Nutritional Sciences (M.S.)

https://colsa.unh.edu/agriculture-nutrition-food-systems/program/ms/nutritional-sciences

Master of Science - Thesis Option 

In this program students gain a comprehensive understanding of nutritional science through their coursework and engagement in research. Emphasis is placed on active participation in original hypothesis-­driven research of publishable quality. The program is for students who anticipate a professional career involving research or discovery, with a strong background in the basic biology and chemistry of nutrition. This degree may be most appropriate for students who expect to pursue further advanced study, e.g., additional graduate studies or professional school, after graduation.

Admission Requirements: Students applying for the program will be expected to present recent scores (within five years) from the general test of the Graduate Record Examination (GRE) and a strong undergraduate background that includes a science foundation appropriate for advanced study in nutritional sciences.

Master of Science - Non-Thesis Option

The non-thesis option is designed for UNH undergraduates who have a demonstrated capacity to engage in upper-level course work and desire hands-on practice and research training for an advanced degree. The M.S. in Nutritional Sciences requires a minimum of 34 credits. Qualified students who are admitted under the Accelerated Master's program may complete up to 12 credits at the 800-level during their senior year, earning dual credit toward their B.S. and M.S. degrees. During the fifth year (Sept-May), enrolled students will complete a minimum of 22 additional credits toward the program requirements.

Graduates of the UNH Master of Science (M.S.) in Nutritional Sciences will be valued in the marketplace as they will have a demonstrated capacity to engage in critical and systems thinking, convey and apply nutrition concepts in clinical, research and community settings, work as individuals and in teams, and identify strategies for lifelong learning.

Admission Requirements: UNH students who apply as Accelerated Master's students must have a minimum 3.2 GPA.  Students must maintain at least a 3.2 GPA to advance into the fifth year of the program.

Master of Science - Thesis Option 

The program of study must include a minimum of 30 graduate credits as well as completion of a 6 credit Master's Thesis based on a research project. Courses will be taken to fulfill expected competency requirements in experimental design and analysis and in scientific writing and communication. In consultation with the student’s graduate committee and the area of research specialization, other courses will be taken as appropriate. 

Each candidate must present at least two seminars (exclusive of the thesis defense) and must serve as a teaching assistant for at least one semester. A thesis committee will be appointed early in the program and will consist of at least three members of the graduate faculty; one of these will be the primary mentor. Students will design a program of study in close consultation with their thesis committee, including their academic courses and scientific research project. The student's committee may require certain undergraduate courses as part of the graduate program if additional competencies would be beneficial to the student. No more than 4 credits of NUTR 995 Non-thesis Investigations can apply toward the total credit count. Candidates will be required to pass an oral examination based on their graduate courses and completed thesis. Skills in communicating scientific information will be fostered by presenting one seminar during each year of enrollment. 

Master of Science - Non-Thesis Option

The non-thesis option requires successful completion of a minimum of 34 graduate credits. There are five core courses that include a year-long research experience (NUTR 960 Research Methods in Nutritional Science I and NUTR 961 Research Methods in Nutritional Science II) during the last year of the student's program. Students will be required to earn a B- or better in graduate courses to earn credits toward their degree.