Master of Science Degree in Nutritional Sciences
The Department of Nutritional Sciences at the University of Michigan School of Public Health offers a highly customizable Master of Science (MS) degree designed for students pursuing careers in academia, research institutions, and government agencies, as well as those preparing for doctoral study.
Applicants to the MS in Nutritional Sciencess or MS in Clinical Nutrition degree should have a strong interest in science and health. Successful students often have an undergraduate degree in a field of basic or applied science, or at minimum, have taken courses in biology, physiology, general and organic chemistry, and biochemistry.
Degree Options and Concentrations
MS in Nutritional Sciences
2-YEAR PROGRAM | 32-34 CREDIT HOURS | THESIS
The Master of Science in Nutritional Sciences is a two-year, 32-34 credit-hour degree program designed for students with a strong interest in science and health who seek to pursue research-focused careers in academia, research institutions, and government agencies, or to prepare for doctoral study. Students complete a thesis, with the goal of producing a publishable manuscript, and work closely with Nutritional Sciences faculty and a research committee to develop and conduct original research.
The Master of Science in Nutritional Sciences offers students a rigorous research experience designed to support their academic and professional development via two tracks:
- Population Nutritional Sciences: This track emphasizes secondary data analysis using curated datasets from ongoing studies. With a highly structured curriculum and required coursework, this track is ideal for students with broad interests and/or those following the Dietetics subplan.
- Independent Nutrition Research: This track allows students to participate in a wide range of research activities, which may include laboratory work, primary data collection, or analysis of existing data. Students work closely with a faculty mentor to develop and complete a thesis project tailored to their specific interests.
All students are matched with a thesis project during their first semester, based on research availability and individual interests. Regardless of track, students collaborate with Nutritional Sciences faculty to conduct original research with the goal of submitting their work for publication.
The Master of Science in Nutritional Sciences is STEM OPT eligible.
MS in Nutritional Sciences with Dietetics subplan
2-year program | 54+ credit hours | Thesis
The Master of Science in Nutritional Sciences with Dietetics Subplan is a two-year, 54+ credit-hour degree program designed for students with a strong interest in science and health who seek to pursue research-focused careers in academia, research institutions, and government agencies, or to prepare for doctoral study. Students complete a thesis, with the goal of producing a publishable manuscript, and work closely with Nutritional Sciences faculty and a research committee to develop and conduct original research. This program also provides the academic and experiential training required for students pursuing the Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RDN) credential.
The Master of Science in Nutritional Sciences with Dietetics offers students a rigorous research experience designed to support their academic and professional development via two tracks:
- Population Nutritional Sciences: This track emphasizes secondary data analysis using curated datasets from ongoing studies. With a highly structured curriculum and required coursework, this track is ideal for students with broad interests and/or those following the Dietetics subplan.
- Independent Nutrition Research: This track allows students to participate in a wide range of research activities, which may include laboratory work, primary data collection, or analysis of existing data. Students work closely with a faculty mentor to develop and complete a thesis project tailored to their specific interests.
All students are matched with a thesis project during their first semester, based on research availability and individual interests. Regardless of track, students collaborate with Nutritional Sciences faculty to conduct original research with the goal of submitting their work for publication.
The Master of Science in Nutritional Sciences with Dietetics subplan is STEM OPT eligible.
MS in Clinical Nutrition
2-YEAR PROGRAM | 50+ CREDIT HOURS | RESEARCH PROJECT
The Master of Science in Clinical Nutrition is a two-year, 50+ credit-hour degree program designed for students who wish to complete an in-depth research project in clinical nutrition while pursuing their Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RDN) credential. Through the application of statistics, theory, and evidence-based practice, students develop expertise in the prevention, assessment, and management of nutrition-related conditions across a variety of healthcare and research settings. The program emphasizes advanced training in clinical nutrition and research methods, and students may choose to further tailor their studies through an elective series.
The Master of Science in Clinical Nutrition program is OPT eligible, but not STEM OPT eligible.
Which program is right for me?
| MS in Nutritional Sciences | MS in Nutritional Sciences with Dietetics Subplan | MS in Clinical Nutrition | |
| Research Thesis | Yes | Yes | No |
| Research Project | No | No | Yes |
| Credits | 32-34 | 54+ | 50+ |
| Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RDN) Pathways | Optional | Yes | Yes |
| Best For | Research careers, PhD preparation | Research Careers, PhD preparation, or Registered Dietetian Nutritionist (RDN) | Clinical Practice, Registered Dietetian Nutritionist (RDN) |
| STEM OPT Eligible | Yes | Yes | No |
Program Curriculum and Prerequisites
- Fall Year One: FY1
- Winter Year One: WY1
- Fall Year Two: FY2
- Winter Year Two: WY2
| Course Number | Credits | Course Name | Term |
|---|---|---|---|
| BIOSTAT 521 | 3 | Applied Biostatistics | FY1 |
| EPID 600 | 3 | Introduction to Epidemiology | FY1 |
| Select one of the following: | |||
| BIOSTAT 522 | 3 | Biostatistical Analysis for Health-Related Studies | WY1 |
| NUTR 620 | 3 | Nutritional Biostatistics | WY1 |
| Course Number | Credits | Course Name | Term |
|---|---|---|---|
| NUTR 630 | 3 | Principles of Nutritional Science | FY1 |
| NUTR 640 | 3 | Nutritional Assessment | FY1 |
| NUTR 631 | 3 | Metabolism of Vitamins and Minerals | WY1 |
| NUTR 688 | 1 | Research Topics in Nutritional Sciences | FY1 + WY1 |
| NUTR 642 | 2 | Community Nutrition | WY2 |
| Course Number | Credits | Course Name | Term |
| NUTR 869 | 1 | Innovations in Nutrition Research | FY1 |
| NUTR 698 | 6 | Research** | WY1 + FY2 + WY2 |
| NUTR 699 | 1 | Thesis*** | WY2 |
| NUTR 701 | 3 | Research Methods in Nutritional Sciences I | WY1 |
| NUTR 702 | 3 | Research Methods in Nutritional Sciences II | FY2 |
| NUTR 703 | 3 | Research Methods in Nutritional Sciences III | WY2 |
*Students entering with prior nutrition classes may request a NS Core Course exemption. Students must take at least two Nutrition classes at Michigan during their degree. Courses will be assessed individually to determine if they satisfactorily meet CEPH competencies.
**Students may elect to take NUTR 698 in any term but are required to complete a minimum total of six credits in this course to meet both departmental and program requirements.
***Master's Thesis: All MS students are required to perform a research project during the program, write an acceptable thesis on the project, and present the research results in a seminar to defend the thesis before a committee of the faculty (see thesis guidelines).
- Fall Year One: FY1
- Winter Year One: WY1
- Fall Year Two: FY2
- Winter Year Two: WY2
| Course Number | Credits | Course Name | Term |
| BIOSTAT 521 | 3 | Applied Biostatistics | FY1 |
| EPID 600 | 3 | Introduction to Epidemiology | FY1 |
| Select one of the following: | |||
| BIOSTAT 522 | 3 | Biostatistical Analysis for Health-Related Studies | WY1 |
| NUTR 620 | 3 | Multivariate Analysis of Nutrition-Related Studies | WY1 |
| Course Number | Credits | Course Name | Term |
| NUTR 630 | 3 | Principles of Nutritional Sciences | FY1 |
| NUTR 640 | 3 | Nutritional Assessment | FY1 |
| NUTR 631 | 3 | Metabolism of Vitamins and Minerals | WY1 |
| NUTR 688 | 1 | Research Topics in Nutritional Sciences | FY1 + WY1 |
| NUTR 642 | 2 | Community Nutrition | WY2 |
| Course Number | Credits | Course Name | Term |
| NUTR 869 | 1 | Innovations in Nutrition Research | FY1 |
| NUTR 698 | 6 | Research** | WY1 + FY2 + WY2 |
| NUTR 699 | 1 | Thesis*** | WY2 |
| NUTR 701 | 3 | Research Methods in Nutritional Sciences I | WY1 |
| NUTR 702 | 3 | Research Methods in Nutritional Sciences II | FY2 |
| NUTR 703 | 3 | Research Methods in Nutritional Sciences III | WY2 |
| Course Number | Credits | Course Name | Term |
|---|---|---|---|
| NUTR 601 | 1 | Interprofessional Education and Teamwork for the Nutrition Professional | WY1 |
| NUTR 602 | 3 | Communication, Leadership and Management for Dietetics | WY2 |
| NUTR 510 | 3 | Lifecycle Nutrition | WY1 |
| NUTR 635 | 3 | Food Service and Culinary Science | FY2 |
| NUTR 636 | 2 | Medical Nutrition Therapy I | WY1 |
| NUTR 637 | 2 | Medical Nutrition Therapy II | FY2 |
| NUTR 646 | 3 | Nutritional Counseling | FY1 |
*Students entering with prior nutrition classes may request a NS Core Course exemption. Students must take at least two Nutrition classes at Michigan during their degree. Courses will be assessed individually to determine if they satisfactorily meet CEPH competencies. Excludes NUTR 688 and NUTR 642.
**Students may elect to take NUTR 698 in any term but are required to complete a minimum total of six credits in this course to meet both departmental and program requirements.
***Master's Thesis: All MS students are required to perform a research project during the program, write an acceptable thesis on the project, and present the research results in a seminar to defend the thesis before a committee of the faculty (see thesis guidelines).
****Students entering with prior nutrition classes or a DPD verification statement may request a Dietetics Course exemption. Courses and assignments will be assessed individually to determine if they satisfactorily meet the ACEND competencies. Excludes NUTR 601 and NUTR 602.
- Fall Year One: FY
- Winter Year One: WY1
- Fall Year Two: FY2
- Winter Year Two: WY2
| Course Number | Credits | Course Name | Term |
| BIOSTAT 521 | 3 | Applied Biostatistics | FY1 |
| EPID 600 | 3 | Introduction to Epidemiology | FY1 |
| Select one of the following: | |||
| BIOSTAT 522 | 3 | Biostatistical Analysis of Health-Related Studies | WY1 |
| NUTR 620 | 3 | Multivariate Analysis of Nutrition-Related Studies | WY1 |
| Course Number | Credits | Course Name | Term |
| NUTR 630 | 3 | Principles of Nutritional Sciences | FY1 |
| NUTR 640 | 3 | Nutritional Assessment | FY1 |
| NUTR 631 | 3 | Metabolism of Vitamins and Minerals | WY1 |
| NUTR 688 | 1 | Research Topics in Nutritional Sciences | FY1 + WY1 |
| NUTR 642 | 2 | Community Nutrition | WY2 |
| Course Number | Credits | Course Name | Term |
| NUTR 869 | 1 | Innovations in Nutrition Research | FY1 |
| NUTR 691 | 2 | Research Seminar for Clinical Nutrition I | WY1 |
| NUTR 692 | 1 | Research Seminar for Clinical Nutrition II | FY2 |
| NUTR 693 | 1 | Research Seminar for Clinical Nutrition III | WY2 |
| Course Number | Credits | Course Name | Term |
| NUTR 601 | 1 | Interprofessional Education and Teamwork for the Nutrition Professional | WY1 |
| NUTR 602 | 3 | Communication, Leadership and Management for Dietetics | WY2 |
| NUTR 510 | 3 | Lifecycle Nutrition | WY1 |
| NUTR 635 | 2 | Food Service and Culinary Science | FY2 |
| NUTR 636 | 2 | Medical Nutrition Therapy I | WY1 |
| NUTR 637 | 2 | Medical Nutriton Therapy II | FY2 |
| NUTR 646 | 2 | Approaches in Nutrition Counseling | FY1 |
*Students entering with prior nutrition classes may request a NS Core Course exemption. Students must take at least two Nutrition classes at Michigan during their degree. Courses will be assessed individually to determine if they satisfactorily meet CEPH competencies. Excludes NUTR 688 and NUTR 642.
**Students entering with prior nutrition classes or a DPD verification statement may request a Dietetics Course exemption. Courses and assignments will be assessed individually to determine if they satisfactorily meet the ACEND competencies. Excludes NUTR 601 and NUTR 602.
Course Schedules
- MS in Nutritional Sciences Course Schedule 2025-2027
- MS in Nutritional Sciences with Dietetics Subplan Course Schedule 2025-2027
- MS in Clinical Nutrition Course Schedule 2025-2027
- MS in Nutritional Sciences Course Schedule 2026-2028 (PDF)
- MS in Nutritional Sciences with Dietetics Subplan Course Schedule 2026-2028 (PDF)
- MS in Clinical Nutrition Course Schedule 2026-2028 (PDF)
Prerequisites
Applicants should have a strong interest in science and health, an undergraduate degree in a field of basic or applied science. Applicants are best prepared if they have taken courses in biology, physiology, general and organic chemistry, biochemistry, and calculus. The following are required:
- Calculus* or Statistics* (1 semester)
- Inorganic/general chemistry* (1 semester, lab not required)
- Organic chemistry (1 semester, lab not required)
- Biochemistry (1 semester, lab not required)
- Human Physiology (1 semester that includes digestion and endocrine) or Human Anatomy and Physiology (1 semester of each and must include digestion and endocrine, lab not required)
- Microbiology (for Dietetics students only, includes introduction of bacteria, viruses, parasites, and food or medical environment)
*AP high school courses are accepted based on AP final exam score
Can i apply before completing all prerequisites?
If you are missing two or fewer prerequisites, you may still apply, and an admissions decision can be made based on your application.
You may apply with three or more missing prerequisites, but your application will be considered incomplete and cannot be reviewed until you reduce the number of missing prerequisites to two or fewer.
- June 15, 2027: This is the deadline to submit at least one missing prerequisite so that your application becomes eligible for review (i.e., you're down to 2 or fewer missing).
- August 20, 2027: This is the final deadline to complete all missing prerequisites before New Student Orientation.
Funding Information
In addition to financial aid and funding opportunities from the School of Public Health, Nutritional Sciences MS students can receive financial support from the Rackham Graduate School. A separate application for Nutritional Sciences funding is not required.
How to Apply
- The Masters of Science in Nutritional Sciences program applicants must submit a Rackham Graduate School application.
- The Masters of Science in Nutritional Sciences with Dietetics subplan and Masters of Science in Clinical Nutrition programs must submit a Dietetics Inclusive Centralized Application Service (DICAS) application.
Kira Interview
All applicants are required to complete a brief Kira interview assessment. This online, asynchronous assessment consists of timed responses to pre-recorded questions. Applicants may complete the interview at their convenience using a computer equipped with a webcam and microphone. Applicants will receive a link to the Kira interview platform via email after the application process has been initiated.
View more information here about the application process and deadlines. You can also view our Tips for a Successful Application page for commonly asked questions about applying.
More Information
For questions, please contact Keegan Gramza, Student Services Coordinator, at kgramza@umich.edu.