Nutrition, M.S.

Students pursuing a Master of Science in Nutrition can choose from three different options:

1. Thesis Option (37 hours)

The M.S. thesis involves training in research skills and it is designed to prepare students for teaching, research, administrative, and consulting positions or for progression to a Ph.D. degree program.

2. Non-Thesis Option (40 hours)

An M.S. non-thesis track is also available. This option is most useful for students who need to meet requirements for the Dietetic Internship (DI).

3. M.S./DI combined (38 hours)

The M.S./DI program combines the M.S. degree with the Dietetic Internship program. Students complete a plan of study that includes M.S. courses in year one and DI courses in year two.

Interested in becoming a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RDN)?

Successful completion of didactic coursework and the M.S., qualifies you to apply for our supervised practice program, the Dietetic Internship (DI). This applies to both the thesis and non-thesis M.S.

Following completion of supervised practice and a graduate degree, students will take a national registration exam to earn the registered dietitian nutritionist (RDN) credential.

The Student Experience

• The program is research-based, which allows students to work alongside faculty members, clinicians and community partners inside and outside of the classroom.
• Students may become involved in the Nutrition Graduate Student Association or the UNCG Graduate Student Association.
• Students present at many professional conferences and invited presentations.
• Experiences in contemporary subjects such as Sports Nutrition, Culinary Medicine, etc.

After Graduation

Post-graduate career paths include:

• Clinical Dietitian
• Clinical Research Associate
• Extension Nutrition Specialist
• Food Production Manager
• Nutritional Scientist
• Physician/Physician Assistant

Apply to Program

• GRE is not required
• Applications for admission to M.S. must be submitted on-line by the following dates:
  • February 1 for assistantship consideration for fall semester admission,
  • May 1 for fall semester admission without assistantship consideration, and
  • November 15 for spring semester admission.

The following are required for evaluation by the Graduate School:

1. A completed on-line application form and payment of the application fee;
2. Three letters of recommendation;
3. And official transcripts of all previous college course work.
4. A letter of intent that includes whether the applicant is applying for the M.S. (thesis-option) or M.S. (non-thesis option), indicates the applicant’s professional goals, and indicates the applicant’s general area of research interest (for M.S. thesis option) (indicate applied research or basic research, or no preference);

If you are applying to M.S./DI combined

FOREIGN STUDENTS

Additionally, foreign students are required to

1. Submit TOEFL or IELTS scores and
2. Detailed NACES (course-by-course) evaluations of transcripts.

All application materials must be sent to the Graduate School. Once complete, application materials are then forwarded to the Department of Nutrition for review. Questions regarding application status should be directed to the Graduate School.

All students entering the masters and doctoral degree programs must have background-supporting courses in:

• General and Organic Chemistry
• General Biology
• Biochemistry
• Human Physiology
• Basic Nutrition

At UNCG these course numbers are: CHE 103, CHE 104, CHE 110L, CHE 205, CHE 206, NTR 531, BIO 111, BIO 277, NTR 213 (see Transfer Credits)