Degree Requirements

This advanced degree program in human nutrition is designed for students who have already received a bachelor’s degree and have a strong interest in nutrition. Students are eligible to receive a Master of Science degree upon completion of a minimum of 32 credits of coursework at the 700–level and above.

Curriculum

Students have the flexibility to identify an area of concentration that, upon review, faculty deem appropriate to complement the broad subject area of nutrition science/practice.

At least 25 credits as a degree candidate must be taken at Boston University. A student may complete the academic program on a full- or part-time basis, but the program must be completed within five years of matriculation.

Required Courses

The program requires completion of five core courses:

  1. Biostatistics
  2. Nutritional Epidemiology
  3. Metabolic Regulation
  4. Nutrition and Disease Prevention or Life Course Approach to Community Nutrition
  5. Nutrition Research

Students are also required to complete at least 14 credits in an area of concentration.

Practicum

In this optional three-credit course, you will spend a minimum of 150 hours over the course of the semester working with an RDN or other health care professional in an area of your interest. 

This coveted experience allows you to customize your program and provides an ideal opportunity to begin exploring the numerous career possibilities in dietetics and nutrition.  

Students have completed the practicum in a wide range of settings, including clinical, research, sports and performance nutrition, community, public health, academic, food service, industry, communications, and private practice. 

Example sites: 

  • Boston Medical Center Outpatient Pediatrics
  • Boston Medical Center Teaching Kitchen
  • Mass General Clinical Research Center 
  • Walden Behavioral Care 
  • Tufts Medical Center Energy Metabolism Lab 
  • Mother of Fact Start Up Health Company
  • Home Base Veteran & Family Care
  • Fresh Communications
  • OncoPower Digital Health Tool 
  • Sargent Choice Nutrition Center 
  • Boston University Athlete Fueling Station
  • Boston Children’s Hospital
  • Brigham and Women’s Hospital

Grade Point Average

An overall grade point average of B (3.0) or higher must be attained in graduate courses (700-level or above).

  • In graduate courses, no grade below C is acceptable for credit.
  • No more than eight credits of C or C+ work will be counted toward the MS degree and the acceptability of such grades in required courses is subject to faculty approval.
  • In the event of an unacceptable grade, no course may be repeated more than one time.
  • SAR HS 811 is graded on a pass/fail basis. Pass indicates B– or better work. Other graduate courses must be taken for a letter grade. SAR HS 811 may not be repeated.