Semester Based Program
100% Online
(Federal Financial Aid Approved)
HUHS’s Master of Science in Nutrition program offers a world-class graduate education, designed to help present and future health professionals understand and apply the science of nutrition. Core courses build upon students’ current knowledge of the human body and basic nutrition science and promote a greater understanding of the links between diet, lifestyle and health.
Total Credits: 37
Transfer Credits Allowed: 18
Cost of Tuition per Credit: $480.00
Total Tuition of Program: $17,760.00
The curriculum provides a solid foundation in advanced nutrition sciences with courses in clinical nutrition, medical nutrition therapy, nutrition research and current trends in the field of nutrition. Elective courses explore nutrition in the community and among other cultures, alternative and complementary medicine, and other health science related issues. A maximum of 18 credit hours may be transferred from previously completed graduate courses from other accredited institutions. Of those 18 credits, no more than 9 credits will be awarded for credit by examination.
Student progress is evaluated through written and oral assignments, practical exercises, research projects, and written, proctored exams. The M.S. program culminates in a capstone project, which demonstrates learning achieved throughout the program. The capstone project may take different forms, including writing a thesis, designing and executing a practicum, or planning and executing a project.
The M.S. in Nutrition program was designed with health care and allied health care professionals in mind. This program is ideal for registered dieticians who desire to expand their skills and knowledge, and increase their marketability in today’s competitive job market. It’s also appropriate for physicians, nurses, pharmacists, physical therapists, chiropractors, acupuncturists, and personal trainers who often receive little or no nutrition training; and who would like to strengthen their relationship with the patients/clients, or the medical community, through knowledge of nutrition science and counseling techniques. Finally, entrepreneurs, managers, or sales counselors in the food or supplement industry who wish to expand and enhance their businesses with the ability to offer nutrition services to their clientele may also benefit by this graduate program.
Program Outcomes:
Upon completion of the Master of Science in Nutrition degree program, the graduate will be able to:
- Apply advanced concepts in nutrition to health-related practices and issues.
- Interpret findings of clinical research studies to make evidence-based decisions.
- Review and evaluate current trends in nutrition.
- Design and conduct an in-depth study on a current issue in nutrition.
- Predict health-related issues for clients based on nutrition assessments.
- Analyze nutritional behaviors to promote and support healthy lifestyles.
Courses
The Master of Science in Nutrition program consists of the following graduate level courses:
Nutrition Courses
Core Courses –25 Credits
- BIO510 Advanced Biochemistry (4)
- NUT520 Advanced Nutrition (4)
- NUT530 Nutrition Assessment (4)
- NUT540 Clinical Nutrition (3)
- NUT550 Nutrition Research (4)
- NUT560 Current Trends in Nutrition (3)
- NUT630 Capstone Project (3)**
Electives –choose 12 Credits
- NUT572 Life Span Nutrition (3)
- NUT574 Community Nutrition (3)
- NUT576 Food and Culture (3)
- NUT578 Herbal Therapies and Alternative Healing (3)
- NUT703 Antioxidants (3)
Total credits: 37
- Bachelor’s degree with a 2.5 GPA or higher from a college or university accredited by an accrediting agency recognized by the Secretary of the U.S. Department of Education or the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA); or international equivalent.
- Completed coursework, with the grade of C or better, from a similarly accredited institution in Nutrition I, Human Biology, General Chemistry, Biochemistry, Anatomy and Physiology, and Statistics.
(Note: HUHS offers these course prerequisites.)
**At the completion of the Capstone Project, the student will be able to:
- Present a preliminary proposal on a topic of interest in nutrition.
- Conduct an exhaustive search and write a related literature review.
- Synthesize and organize a variety of resources for presentation in the project.
- Conduct and applied research study and data collection.
- Interpret data, summarize and discuss findings in light of the literature, and draw conclusions.
- Present a final research report to a professional audience.
- Demonstrate research skills and graduate-level competencies in an applied project in the nutrition profession.
Certified Clinical Nutritionist (CCN) Examination
Graduates of the M.S. program meet the core education requirements for the Certified Clinical Nutritionist exam through the Clinical Nutrition Certification Board (CNCB). Visit www.cncb.org for eligibility requirements.
Board Certified in Holistic Nutrition
Graduates of the M.S. program will be eligible to apply to sit for the Holistic Nutrition Credentialing Board’s (HNCB) Board Examination. The HNCB is a division of the National Association of Nutrition Professionals (NANP). NANP Professional Members who meet the board examination qualification criteria and successfully pass the Board Exam will earn the designation, “Board Certified in Holistic Nutrition.” For more information, including a list of Board Exam eligibility criteria please visit https://www.nanp.org/board-exam or contact the HNCB at 916-851-9310 or by email at exam@hncb.org.
Certified Practitioner level membership with the AHMA
Graduates of HUHS‘s M.S. in Nutrition are eligible to apply for a Certified Practitioner level membership with the American Holistic Medical Association (AHMA), which has served and supported physicians and other practitioners since its founding in 1978. AHMA membership is limited to practitioners serving clients across a broad spectrum of holistic healthcare modalities, including those HUHS graduates who intend to work professionally in clinical nutrition.
Please do note that none of our programs are intended to lead towards a Registered Dietitian (RD) credential.
Please see our Registered Dietitian Disclosure.
Since there are states and/or countries that have regulations as to the educational requirements and use of various occupational titles, we suggest that you check with your state to see if there are any applicable regulations. Students are responsible for determining if their country or state has any requirements with regards to providing nutrition counseling or services.
In any case, the use of “Registered Dietitian” or “Dietitian” are restricted to those individuals who met the credentialing requirements of the American Dietetic Association.
The American Nutrition Association® (Formerly the Center for Nutrition Advocacy®) is an excellent resource for those interested in pursuing a career in Nutrition.
The Council of Holistic Health Educators is an excellent resource for those interested in pursuing a career in Nutrition.