The Master of Science Human Nutrition is designed to provide the didactic coursework necessary to prepare students to address the nutrition needs of individuals or groups through prevention or management of illness or chronic disease. This major also encompasses nutrition science, the application of the principles of biochemistry, physiology, and biology to human nutritional needs. The major includes two tracks: the Didactic Program in Dietetics (DPD) track leading to becoming a Registered Dietitian/Nutritionist (RDN), and the Nutrition Sciences track leading to application in research or industry. Applicants to the program should indicate to which track they are applying in their essay/personal statement.
Didactic Program in Dietetics Plus Partner Dietetic Internship Track
The DPD track is accredited by the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics' Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics (ACEND). Students who enter the MS in Human Nutrition planning to become an RDN are automatically admitted to one of our ACEND-accredited partner dietetic internships. Students complete the didactic (classroom) portion of their training at Drexel, followed by their supervised practice (internship) at one of our partners. Partners include Yale New Haven Hospital Dietetic Internship, University of Maryland Medical Center Dietetic Internship, Virginia Commonwealth University Dietetic Internship, and Tulane University Dietetic Internship. The degree can be completed either full-time (12 months; 9.0-12.0 credits per term) or part-time (21 months; 6.0-9.0 credits per term). Students are admitted only in the fall term. All students complete a capstone project in their final term.
Nutrition Sciences Track
The Nutrition Sciences track prepares students for entry to doctoral-level study in nutrition or other health care disciplines (eg. medicine) or employment in industry. The degree focuses on nutrition research and requires completion of a thesis. In addition to the core curriculum, students select specialty courses relating to their major as well as electives. Completion of the track requires two academic years.
Current research in human nutrition includes the prevention of obesity and diabetes across the lifespan; community engagement to improve healthful food access, availability, and exposure in school and clinic-based settings; diet and cancer survivorship; and dietary intake of participants of home-delivered therapeutic meals.
Current research in nutrition science includes dopamine-mediated mechanisms of food intake regulation in humans and its impact on metabolic homeostasis, especially as it applies to obesity, eating disorders, and aging; identifying potential unique food safety risks for minority racial/ethnic and low income populations; and understanding whether novel dietary interventions can influence bone-regulating hormones, bone mineral density, pro-inflammatory cytokines, and energy metabolism.
Mission, Goals, and Outcome Measures
Drexel University's Department of Nutrition Sciences' didactic program in dietetics integrates a foundation in the nutrition sciences with courses in the social sciences to provide the knowledge, skills and professional values needed to prepare students to become entry-level registered dietitian nutritionists.
Goal #1: To provide quality didactic instruction and learning experiences to prepare graduates to be accepted into dietetic internships or to work in the field of dietetics.
- Objective #1: At least 90% of program graduates apply for admission to a supervised practice program prior to or within 12 months of graduation.
- Objective #2: Of program graduates who apply to a supervised practice program, at least 90% are admitted within 12 months of graduation.
- Objective #3: Graduates of the DPD will rate ten aspects of their didactic and learning experiences an average of "4" or better, on a scale of 1=poor to 5 =excellent.
- Objective #4: At least 80% of students complete program within 18 months (150% of planned program length).
Goal #2: To prepare graduates to become competent entry-level dietitians.
- Objective #1: The program's one-year pass rate on the CDR credentialing exam for registered dietitian nutritionists is at least 90%.
- Objective #2: Internship directors or employers of graduates of the DPD will rate ten aspects of the students' preparation for internship an average of "4" or better, on a scale of 1=poor to 5 =excellent within 12 months of graduation.
Goal #3: To increase diversity in the profession by facilitating the success of students from underrepresented groups.
- Objective #1: At least 20% of students will be from underrepresented groups.

