Human Nutrition (M.S.)
M.S. Human Nutrition
Program Overview
The human nutrition graduate program is housed in a modern building equipped with state-of-the-art equipment, including anthropometric instruments, a serum analyzer and a plethora of molecular biological apparati. Our faculty have a variety of expertise spanning molecular to community-based nutrition.
Course Work
Course work is based on lectures, experiential and service-learning, allowing students to gain real-world, relevant nutrition and dietetics competencies. Students choose either a thesis option (33 total hours required) or a non-thesis option (39 total hours required). Thesis-option students take core courses and electives, engaging in original scientific research culminating in a thesis. Non-thesis- option students take electives in consultation with the graduate advisor. Our dietetic internship coursework can be combined with the human nutrition degree. Information about core courses can be found in the Graduate Catalog.
| Degree | Hours | Thesis Option | Minor Option | Location |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Degree M.S. | Hours 39 | Thesis Option Non-Thesis | Minor Option No minor | Location San Marcos |
Degree M.S. | Hours 33 | Thesis Option Thesis | Minor Option No minor | Location San Marcos |
Program Details
Many alumni are registered dietitians working in various arenas, including clinical settings, biomedical research, or private practice. Students leave well-versed regarding the latest research.
Program Mission
Texas State University offers a master of science degree in human nutrition to meet the needs of industry, the public sector and academia. The human nutrition program provides graduate education that equips students with technical skills and scientific knowledge for the integration of food to improve human health in the 21st century. Graduates will develop critical thinking and research skills to:
- develop innovative approaches to problem-solving
- acquire knowledge and skills to support pursuit of doctoral degrees
- prepare for research careers in nutrition and food arenas
- integrate cutting-edge nutrition knowledge into dietetics practice
Career Options
The program prepares students to meet the needs of industry, the public sector and academia in the following roles:
- Registered dietitian
- Development manager
- Consultant to functional food/nutraceutical company
- System clinical nutrition manager
- Community nutrition
- Health education coordinator
- Clinical education coordinator
- Nutrition instructor
- Doctoral studies in nutrition
Program Faculty
Faculty research includes:
- Community and public health nutrition policy, systems, and environments
- Diet patterns and diseases risk
- Workplace wellness
- Prevention of colon cancer progression via dietary manipulation
- Effect of food-derived compounds on behavior and brain function
- Promoting a healthy gut to prevent complications from obesity and diseases
- Signaling pathways underlying the obesity-cancer association
- Metabolic abnormalities and prostate cancer progression
- Nutrition epidemiology and weight-inclusive behavioral health nutrition interventions to improve cardiometabolic health
- Community and public health nutrition (Food insecurity, behavioral nutrition, and interventions)
Contact us for general questions about your application, funding opportunities, and more. If you have specific questions after reviewing the program details, contact the program's graduate advisor.
Graduate Advisor
Dr. Cassandra Johnson
c_j216@txstate.edu
512.245.9196
Family & Consumer Sciences (FCS), Room 279
Advisor Support
Leia Downs
ad1013@txstate.edu
512.245.9196
Family & Consumer Sciences (FCS), 280
Apply Now Already know that Texas State is right for you?
Application Deadlines
| Deadlines | U.S. Citizen | International |
|---|---|---|
Deadlines Fall - Priority | U.S. Citizen January 15 | International January 15 |
Deadlines Fall - Standard | U.S. Citizen March 1 | International March 1 |
Deadlines Spring | U.S. Citizen October 15 | International October 1 |
This program's deadline is firm. This type of deadline means the application and other application requirements must be submitted by the program's specified deadline day.
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Funding Information Applications must be complete by the priority deadline to be considered for certain types of funding. |
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Decision Timeline This program reviews applications on a firm basis. |
Admission Requirements
The items required for admission consideration are listed below. Additional information for applicants with international credentials can be found on our international web pages.
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Application
- Completed online application
Review important information about the online application.
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Application Fee
- $55 nonrefundable application fee
OR - $90 nonrefundable application fee for applications with international credentials
Review important information about application fees.
- $55 nonrefundable application fee
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Transcripts & GPA
- baccalaureate degree (preferably in nutrition, food science or a related field) from a regionally accredited university (Non-U.S. degrees must be equivalent to a four-year U.S. Bachelor’s degree. In most cases, three-year degrees are not considered. Visit our International FAQs for more information.)
- a copy of an official transcript from each institution where course credit was granted
- a 3.0 overall GP or a 3.0 GPA in your last 60 hours of undergraduate course work, plus any completed graduate courses
- background course work in:
- Anatomy and Physiology
- Biochemistry
- Introductory Biology
- Introductory Chemistry (at least two semesters)
- Introductory Nutrition
- Microbiology
- Nutrition in the Lifespan
- Organic Chemistry (at least one course)
- Biochemical Nutrition
Review important information about transcripts. Official transcripts, sent directly from your institution, will be required if admission is granted.
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Test Scores
GRE
- GRE not required
Approved English Proficiency Exam Scores
Applicants are required to submit an approved English proficiency exam score that meets the minimum program requirements below unless they have earned a bachelor’s degree or higher from a regionally accredited U.S. institution or the equivalent from a country on our exempt countries list.
- official TOEFL iBT scores required with a 78 overall
- official PTE scores required with a 52 overall
- official IELTS (academic) scores required with a 6.5 overall and
- minimum individual module scores of 6.0
- official Duolingo Scores required with a 110 overall
- official TOEFL Essentials scores required with an 8.5 overall
This program does not offer admission if the scores above are not met.
Review important information about official test scores.
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Documents & Other Requirements
- resume/CV
- statement of purpose describing your professional aspirations and rationale for pursuing graduate study
- three letters of recommendation from professionals or academics competent to assess your interest in pursuing a career in nutrition
- interview to include oral and written responses
Review important information about documents.