nutrition and exercise science and obtain hands-on training and research with sports dietitians and nutrition faculty who are experts in the field. Students in this track complete the same core nutrition graduate courses but take track-specific classes and electives that focus on sports nutrition, hydration, exercise physiology and other vital parts of the discipline. The culminating experience research is under the guidance of sports nutrition professors in the College of Health Solutions.
The maternal-child health track provides an option for students to select specialized courses in maternal-child health and obtain hands-on training with the nutrition and other faculty who work on nutrition-related health behaviors and outcomes across campus. Students in this track will complete the same core nutrition graduate courses but will take track courses and electives that focus on maternal-child health competencies, including policy and advocacy, leadership development, communication and ethics. They will complete their required research under the guidance of one of several faculty conducting nutrition-related maternal and child health research. Competitive funding may be available through the TRANSCEND program for students in the maternal-child health track.
