The in-person Master of Science degree in Nutrition at the University of the Incarnate Word empowers you to make a meaningful impact on the health and well-being of diverse communities. If you’re ready to engage with real-world nutritional challenges through a mission-driven, evidence-based approach, UIW is the place for you. You’ll gain rich opportunities to collaborate with local communities and advance sustainable nutrition practices that support long-term health and environmental stewardship.
Credit Hours: 30
Curriculum
The M.S. in Nutrition program consists of 30 credit hours.
Core
- Research Methods in Nutrition and Dietetics (2 hours)
- Research Statistics (3 hours)
- Advanced Nutrition I (3 hours)
- Advanced Nutrition II (3 hours)
Electives
- 9 hours must be in Nutrition
- 6 hours can be in Nutrition or other departments
Capstone
- 4 hours completed over two semesters
Admission Requirements
- An earned Baccalaureate degree from a college or university recognized by the U.S. Department of Education (USDE).
- Minimum undergraduate overall GPA of 2.5 or better.
- Two letters of recommendation
Prerequisites
- Applicants with non-nutrition degrees may be admitted contingent upon completion of prerequisite coursework (Typically completed before admission or within the first term if approved):
- Anatomy and Physiology (4 hours)
- Biological Chemistry for Health Professions (lab not required)
Why a Master's in Nutrition?
The Nutrition M.S. program empowers you to become a leader in nutrition. Here you will gain the credential needed for a career in research, wellness, food service management, public health nutrition, or other fascinating roles. This program will complement careers in nursing, community health education, kinesiology, culinary arts, and more. If you want to help people improve their health through food and do not have a relevant undergraduate degree in nutrition, you should consider earning a master’s degree in nutrition.
You can also complete the ACEND-accredited Didactic Program in Dietetics while in the M.S. Nutrition program, which is the first step in preparing you for a career as a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RDN). To learn more about this exciting opportunity, go to the UIW Didactic Program in Dietetics.
Mission Statement
The Mission of the University of the Incarnate Word Nutrition Program is to prepare professionals committed to providing nutrition and dietetic services to improve the health and well-being of individuals and groups. 
The program emphasizes the importance of scientific and evidence-based practice, ethical decision-making and the understanding of social justice issues, including the regional and global ecological dimensions of food and nutrition.
The Graduate Nutrition Program engages students in learning, research and discovery, and service to address human needs by promoting nutrition for well-being across the lifespan of individuals, families and communities while embracing evidence and ethical-values-based decision-making.
This option is if you are interested in becoming a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RDN) but you have not completed a Didactic Program in Dietetics (DPD). You should first contact the DPD Director to see which classes you need to fulfill DPD requirements. Some graduate courses count towards the DPD. The DPD is completed separately of the M.S. degree.
Visit the UIW Didactic Program in Dietetics webpage for more information on the program.
UIW’s DPD program is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, 120 South Riverside Plaza, Suite 2000, Chicago, Illinois 60606-6995, and (312) 899-0040, Extension 5400.
Requirements To Receive the Didactic Program in Dietetics Verification Statement
To be eligible to receive the Verification Statement indicating completion of the Didactic Program in Dietetics. Completion of the M.S. in nutrition degree is NOT a requirement for receipt of the AND DPD Verification Statement.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What program options are available in the MS in Nutrition?
The MS in Nutrition offers:
- Didactic Program in Dietetics (DPD) Option
- Dietetic Internship (DI) Option (competitive application required)
These options may be completed independently or, for some students, in combination depending on eligibility and acceptance. Students can also complete the master’s degree without the DPD or DI option.
What is the DPD Option?
The DPD Option includes coursework aligned with the Didactic Program in Dietetics (DPD) requirements. This option is designed for students who plan to pursue the Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RDN) credential.
Who should choose the DPD Option?
This option is appropriate for students who:
- Intend to become Registered Dietitian Nutritionists
- Need DPD-aligned coursework at the graduate level
- Plan to complete a dietetic internship following or alongside the degree
Does the MS in Nutrition include a Dietetic Internship option?
Yes. The program offers a Dietetic Internship (DI) option, which requires a separate, competitive application and acceptance process.
Is the Dietetic Internship automatically included in the MS program?
No. Admission to the MS in Nutrition does not guarantee placement in the Dietetic Internship. Students must apply and be accepted to the DI option separately.
How does the Dietetic Internship fit into the MS degree?
Students who are accepted into the Dietetic Internship may apply internship coursework (6 credit hours) toward their nutrition elective requirements, allowing the supervised practice experience to count toward degree completion.
Does this MS program meet the requirements to become a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RDN)?
The MS in Nutrition with the DPD Option, combined with:
- Completion of a Dietetic Internship (supervised practice)
- Passing the national RDN exam meets the educational requirements to become a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist.
Can students complete the MS, DPD coursework, and Dietetic Internship through this program?
Some students may complete:
- The MS degree
- DPD coursework
- If accepted, the Dietetic Internship
Academic advising is essential to determine eligibility and sequencing.
Can students without a bachelor’s degree in nutrition apply?
Yes. Depending on academic background and the option selected, students may need to complete prerequisite coursework, particularly for the DPD option.
Can I switch options after being admitted?
Option changes may be possible, but depend on:
- Coursework completed
- Eligibility for DPD or DI requirements
- Program capacity and advising approval
Students should consult with an academic advisor as early as possible.
What is a capstone experience?
A capstone is a culminating academic experience that allows students to apply nutrition knowledge to real-world challenges through applied projects, program development, evaluation, or professional practice activities.
Do students completing a Dietetic Internship also complete a capstone?
Students in the Dietetic Internship pathway follow accreditation-driven curricula. Their culminating requirements may differ from the traditional capstone and align with supervised practice standards.
What careers do RDN graduates pursue?
Graduates who complete DPD coursework and a Dietetic Internship pursue careers as:
- Registered Dietitian Nutritionists
- Clinical, community, or public health dietitians
- Foodservice managers or directors
Will I receive guidance in choosing and progressing through options?
Yes. Students receive individualized academic advising to:
- Understand program options and requirements
- Plan coursework and supervised practice
- Navigate RDN credentialing pathways