Nutrition (M.S.)

The M.S. in Nutrition delivers a content-rich core and substantial learning experiences to prepare students for careers in nutrition and professional health fields. Students with appropriate undergraduate preparation can complete the program within one academic year. The M.S. in Nutrition program is well-suited for students interested in pursuing subsequent professional allied health pathways (e.g., medical school) or dietetic internships that require a master’s degree for admittance. As part of the program, students will demonstrate capacity to engage in critical and systems thinking, convey and apply nutrition concepts, work as individuals and in teams, and identify strategies for lifelong learning.

The M.S. Nutrition requires a minimum of 32 graduate credits. There are eight core courses* that include a year-long research experience (NUTR 960 and NUTR 961). Elective coursework support students’ diverse interests and career goals. Students will be required to earn a B- or better in graduate courses to earn credits toward their degree.

*Students who previously complete any required core 800-level courses at the 700-level as part of the UNH undergraduate degree will substitute a graduate NUTR elective alternative from a prescribed list.

This graduate program is approved to be taken on an accelerated basis in articulation with certain undergraduate degree programs.

General Accelerated Master's policy, note that some programs have additional requirements (e.g. higher grade expectations) compared to the policy.

Please see the Graduate School website and contact the department directly for more information.

Program Learning Outcomes

Nutrition knowledge-related

• Build knowledge and understanding in key content areas of nutritional sciences and public health nutrition issues

Research design and analysis

• Identify the strengths and weaknesses of study designs utilized in nutrition-related research
• Conduct nutrition-related data analyses
• Interpret the results and scientific literature to inform dietary recommendations, public policy, or chronic disease intervention

Scientific method

• Demonstrate the ability to design and defend an original, hypothesis-driven project to advance the field of nutritional sciences

Critical thinking

• Integrate scientific evidence and critically evaluate research findings in specific fields related to nutritional sciences

Communication skills

• Disseminate evidence-based information on nutritional sciences and public health
• Deliver nutrition research findings to multiple scientific audiences (i.e. research conference, academic journal)
• Incorporate critical feedback in their research and academic work

Professionalism

• Conduct research in an ethical manner
• Demonstrate collaboration and leadership skills
• Master concepts of equity, diversity, and inclusion in different settings (e.g., healthcare, education, community health)

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Deadlines

• Fall: May 15
• Spring: November 15
• Summer: N/A
• Special: N/A

Campus: Durham

New England Regional: No

Accelerated Masters: Yes (for more details see the accelerated masters information page)

New Hampshire Residents

Students claiming in-state residency must also submit a Proof of Residence Form. This form is not required to complete your application, but you will need to submit it after you are offered admission, or you will not be able to register for classes.

Transcripts

If you attended UNH or Granite State College (GSC) after September 1, 1991, and have indicated so on your online application, we will retrieve your transcript internally; this includes UNH-Durham, UNH-Manchester, UNH Non-Degree work and GSC. 

If you did not attend UNH, or attended prior to September 1, 1991, then you must upload a copy (PDF) of your transcript in the application form. International transcripts must be translated into English.

If admitted, you must then request an official transcript be sent directly to our office from the Registrar's Office of each college/university attended. We accept transcripts both electronically and in hard copy:

• Electronic Transcripts: Please have your institution send the transcript directly to grad.school@unh.edu. Please note that we can only accept copies sent directly from the institution.
• Paper Transcripts: Please send hard copies of transcripts to: UNH Graduate School, Thompson Hall- 105 Main Street, Durham, NH 03824. You may request transcripts be sent to us directly from the institution or you may send them yourself as long as they remain sealed in the original university envelope.

Transcripts from all previous post-secondary institutions must be submitted and applicants must disclose any previous academic or disciplinary sanctions that resulted in their temporary or permanent separation from a previous post-secondary institution. If it is found that previous academic or disciplinary separations were not disclosed, applicants may face denial and admitted students may face dismissal from their academic program.

Letters of recommendation: 3 required

Recommendation letters submitted by relatives or friends, as well as letters older than one year, will not be accepted.

Currently enrolled UNH juniors and seniors applying to the accelerated masters option are only required to submit two letters of recommendation. One letter of recommendation should come from a current or past teacher or advisor and one letter of recommendation should come from a non-academic supervisor or mentor.

Personal Statement/Essay Questions

Prepare a brief but careful statement regarding:

1. Reasons you wish to do graduate work in this field, including your immediate and long-range objectives.
2. Your specific research or professional interest and experiences in this field.

Important Notes

Applicants should visit the Nutritional Sciences program website and review the list of faculty in their area of interest. The applicant should contact potential faculty advisors to discuss their interests and determine whether the faculty member(s) may be willing and able to serve as the student’s advisor before applying to the program. See the Nutritional Sciences Faculty List for a current list of faculty.

All applicants are encouraged to contact programs directly to discuss program specific application questions.

International Applicants

Prospective international students are required to submit TOEFL, IELTS, or equivalent examination scores. English Language Exams may be waived if English is your first language. If you wish to request a waiver, then please visit our Test Scores webpage for more information.