MA in Medical Nutrition Sciences

The Master of Arts in Medical Nutrition Sciences focuses on nutritional and metabolic aspects of chronic diseases from a multidisciplinary perspective that encompasses molecular, biochemical, physiological, clinical, and epidemiologic aspects of human nutrition. Our program provides an excellent opportunity for post-baccalaureate studies, for pre-medical and other pre-professional studies as well as a solid foundation for working in a variety of research environments (academic, government, industry, and private foundation), or to prepare you for further graduate work.

Key elements of our program include the following:

• Classes include small-group discussions of research papers and teach students critical thinking skills.
• Students have easy access to faculty and many opportunities for diverse research experiences that culminate in a master’s thesis.
• Depending on the student’s level of preparation (basic pre-med courses are required) and personal goals, the program can be completed in one calendar year.

Program Requirements

The Master of Arts in the Medical Nutrition Sciences requires 32 credits, including 28 core course credits and 4 research credits. It is possible to complete the degrees in four semesters, including the thesis research experience. The core courses are designed to provide students with the multidisciplinary knowledge needed to pursue a career in health-related professions and nutrition research.

Required Courses

NUTRITION

• GMS NU 755 Molecular, Biochemical, and Physiological Basis of Nutrition: Micronutrients and Energy (4 cr, Fall) (or equivalent courses)
• GMS NU 756 Molecular, Biochemical, and Physiological Basis of Nutrition: Metabolism (4 cr, Spring) (or equivalent courses)
• GMS NU 700 Medical Nutrition Sciences Seminar (2 cr, Spring)
• GMS NU 620 Clinical Nutrition

BIOCHEMISTRY

(This requirement can be waived if equivalent coursework has been taken at the time of admission.)

• GMS BI 751 A1, Biochemistry/Cell Biology (6 cr, Fall) (or equivalent)

751 is recommended for students focusing in non-basic nutrition areas.

STATISTICS (offered in the Fall and Spring)

• GMS CI 670 Biostatistics with Computing or
• SPH BS 701 or SPH BS 703 Biostatistics (or equivalent)

EPIDEMIOLOGY (minimum 3 credits required)

• SPH EP 711 B1 Introduction to Epidemiology (3 cr, Fall) or
• SAR HS 776 Nutritional Epidemiology (4 cr, Quatramoni, Fall) (or equivalent)

Waiving requirements: Students may petition the curriculum committee to waive requirements if they have had equivalent coursework as an undergraduate, although it will not reduce the 32 credit hour requirement for completion of the MA degree.

Electives can be selected from the many course offerings in GMS according to individual interests and goals (after consulting with your advisor).

A typical program for a 12-month master’s degree (assuming a biochemistry course has been completed prior to matriculation):

FALL	SPRING	SUMMER I	SUMMER II
NU 755 (4 cr)	NU 756 (4 cr)	NU 901 Research (2 cr)	NU 901 Research (2 cr)
EP 711 or 712 (3 cr)	NU 620 (4 cr)
CI 670 (4 cr)	NU 700 (2 cr)
Elective (4 cr)	Elective (4 cr)