Master of Science in Human Nutrition
The HHP department offers a Master of Science degree with a dual track in Sports Nutrition and Nutritional Science.
The nutritional science track of the MS program will produce practitioners with the unique ability to integrate the principles of both nutrition and exercise in the development and implementation of intervention and prevention programs.
Sport’s nutrition is an emerging field that integrates an in-depth knowledge of the physiology of exercise and nutrition. Demand is increasing for practitioners who can integrate the skills of medical nutrition therapy, counseling, and the special nutritional needs of active individuals. Registered Dietitians are known for providing evidence-based information to clients, making them the premiere provider of nutrition information and counseling to athletes.
The unique knowledge provided through a combination of nutrition and exercise science creates sports dietitians who are being sought for positions with schools and universities, sports teams, food product development, fitness and corporate wellness, cardiac rehabilitation, community health centers, family practice clinics and bariatric surgery practices.
The growing interest in nutrition, health, and fitness has created a diverse set of opportunities in the workplace. Graduates of the M.S. in nutrition degree will be well-qualified for positions in hospitals, rehabilitation centers, corporate wellness, nutrition and exercise instructors in schools, government agencies, community wellness, professional and amateur athletic teams, weight management counselors, and private practice. Targeted coursework allows students to integrate the disciplines of nutrition and exercise physiology to create professionals in health promotion and chronic disease prevention. The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects that employment of dietitians and nutritionists will grow 15.2% between 2000 and 2010 as a result of increased emphasis on disease prevention through dietary habits.