Graduate Degree Programs

Masters of Science (M.S.) in Nutrition

Huntington College of Health Science’s (HCHS'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. 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 (previously completed graduates course from other accredited institutions may also be considered for transfer to satisfy one or more elective courses). 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 in 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. HCHS allows 36 months to complete this program, although it can certainly be completed in 24 months or less.

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.

Upon completion of the M.S. in Nutrition program, the graduate will have met the educational requirements for eligibility to take:

American College of Nutrition’s national board examination for Certified Nutrition Specialist (CNS). All CNS applicants are also required to complete supervised professional experience in nutrition related activities by the time of the examination.
American Institute of Health Science's board exam for Certified Nutritionist (CN). All CN applicants are also required to complete a practical internship.
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.”

The Master of Science Degree program consists of the following courses:

Core Courses
CHE510 Advanced Biochemistry
NUT520 Advanced Nutrition
NUT530 Nutrition Assessment
NUT540 Clinical Nutrition
NUT550 Nutrition Research
NUT560 Current Trends
NUT630 Capstone Project

Credits
4
4
4
3
4
3
3

Electives (choose four)
NUT572 Life Span Nutrition
NUT574 Community Nutrition
NUT576 Food & Culture
NUT578 Herbal Therapies and other Alternative healing
HEA602 Clinical Microbiology and Pharmacology
HEA701 Human Pathology
NUT702 Advanced Nutrition with Clinical Applications
NUT703 Antioxidants
HEA805 Clinical Application of Laboratory Data
Other pre-approved graduate courses

Total credits - core courses & electives

Credits
All are 3 credits

37
Tuition - $10,440*

Academic prerequisites: 1) Bachelor’s degree from a college or university accredited by an accrediting agency recognized by the Secretary of the U.S. Department of Education; or international equivalent. 2) Completed coursework from a similarly accredited institution in Nutrition I, General Chemistry, Human Biology, Organic Chemistry, Biochemistry, Anatomy and Physiology, and Statistics. (Note: HCHS offers all of these course prerequisites.)

*Tuition fees do not include the cost of books and materials for each course which are purchased separately. See the Textbook Cost section for more information.