2018-2019 Graduate Catalog 
    
    Mar 28, 2024  
2018-2019 Graduate Catalog [Archived Catalog]

Nutrition and Exercise Sciences (M.S.) - Nutritional Sciences Specialization


Return to {$returnto_text} Return to: Programs & Degrees (Listed Alphabetically by Degree)

Program Coordinator/Contact

Kendra Kattelmann, Department Head
Department of Health and Nutritional Sciences
Wagner Hall 425, Box 2275A
605-688-4668

Program Information

The M.S. in Nutrition and Exercise Sciences provides an opportunity to specialize in Nutritional Sciences or Exercise Science. Students are prepared for careers in clinical, industry, or research fields. A partial list includes clinical dietitians, public health nutritionists, research dietitians, clinical exercise physiology, strength and conditioning, research assistants or coordinators, instructors, or public health officials.

Course Load Information

Students enrolled in six or more state-supported credits within a given semester will be charged the current special discipline fee.

Course Delivery Format

The program consists of lecture, laboratory, and experiential learning opportunities.

Student Support and Engagement Opportunities

The Department of Health and Nutritional Sciences aims to provide premier academic programs and high-quality services to students. A limited number of research and teaching assistantships and scholarships may be available to qualified graduate students.

Available Options for Graduate Degrees


Master of Science Option A - Thesis 30 Credit Hours
  Option B - Research/Design Paper 35 Credit Hours

Core Requirements


Nutrition and Exercise Sciences Core Requirements


Advanced Research Methods


Credits: 3
Graduate students must consult with their advisors prior to registration.

Advanced Statistics


Credits: 3
Graduate students must consult with their advisors prior to registration.

Select one of the following options


Option A - Thesis


Option B - Research/Design Paper


Total Required Credits: 30 (Option A), 35 (Option B)


Additional Admissions Requirements


GRE:  Required
TOEFL: required score of 550 paper-based, 79-80 Internet-based
IELTS:  6.0

Letter of application stating to include the following:  primary area of interest (dietetics, exercise science, nutrition, etc.); desired research focus; long-term goals outlining career goals; interest in assistantship (teaching or research); reason(s) for attending graduate school; current professional certifications and credentials; an interview (in person or via phone) is highly encouraged but not required.

Master’s Nutritional Sciences Admission Requirements

Entering students for the Master’s degree will be required to have a Bachelor’s degree in dietetics, exercise science, nutrition, biology, chemistry, epidemiology, or other related field from an accredited institution.  Students with other educational backgrounds may be admitted conditionally.  They will be required to complete the necessary coursework to eliminate deficiencies in their background during their first semester in the program. 

Pre-requisites for the Master’s degree include STAT 281 or equivalent, NUTR 315, CHEM 106/108 or CHEM 112/114 or equivalent, BIO 221, BIOL 325, and PE 350 or equivalent for students in the Exercise Science Specialization.

General Requirements


Graduate students should consult with their advisor before registering for graduate work.

For additional information refer to the Master’s Degree Requirements .

Return to {$returnto_text} Return to: Programs & Degrees (Listed Alphabetically by Degree)