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

Location(s): Brookings Main Campus

Nutrigenomics student measuring with test tube.

Program Coordinator/Contact

Elizabeth Droke, Associate Professor
School of Health and Human Sciences
Wagner Hall 433, Box 2275A
605-688-5150

Program Information

The M.S. in Nutrition and Exercise Sciences provides an opportunity to specialize in Nutritional Sciences. Students are prepared to pursue a Ph.D. program for a career in industry or as a public health nutritionist, research nutritionist, research assistant or coordinator, instructor, extension agent, WIC nutritionist, or NGO/nonprofit work in food and nutrition. This degree does not prepare one to become a registered dietitian nutritionist.

Course Delivery Format

The program consists of lectures, laboratory, and experiential learning opportunities. Course delivery includes face-to-face, hybrid, or online.

Course Load Information

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

Available Options for Graduate Degrees

Master of Science	Thesis	30 Credit Hours
	Non-Thesis	30 Credit Hours

Core Requirements

EXS 750 - Advanced Exercise Physiology Credits: 3
HNS 790 - Seminar (COM) Credits: 1
NUTR 708 - Applied Research and Evidence Based Analysis Credits: 3
NUTR 725 - Nutrition and Human Performance Credits: 3
NUTR Electives Credits: 9

Select one of the following options

Thesis

HNS 798 - Thesis (COM) Credits: 1-7 (5-10 credits required)
Electives Credits: 1-6

Non-Thesis

HNS 788 - Research Problems/Projects (COM) Credits: 1-7 (3 credits required)
Electives Credits: 8

Total Required Credits: 30 (Thesis & Non-Thesis)

Additional Admissions Requirements

GRE: Not required
TOEFL: 79-80 Internet-based
TOEFL Essentials: 8.5
IELTS: 6.5
Duolingo: 110

Letter of application stating the following: primary area of interest within nutrition; desired research focus and faculty member; statement of career goals; interest in research assistantship; current professional certifications and credentials.
An interview (in person or via phone) is highly encouraged but not required.
Two recommendations letters from professionals knowledgeable in applicants graduate school potential.

Entering students for the master’s degree will be required to have a bachelor’s degree in dietetics, exercise science, nutrition, biology, 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.

Prerequisites for master’s degree include STAT 281 Introduction to Statistics or equivalent, NUTR 315 Human Nutrition, CHEM 106/108 Chemistry Survey/Organic and Biochemistry or CHEM 112/114 General Chemistry I/II or equivalent, BIOL 221 Human Anatomy, and BIOL 325 Physiology. If an applicant has not completed NUTR 422/522 Advanced Human Nutrition and Metabolism (or its equivalent) prior to admission, this course will be required within the applicant’s first year.

General Requirements

Graduate students should consult with their advisor before registering for graduate coursework. For additional information, refer to the Master’s Degree Requirements .