Master of Science in Nutrition

Online M.S. in Nutrition - Nutrition Education & Counseling Specialization or Nutrition Science Specialization

Online M.S. Admission Requirements

  1. Completion of a bachelor's or higher degree in nutrition, dietetics or closely related field from a regionally accredited college/university.
  2. Students must have a grade of "C" or better in undergraduate courses in advanced nutrition or biochemistry and human physiology. Recency of courses will be evaluated.
  3. A cumulative Grade Point Average (GPA) of at least 3.0 for all undergraduate work and a GPA of at least 3.0 for the junior and senior years of undergraduate work (based on A=4.0).
  4. Meet minimum requirements for admission set by the School of Graduate Studies, including English proficiency requirements.

Online M.S. Degree Requirements

Students seeking the Master of Science in Nutrition degree at the University of North Dakota must satisfy all general requirements set forth by the School of Graduate Studies as well as particular requirements set forth by the Department of Nutrition and Dietetics:

  1. A minimum of 30 credits, including 9 credits of core requirements, 15-17 credits to complete one of the specializations, and 2-6 credits of electives.
  2. A maximum of 9 credit hours required for the degree may be transferred from another institution and must the meet the School of Graduate Studies transfer credit requirements.
  3. Completion of a week-long, campus-based training in nutrition practice and research skills for students completing the Nutrition Education and Counseling specialization.
  4. Successful completion of a comprehensive examination.

Curriculum

Core course requirements:

N&D 541Biochemical and Physiological Basis of Nutrition: Macronutrients3
N&D 542Biochemical and Physiological Basis of Nutrition: Micronutrients3
N&D 594Research Methods in Nutrition3

Nutrition Education and Counseling Specialization course requirements:

Graduate Level Statistics3
N&D 550Nutrition Education and Program Planning3
N&D 560Nutrition and Health Coaching3
N&D 590Directed Studies in Nutrition Intensive - Campus1
N&D 591Seminar in Nutrition1
N&D 596Nutrition Education and Counseling Practicum2
N&D 997Independent Study2
Electives6

Nutrition Science Specialization course requirements:

Graduate Level Statistics3
N&D 554Nutrigenomics3
N&D 561Clinical Nutrition Care I3
N&D 562Clinical Nutrition Care II3
N&D 591Seminar in Nutrition1
N&D 997Independent Study2
Electives6

N&D Electives (availability based on instructional resources, student interest, and minimum enrollment)

N&D 543Advanced Topics in Lifecycle Nutrition3
N&D 544Obesity and Eating Disorders3
N&D 545Nutrition in Disease Prevention and Wellness3
N&D 550Nutrition Education and Program Planning3
N&D 554Nutrigenomics3
N&D 560Nutrition and Health Coaching3
N&D 561Clinical Nutrition Care I3
N&D 562Clinical Nutrition Care II3
N&D 563Entrepreneurship in Nutrition and Dietetics3
N&D 564Integrative and Functional Nutrition3
N&D 590Directed Studies in Nutrition1-4
N&D 998Thesis1-4

Electives can come from any department that has relevant coursework. Courses must be approved by the student's academic advisor and be included on the student's Program of Study before the course is taken. Graduate level courses taken prior to acceptance as a graduate student at UND may be included in the student's Program of Study with approval.

On-Campus M.S. in Nutrition - Dietetics Specialization

On-Campus M.S. Accelerated Admission

The Accelerated Bachelor’s/Master’s (ABM) 5 year program is available for students completing the Coordinated Program in Dietetics, an accredited professional program.  All requirements for the Bachelor of Science in Dietetics (BSD) and the Master of Science in Nutrition (MS) can be met with up to 12 credit hours of graduate coursework that may count toward requirements for each degree.

Students who have completed at least 60 undergraduate credit hours and all required, pre-requisite coursework for dietetics apply to the ABM program through an online School of Graduate Studies (SGS). Pre-requisite coursework may be in-progress at the time of application but must be completed before beginning the ABM program. 

On-Campus M.S. Admission Requirements

The ABM program allows UND dietetics students the opportunity to complete degree requirements for a BSD and MS at an accelerated pace.  Students are expected to graduate with the MS within 12 months of completing their BSD.  Admission is competitive, and students must meet minimum admission requirements:

  1. Completion of pre-requisite courses and currently enrolled or eligible for enrollment at UND.
  2. Have a grade of "C" or higher in undergraduate courses in nutrition and science. Recency of courses will be evaluated.
  3. Have a cumulative Grade Point Average (GPA) of at least 3.0 for all undergraduate work (based on A=4.0).
  4. Résumé.
  5. Completion of 50 hours of service learning.
  6. Minimum requirements for admission set by the School of Graduate Studies.
  7. Submission of the online application to the School of Graduate Studies including three recommendations, a Statement of Goals, résumé, and service learning hours form. Address the following elements in your Statement of Goals: describe educational goals and interest in becoming a registered dietitian nutritionist, include characteristics, skills, and experiences that uniquely qualify you to be successful as a student dietitian. The résumé and service learning hours form are uploaded as one document under the "Optional Document Upload" section of the application.
  8. Professional interview.

On-Campus M.S. Degree Requirements

Students must maintain a cumulative GPA of 3.0/4.0 or higher and “B” or higher in courses listed in the Program of Study.  Program requirements are:

  1. A minimum of 31 credits hours from core courses.
  2. Successful completion of a comprehensive examination.

Curriculum

Core requirements:

N&D 325Nutrition Through the Life Cycle3
N&D 350Medical Nutrition Therapy I3
N&D 380Food Service Production and Management3
N&D 450Medical Nutrition Therapy II3
N&D 541Biochemical and Physiological Basis of Nutrition: Macronutrients3
N&D 542Biochemical and Physiological Basis of Nutrition: Micronutrients3
N&D 554Nutrigenomics3
N&D 560Nutrition and Health Coaching3
N&D 594Research Methods in Nutrition3
N&D 598Dietetics Practicum2-4
N&D 997Independent Study2