The University of Cincinnati Master of Science in Nutrition Sciences is designed for students who have completed a baccalaureate degree in nutrition or other science-related discipline (health sciences, chemistry, biology, psychology, and others) and wish to earn credentials to practice nutrition and/or wish to gain further knowledge in nutrition. The program is also open to practicing dietitians, nurses, physicians, or other health professionals seeking to enhance their knowledge and credentials.
The goal of the Master of Science (MS) in Nutrition Sciences program is to prepare you to make significant contributions to the field of nutrition in professional research, practice, teaching, and leadership. To fulfill this goal, the program provides you with:
- a comprehensive knowledge of the biochemical and physiological aspects of human nutrition;
- knowledge of methodologies used in basic nutrition research, nutrition assessment, and nutrition intervention;
- skills in research design, implementation, evaluation, and interpretation.
Thesis or Capstone Option
The culminating experience of the MS in Nutrition Sciences program is the Thesis or Capstone project, which allows you to apply knowledge and skills learned from coursework in the design of your own research project. You have flexibility in how you fulfill this research requirement. Visit the Thesis Vs. Non-Thesis webpage to learn more.
Are you interested in becoming a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RDN)?
You can do this in two ways:
Complete the MS in Nutrition Sciences - Clinical Nutrition concentration
If you have completed your baccalaureate degree and have a verification statement for completion of the Didactic Program in Dietetics (DPD) requirements from a program accredited by the Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics (ACEND®), you are eligible to apply to the MS in Nutrition Sciences - Clinical Nutrition concentration. This track includes graduate coursework integrated with the supervised practice experience (the equivalent of a dietetic internship). Students who complete this program would be eligible to take the national credentialing examination for RDNs.
Complete the MS in Nutrition Sciences + complete a traditional dietetic internship
Students enrolled in the MS in Nutrition Sciences program can work with their graduate advisor to determine entry into the Certificate of Didactic Program in Dietetics (DPD). This certificate allows you to complete the necessary coursework to become an RDN.
After completing the MS in Nutrition Sciences and Didactic Program in Dietetics, you will need to complete a traditional dietetic internship to be eligible to sit for the national credentialing examination for RDNs. These internships range in hourly experience from 1000 to 1200 hours and are typically 6 months to 1 year unpaid. Learn more on the Academy of Nutrition & Dietetics' directory of traditional dietetic internships.