Nutrition (M.S.)

The M.S. in Nutrition delivers a content-rich core and substantial learning experiences to prepare students for careers in nutrition and professional health fields. Students with appropriate undergraduate preparation can complete the program within one academic year. The M.S. in Nutrition program is well-suited for students interested in pursuing subsequent professional allied health pathways (e.g., medical school) or dietetic internships that require a master’s degree for admittance. As part of the program, students will demonstrate capacity to engage in critical and systems thinking, convey and apply nutrition concepts, work as individuals and in teams, and identify strategies for lifelong learning.

The M.S. Nutrition requires a minimum of 32 graduate credits. There are eight core courses* that include a year-long research experience (NUTR 960 and NUTR 961). Elective coursework support students’ diverse interests and career goals. Students will be required to earn a B- or better in graduate courses to earn credits toward their degree.

*Students who previously complete any required core 800-level courses at the 700-level as part of the UNH undergraduate degree will substitute a graduate NUTR elective alternative from a prescribed list.

Accelerated Master's Overview

Accelerated Master’s programs offer qualified University of New Hampshire undergraduate students the opportunity to begin graduate coursework in select graduate programs while completing a bachelor’s degree. Accelerated master's programs are designed to provide students with an efficient and cost-effective pathway to earn both a bachelor's and master's degree or graduate certificate, enhancing career opportunities and long-term earning potential. 

Accelerated Master's Highlights

• Begin studying advanced topics while an undergraduate student with the opportunity to complete a master’s degree or graduate certificate early.
• Master’s degree program students: Earn up to 12* graduate (800-level) course credits while completing a bachelor’s degree. This coursework will count as dual-credit toward both the bachelor’s and master’s degrees.
• Graduate certificate program students: Earn up to 8* graduate (800-level) course credits while completing a bachelor’s degree. This coursework will count as dual-credit toward both the bachelor’s degree and the graduate certificate.
• Students complete the bachelor’s degree, and then officially matriculate into the master’s or graduate certificate program to complete the remaining required graduate-level coursework.

*Some exceptions apply. 

Accelerated Master's Admission Requirements

• A minimum 3.2 cumulative GPA is required.*
• A minimum of 90 undergraduate credits must be completed prior to enrolling in graduate (800-level) courses.
• Streamlined Graduate School Application (two letters of recommendation; most standardized tests and application fee are waived).*

*Some exceptions apply.

Accelerated Master's Requirements

• Students must attend a mandatory orientation session.
• Students must submit a special registration form each semester for dual-credit courses and note any DegreeWorks exceptions.
• Students may defer graduate matriculation for up to one year after earning their bachelor’s degree in most programs.
• See the Accelerated Master’s Catalog Policy and Accelerated Master’s Website for additional information and a list of programs. Note that some programs have additional requirements (e.g. higher-grade expectations) compared to the general policy.

Nutrition (M.S.) Accelerated Option

This graduate degree program is approved to be taken on an accelerated basis in articulation with the following undergraduate program(s): 

Program Learning Outcomes

Nutrition knowledge-related

• Build knowledge and understanding in key content areas of nutritional sciences and public health nutrition issues

Research design and analysis

• Identify the strengths and weaknesses of study designs utilized in nutrition-related research
• Conduct nutrition-related data analyses
• Interpret the results and scientific literature to inform dietary recommendations, public policy, or chronic disease intervention

Scientific method

• Demonstrate the ability to design and defend an original, hypothesis-driven project to advance the field of nutritional sciences

Critical thinking

• Integrate scientific evidence and critically evaluate research findings in specific fields related to nutritional sciences

Communication skills

• Disseminate evidence-based information on nutritional sciences and public health
• Deliver nutrition research findings to multiple scientific audiences (i.e. research conference, academic journal)
• Incorporate critical feedback in their research and academic work

Professionalism

• Conduct research in an ethical manner
• Demonstrate collaboration and leadership skills
• Master concepts of equity, diversity, and inclusion in different settings (e.g., healthcare, education, community health)