Master of Science in Nutrition

The Master of Science degree in Nutrition is designed to accommodate employed professionals pursuing an advanced degree, persons wishing to complete didactic requirements to apply to a dietetic internship, and those seeking continuing education in nutrition. The graduate program provides students with knowledge of current theory, research and nutrition policy, giving them the skills necessary to apply that knowledge throughout their professional careers.

Why a Master's in Nutrition?

The Master of Science degree in Nutrition will prepare students for a variety of positions in nutrition and dietetics. University graduates have accepted positions in clinical and administrative dietetics, community nutrition, nutrition consulting, food service management, nutrition research, business and secondary and college education.

 

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.

For admission to the Master of Science in Nutrition program, applicants must have:

  • Obtained a baccalaureate degree from an accredited institution of higher learning with an overall GPA of 2.7 or better. 
  • Taken the GRE within the last 5 years and received a minimum score of 143 in Verbal Reasoning, 141 in Quantitative Reasoning and 3 on the Analytical Essay.  
    • GRE Waiver: If the applicant graduated with an undergraduate cumulative GPA of 3.2 or higher, the GRE requirement will be WAIVED and the applicant will not be required to submit GRE scores. International students are required to take the GRE regardless of GPA. 
  • Completed the following prerequisite courses with a grade of C or better. The prerequisite courses may be taken during the first year of the program.  
    • Anatomy and Physiology I and II with labs (8 hours) 
    • Organic Chemistry (3 hours) 
    • Biochemistry (3 hours) 

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.  

 After completion of the DPD and completion of graduate coursework except for Master’s Capstone or Thesis, you may apply for UIW’s Dietetic Internship (DI). Up to nine graduate credit hours taken as part of the DI may count towards the M.S. degree. 

For further information about the UIW Didactic Program in Dietetics, go to https://www.uiw.edu/smse/academics/undergraduate/nutrition/didactic-program.html 

For further information about the UIW Dietetic Internship, go to https://www.uiw.edu/smse/academics/departments/nutrition/dietetic-internship/index.html 

UIW’s DPD and DI programs are 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 Verification Statement.