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. As of January 2024, students wishing to become registered dietitian/nutritionists will require a Master’s degree as part of the eligibility requirements. 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.
For further information about the UIW Didactic Program in Dietetics, go to https://www.uiw.edu/smse/academics/undergraduate/nutrition/didactic-program.html
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.