Nutrition Science (MS)
Explore nutrition from the molecular level to whole-body health.
33
Credit Hours
3
Program Pathways
4
Collaborating Disciplines
No
GRE Required
Explore the program
Nutrition Science is a 33-credit-hour master's program offering advanced study in the roles of nutrition in health and disease, development and aging, and athletic performance — paired with real research training.
About the Program
The program provides advanced, comprehensive education in the science of nutrition alongside research training in experimental design and analysis, laboratory skills, scientific writing and presentations. The course selection is deliberately broad, so you can build a curriculum aligned with your specific interests.
Interdisciplinary by design. You can work with faculty in biological sciences, chemistry and biochemistry, exercise, sport and movement sciences, and psychology — as well as faculty at other institutions across the Memphis area.
Research opportunities span levels of organization ranging from genes to intact organisms.
Nutrition is a broad field spanning multiple disciplines, and students arrive with training in a variety of them. We're specifically looking for students who want to be innovative, have a desire to learn and want to explore new areas of study.
Program Pathways
Choose the path that aligns with your academic and professional goals.
| Pathway | What it involves | Graduation requirement |
|---|---|---|
| Research Project + Thesis | Complete a research project culminating in a formal thesis or applied project. You identify a research advisor who helps form your graduate committee and guides course selection, research design, performance, analysis and interpretation. | Thesis or applied project defense |
| Laboratory Residency | Complete a laboratory residency as an alternative to the research project pathway. | Written comprehensive examination |
| Classes-Only | Choose additional coursework instead of a laboratory residency or research project. | Written comprehensive examination |
Where can the degree lead? You'll be well prepared for advanced graduate study — including PhD or MD programs — as well as employment in academia, private industry or government.
The multidisciplinary training available through the program can position you for leadership in the field of nutrition.
Research + Lab Experience
Learn by doing.
You'll develop hands-on research and laboratory skills while exploring nutrition science through interdisciplinary study.
Research training covers experimental design and analysis, laboratory skills, scientific writing and presentations.
Experimental DesignLaboratory TechniqueHistologyImmunologyData AnalysisScientific Writing
In the research pathway you work with a research advisor and graduate committee to develop, perform, analyze and interpret your research. The program's multidisciplinary structure lets you explore nutrition at levels ranging from genes to intact organisms, collaborating across biological sciences, chemistry and biochemistry, exercise, sport and movement sciences, and psychology.
Admission
You'll need at least a bachelor's degree with some coursework in fields relevant to the biological, chemical or nutritional sciences.
| Admission is based on | Grade point average; a narrative statement that includes career goals; letters of reference; GRE scores from within the past five years, if submitted |
|---|---|
| GRE | Optional |
| Application timing | Rolling admission |
| Tuition sponsorship | Limited to domestic students and awarded based on availability. Apply by April 1 to be considered. |
Program Details
| Degree | Master of Science (MS) |
|---|---|
| Major | Nutrition |
| Concentration | Nutrition Science |
| Credit hours | 33 |
| Pathways | Research project and thesis; laboratory residency; classes-only |
Nutrition Science Degree Sheet >
Subject to change.
Ready to Take the Next Step?
Review admission requirements, explore the degree sheet or reach out with questions.
Graduate Admissions View Degree Sheet Contact the Program
Common Questions
Three. You can complete a research project culminating in a formal thesis or applied project, complete a laboratory residency, or choose additional coursework. The laboratory residency and classes-only pathways both require a written comprehensive examination for graduation.
No, GRE scores are optional. If you choose to submit them, they must be from within the past five years. Admission is based on grade point average, a narrative statement that includes career goals, letters of reference and GRE scores if provided.
Students are accepted on a rolling admission basis, so there's no single deadline. To be considered for education tuition sponsorship — limited to domestic students and awarded based on availability — apply by April 1.
At least a bachelor's degree with some coursework in fields relevant to the biological, chemical or nutritional sciences. Students enter from a variety of disciplines, and that range of backgrounds is part of what makes the program work.
Student Testimonials
"The College of Health and Human Sciences at the University of Memphis has both challenged and strengthened me more than I thought possible. This is largely due to the phenomenal faculty in the M.S. in Nutrition Science program who have a passion for education and research that is unparalleled. In addition to greatly expanding my knowledge in nutrition, I worked on many research projects which exposed me to immunology, phlebotomy and a variety of lab techniques such as western blotting and histology. Learning how to work in a biochemistry laboratory was very rewarding and truly refined my critical thinking and problem solving skills."
Jacqueline Marie Wyman, MS
"Thanks to my time and work at the College of Health and Human Sciences, I have been able to grow and pursue dreams that were not previously possible. Through one-on-one mentorships with exceptional professors and interdisciplinary collaboration, I was prepared for further graduate study and research pursuits. Furthermore, my diverse experiences working as a graduate research assistant have provided me the tools to succeed in the competitive science field. I highly recommend the College of Health and Human Sciences to anyone who is motivated and ready for a challenge."
Jessica L. Hill, MS, RN
Program Contact
