Master of Science in Human Nutrition

45.0 Credits

General Information

The human nutrition major is concerned with nutrition science, the application of the principles of biochemistry, physiology, and biology to human nutritional needs in health and disease. Current research includes neuro-physiological determinants of food reward in obesity and eating disorders, physiological determinants of food intake memory, novel weight loss treatments, interactions of socioeconomic and food safety factors on food choice, cultural effects on food preference and choice, and nutraceutical effects on immunity. Graduate study in Human Nutrition is offered on a full-time and part-time basis.

Curriculum

Students are required to complete 21 credits of CORE courses and then select 24 credits of electives chosen from courses currently offered in Biology, Nutrition, Food Science, Environmental Science or Public Health after consulting with their advisor. Those students choosing the thesis option substitute 6 credits of research for two elective courses. Those students choosing the non-thesis option are required to pass a comprehensive exam before being granted their MS

Required courses			21.0 Credits
BIO 610	Biochemistry of Metabolism			3.0
BIO 641	Data Analysis in the Biosciences			3.0
NFS 530	Macronutrient Metabolism			3.0
NFS 531	Micronutrient Metabolism			3.0
NFS 601	Research Methods in Human Nutrition			3.0
NFS 629	Readings in Nutritional Science			3.0
BIO 679	Issues in Scientific Research			3.0
Nutrition Science Electives (Students select 3 of the following)			9.0 Credits
NFS 525	Nutritional Assessment			3.0
NFS 545	Nutrition in Critical Care			3.0
NFS 630	Nutrition Counseling			3.0
NFS 634	Women's Issues in Nutrition			3.0
NFS 640	Nutrition of the Schoolchild			3.0
NFS 641	Nutrition in Later Maturity			3.0
NFS 690	Community Nutrition			3.0
NFS 696	Methods of Teaching Dietetics			3.0
NFS 732	Weight Management and Eating Disorders			3.0
Electives			15.0 Credits
In consultation with their graduate advisory committee or graduate advisor, students select electives from departmental or related course offerings. Some examples include the following:
BIO 670	Medical Microbiology			3.0
BIO 680	Immunology			3.0
BMES 604	Pharmacogenomics			3.0
FDSC 560	Advanced Food Chemistry			3.0
ENVS 621	Epidemiology			3.0
ENVS 636	Principles of Toxicology I			3.0
Thesis Option
Students selecting the thesis option may include up to 6 credits of NFS 997 Research in Nutrition and Food Sciences among their electives.
Non-thesis Option
Students selecting the non-thesis option are required to pass a written comprehensive examination. Students electing the non-thesis option may include up to 3 credits of NFS 997 Research in Nutritional and Food Sciences among their electives.