Master of Science in Human Nutrition

The human nutrition major is designed to provide the didactic coursework necessary to prepare students to address the nutrition needs of individuals or groups, through prevention or management of illness or chronic disease. This major also encompasses nutrition science, the application of the principles of biochemistry, physiology, and biology to human nutritional needs. The major includes two tracks; the Didactic Program in Dietetics (DPD) track leading to becoming a registered dietitian nutritionist (RDN), and the Nutrition Sciences track leading to application in research or industry. Applicants to the program should indicate to which track they are applying. Current research in human nutrition includes: the prevention of obesity and diabetes across the lifespan; community engagement to improve healthful food access, availability, and exposure in school and clinic-based settings; nutrition misinformation in the areas of diabetes, oncology and weight control; and effectiveness of nutrition education (particularly by the use of multimedia) on health and eating habits. Current research in nutrition science includes: dopamine-mediated mechanisms of food intake regulation in humans and its impact on metabolic homeostasis, especially as it applies to obesity, eating disorders and aging; the relationship between human exposure to pesticides and oxidative stress by measuring biomarkers of oxidative stress in biological fluids and DNA damage in human cells; identifying potential unique food safety risks for minority racial/ethnic and low income populations; and, understanding whether novel dietary interventions can influence bone-regulating hormones, bone mineral density, pro-inflammatory cytokines and energy metabolism. Students are admitted only in the fall or winter terms. Students in the DPD track are required to complete a comprehensive exam at the end of the first year of study, and have the option to complete a research thesis. Students in the Nutrition Sciences track are required to complete a research thesis. In addition to the core curriculum, students select specialty courses relating to their major, as well as electives.