Master of science in human nutrition

The Masters of Science in Human Environmental Sciences with an emphasis in Human Nutrition is a 30 credit-hour program designed to prepare nutrition professionals to practice dietetics at an advanced level and/or to pursue doctoral study.  The program develops research skills, stimulates independent thought, and provides up-to-date knowledge in food and nutrition.  There are three tracks available: Generalist, Community, or Clinical. The program tracks outlined below are designed for the registered dietitian but can be completed by a dietetic intern or student with a bachelor’s degree in nutrition or another discipline who has met the listed prerequisites.

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required Courses

Generalist Track	Community Track	Clinical Track
Research Core	Research Core	Research Core
--HES 509:  Research Methods	--HES 509:  Research Methods	--HES 509:  Research Methods
--CHS 525:  Biostatistics	--CHS 525:  Biostatistics	--CHS 525:  Biostatistics
	--CHS 520:  Epidemiology
Required Nutrition Core	Required Nutrition Core	Required Nutrition Core
NHM 561:  Advanced Vitamin and Mineral Metabolism	NHM 550:  Community Nutrition I	NHM 561:  Advanced Vitamin and Mineral Metabolism
NHM 562:  Metabolism of Energy Nutrients	NHM 551:  Community Nutrition II	NHM 562:  Metabolism of Energy Nutrients
NHM 555:  Maternal and Infant Nutrition OR NHM 567:  Nutrition Support for the Critically Ill	NHM 557:  Childhood Obesity OR NHM 558:  Nutrition in the Prevention and Treatment of Chronic Disease	NHM 557:  Childhood Obesity OR NHM 558:  Nutrition in the Prevention and Treatment of Chronic Disease
	NHM 555:  Maternal and Infant Nutrition	NHM 567:  Nutrition Support for the Critically Ill
	NHM 556:  Child and Adolescent Nutrition	NHM 568:  Nutrition for the Older Adult
Electives	Electives	Electives
5 electives; (3 must be designated as NHM)	2 electives (1 must be designated as NHM)	3 electives (1 must be designated as NHM)
Additional Requirements	Additional Requirements	Additional Requirements
Capstone Experience	Capstone Experience	Capstone Experience

Electives

Electives must be approved by the student′s academic advisor. Examples of 3-hour courses the student may choose include:

• NHM 530 – Advanced Nutrition Counseling
• HHE 520 – Health Behavior
• HHE 530 – Health Promotion Techniques
• NUR 510 – Basic Concepts of Teaching Diabetes Self-Management Techniques
• NHM 625 – Nutritional Epidemiology
• CHS 520 – Basic Epidemiology
  
• CSM 537 – Developing the Leader Within
  
• CSM 575 – Entrepreneurship in HES
• NUR 516 – Advanced Diabetes Management
  

Admission requirements

Students with an overall grade point average (GPA) of 3.0 or higher may apply for admission.  Students with an undergraduate GPA of 3.4 or below may enhance their application by taking the GRE.

Click the link below that best describes your situation to determine your eligibility for the MS in Human Environmental Sciences with an Emphasis in Human Nutrition. Information on how and when to apply to the program is contained in these documents.
I am a Registered Dietitian/Nutritionist or dietetic intern

• I am a Registered Dietitian/Nutritionist or dietetic intern.
• I have completed a bachelor’s degree in nutrition.
• I have a bachelor’s degree in another field, but I would also like to become a Registered Dietitian/Nutritionist.
  
• I do not have a bachelor’s degree.

Distance Education

The masters degree is available through distance education. The degree requirements and course content are the same regardless of where it is completed—on campus or through distance education. The program is completely available by distance.

For more information, contact nutritionbydistance@ches.ua.edu.

Current Students

The Master’s Program in Human Nutrition Advising Guide can help you plan your schedule. You will find an explanation of the Capstone Experience within the advising document. Current students should follow us on Facebook for program updates and registration deadlines.