Master’s Degree in Nutritional Sciences

Master's Overview

Nutrition science is a critical area of expertise needed for anyone working in health- or wellness-related fields. The University of Texas at Austin offers an innovative and rigorous online Master of Science in Nutritional Sciences degree, which brings the on-campus degree to learners worldwide. The knowledge gained through this program of study can be applied to community and nutrition education programs, to corporate health and wellness settings, and current health professional practice. This fully online and accredited graduate program provides core knowledge of advanced human nutrition, combined with specialized knowledge from one of two concentration areas:

• Biochemical & Functional Nutrition:


• Nutrition Immunology, Nutrition as Medicine, Nutrition and Cancer, and Nutritigenomics.

• Health Promotion & Disease Prevention:


• Theory of Nutrition Behavior, Obesity and Energy Balance, Life Cycle Nutrition, and Chronic Disease Prevention.

A Master of Science in Nutritional Sciences at the University of Texas at Austin allows you to meet your career goals through a flexible degree plan that results in a credential that signifies integrated knowledge across the broad spectrum of nutrition research and practice.

Prerequisite coursework

Prerequisites for Admission Consideration:

1. Completed Bachelor’s degree from accredited institution


2. Completion Specific Coursework (or equivalent) including:

• Organic Chemistry


• Biochemistry


• Human Physiology


• Introductory Nutrition

Application requirements

Applicants to the MSNS degree program must meet the minimum requirements for graduate study at the University of Texas at Austin. Admission requirements to the Graduate School and the graduate program in Nutritional Sciences are as follows:

1. A bachelor’s degree from an accredited United States institution OR proof of equivalent training at an institute outside the United States. The Graduate and International Admissions Center (GIAC) will determine eligibility for admission in consultation with prospective graduate programs.


2. A grade point average of at least 3.00 in upper-division course work (junior- and senior-level courses) and in any graduate work already completed.


3. Completion of the GRE or MCAT/PCAT/OAT/DAT test is required for admission.


4. A satisfactory score (minimum score of 83 required) on the TOEFL exam (international applicants only). For more information, please see: Graduate School Admissions for International Students.


5. Three letters of recommendation from individuals familiar with the applicant’s academic and professional potential.


6. Personal statement regarding research and professional experience, goals, and how completion of the program will further those goals.


7. Personal resume including relevant work and experience.


8. Applicants should have a background in nutrition or related science and/or meet the pre-requisite coursework for admissions (described below).

Curriculum

The Master of Science in Nutritional Sciences degree requires 30 credit hours of core and concentration courses. All courses are 3 credit hour courses.

Full Curriculum Breakdown:

• Core coursework – 15 hours


• Concentration Coursework – 15 hours

Course coursework includes:

1. Advanced Nutritional Sciences I: Macronutrient Metabolism


2. Advanced Nutritional Sciences II: Micronutrient Metabolism


3. Molecular Nutrition


4. Experimental Design and Statistics


5. Advanced Experimental Design and Statistics

Students have the choice to complete 1 of 2 concentrations:

• Health Promotion & Disease Prevention:

1. Theories of Nutrition Behavior


2. Nutrition Through the Lifecycle


3. Energy Balance and Obesity


4. Disease Prevention


5. Current Issues in Nutritional Sciences

• Biochemical & Functional Nutrition:

1. Nutrition Immunology


2. Nutrition as Medicine


3. Nutrition and Cancer


4. Nutrigenomics


5. Current Issues in Nutritional Sciences

Students have the choice to complete the program in 1 or 2 years:

• 1-year track: Four 7-week courses per long semester (two concurrent courses each 7 weeks) and two 7-weeks courses over the summer semester


• 2-year track: Two 7-week courses per long semester (one course each 7 weeks) and one 7-week course each summer semester

Student Time Expectation:

• 1-year track: 20-28 hours per week


• 2-year track: 10-14 hours per week