Master of Science in Human Nutrition

Designed for those with backgrounds in exercise science, biology, chemistry, food service, public health and more, Winthrop University’s 100% online M.S. in Human Nutrition provides evidence-based instruction in the fields of nutrition therapy and chronic disease prevention through a curriculum that aligns with the Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics (ACEND®️).

You can pursue a career in community or public health, nutrition education, or food service management.

Graduate Program Director:
Dr. Jessie Hoffman
hoffmanjb@winthrop.edu


Why Winthrop?

Professor guiding a student as they work on a manikin

Individualized Instruction

Our faculty are dedicated to you, maintaining constant communication to ensure your success in the program. You will feel connected to your peers through engaging online instruction.

Professor talking to a class

Rigorous Curriculum

Core courses in the online master’s in nutrition align with the Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics (ACEND®) competencies.

Student measuring ingredients at a food prep station

Forward-Thinking Licensure Preparation

Our program will satisfy the new 2024 Commission on Dietetic Registration (CDR) requirement that those taking the CDR Certifying Examination for dietetics must have, or be enrolled in, a master's degree.


Click below to learn more about the program!

    Our 100% online M.S. in Human Nutrition features a curriculum that aligns with the Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics (ACEND️®). Students will gain comprehensive knowledge of topics such as food and nutrition, nutrition research methods, public health and global nutrition, medical nutrition therapy, nutrition and aging, and human metabolism.


    Time to completion: 1-2 years
    Total credits: 30
    Format: Online
    Curriculum (MS - Nutrition) 

      Master of Science in Human Nutrition Deadline: Deadline to be determined

      Application requirements for the Master of Science in Human Nutrition program include:

      • Submit an online Graduate Studies application for admission and non-refundable application fee.
      • Have official transcript(s) sent from all institutions you attended for undergraduate and graduate coursework. Transcripts must be sent directly to Winthrop's Graduate Studies office from the issuing institution(s).
      • Bachelor's degree in nutrition, exercise science, biology, chemistry, public health or related field.
      • Prerequisite courses:*
        • Anatomy and Physiology I & II
        • General Chemistry I & II
        • Organic Chemistry**
        • Introduction to Nutrition**
        • Statistics**
      • 3.0 GPA. In cases where the GPA is lower, we also consider GRE scores.
      • 2 letters of reference.
      • Personal statement.
      • ACEND®-accredited paperwork (DPD verification statement or current RD credential) for applicants pursuing clinical coursework.

      *Applicants who reside in the greater Charlotte area can complete prerequisites on campus.

      **Supplemental courses available; please contact the program director today for more information about how to fulfill these requirements.


Beyond Graduation

Starting in 2024, the Commission on Dietetic Registration (CDR) now requires that those taking the national exam for dietetics must have a master’s degree. Our online nutrition master program will equip you with the comprehensive knowledge and leading-edge skills you need to sit for the CDR Certifying Examination.

For over 100 years, Winthrop’s on-ground program has been renowned for its network of qualified professionals. In the online M.S. Human Nutrition program, all faculty are Registered Dietitians with their Ph.D. or Doctorate in Clinical Nutrition (DCN). Some faculty have additional certifications or designations such as IBCLC and FAND. Due to our program’s limited class sizes, you’ll get one-on-one guidance from faculty experts as you learn.

 

Winthrop’s online M.S. in Human Nutrition program prepares nutrition professionals to practice on the leading edge of the field. Our master's degree in nutrition gives you the confidence and skills to continue making a difference in others' lives through a rewarding career, whether you're early in your journey or an experienced professional seeking advancement.

    Our faculty have expertise in all areas of the field, allowing for mentorship in specific areas of interest to suit your individual career goals. Because they take the time to get to know each student, your instructors can focus on your interests and make content more relevant. For example, you will analyze case studies that emulate real-world scenarios you could encounter on the job. Through these innovative approaches to online instruction, the M.S. in Human Nutrition gives you the specific knowledge you need for whatever your unique interest, such as lactation, food allergies or the microbiome.

      Our online M.S. in Human Nutrition prepares you to meet a new requirement from the Commission on Dietetic Registration (CDR), the credentialing agency for the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics:

      • In 2024, all medical nutrition therapy positions and any entry-level Registered Dietitian nutritionist position will require a graduate degree.

      No matter your career path, you can proceed with a comprehensive skill set from Winthrop's online master's in nutrition program*.

       

      * If you would like to pursue a dietetic internship before or after your master of science in human nutrition, you'll need a Didactic Program in Dietetics (DPD) Verification Statement to be eligible. In order to become a Registered Dietitian, you must complete a didactic program in dietetics (DPD) and dietetic internship (DI) in addition to completing your master’s degree.

      If you have your RD/RDN certification plus your master's degree in nutrition, you can apply for jobs in virtually any industry, including:

      • Business
      • Community and Public Health
      • Education
      • Government Agencies
      • Health Care
      • Private Practice
      • Research

      Career Spotlight: Registered Dietitian or Nutritionist

      As a licensed Registered Dietitian or nutritionist, you would improve individuals' quality of life by using their diet to promote health and manage diseases. Your role might include nutrition counseling, meal planning, documenting patients' progress, making educational materials and speaking to the community about their health. Jobs for Registered Dietitians and nutritionists are expected to grow much faster than the average for other positions at 8% through 2029. These professionals made a median salary of $61,270 in 2019.

      If you do not have an RD/RDN certification, an online master’s in nutrition​ qualifies you for an array of careers that help diverse communities:

      • Community or public health educator
      • Community nutrition educator
      • Foodservice manager
      • Nutrition educator for a business, non-profit or organization
      • Outpatient nutrition educator or counselor

      In these roles, you will directly impact people's whole-body improvement through education or management.

      Career Spotlight: Health Educator

      Health educators can work in many settings, including community, non-profit organizations, businesses, sports teams and health care. As a health educator, you would assess the needs of the people you serve, develop educational programming, help people find health services, supervise health education staff, collect and analyze data and conduct outreach activities. The need for health educators and community health workers is expected to grow 13% through 2029, much faster than the average for all other occupations. The median wage for health education specialists was $55,220 in 2019.

      100% of Winthrop University's M.S. in Human Nutrition alumni are employed. Our graduates have had jobs with the following companies:

      • Aramark
      • Atrium Health
      • Compass One/Crothall/Morrison Healthcare
      • Novant Health
      • Prisma Health
      • Sodexo
      • Tenet Health

      No matter your career goals, Winthrop's MS Human Nutrition program will help you get there. 


Notice to International Applicants:

Per U.S. Immigration Regulation, international students who study in the U.S. in F-1 status may enroll in one, 3-hour online course per semester to fulfill the full-time enrollment requirement. This program requires more than one online class per semester to meet full-time enrollment and would not be approved for F-1 status. More information about visa status is available from our International Center.


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