If you’ve received your undergraduate degree and completed the prerequisite courses in nutrition and the biological and chemical sciences, this program offers you advanced study in human nutrition.

Program Overview

The MS degree program will allow you to evaluate and implement the results of current research, solve problems, and communicate effectively. You’ll study with faculty involved in education, research, administration, professional practice, communication, and consulting. As part of your program, you will develop a research proposal in an area of your choice and complete a practicum experience in an area such as an outpatient eating disorders program, private practice nutrition counseling, a clinical research center at a large teaching hospital, an outpatient cardiovascular clinic at a suburban teaching hospital, or the office of a nationally distributed nutrition newsletter.

With a Master of Science in Nutrition, you’ll have a wide range of career options, including public health programs, nutrition and health communication, consulting or research, and nutrition-related businesses.

Note that the Master of Science Program in Nutrition is currently designated by US Department of Homeland Security (DHS) as a STEM-eligible degree program. International students in F-1 student status may be able to apply for a 24-month extension of their 12-month Optional Practical Training (OPT) employment authorization.  More information about STEM OPT eligibility is available from the BU International Students and Scholars Office (ISSO).

Explore our MS+DI and DPD/MS+DI Programs

Do you have a background in nutrition and want to become a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RDN)? Check out our Master of Science+Dietetic Internship program (MS+DI).

Are you interested in becoming a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RDN) but do not have a background in nutrition? Our DPD/MS+DI program could be a great fit for you.

Boston University Measurable Learning Outcomes

Our curriculum is guided by the achievement of specific learning outcomes. At the completion of the program, students will be able to:

  • Evaluate an individual or environmental-level intervention/policy for nutritionally related disease risk reduction.
  • Demonstrate the ability to interpret current research in nutrition and health.
  • Demonstrate the ability to critically evaluate media communications with nutrition and disease claims for evidence-based nutrition science content.

Want to learn more?

We invite you to introduce yourself by filling out the Request Information form or email us at sargrad@bu.edu.