Master of Science in Nutrition

Our Master of Science in nutrition prepares you to advocate for health and wellness at all levels using evidence-based nutrition science. Whether your goal is to promote health locally or globally, nutrition is a powerful and universal way to make an impact.

This degree prepares you for careers in community organizations, education, government, industry and non-profits. It also enhances the skills of dietitians, athletic trainers, occupational therapists, physical therapists, speech-language pathologists, mental health providers, nurses, nurse practitioners, physicians, physician assistants, public health and other healthcare providers seeking to enrich and transform their practice.

We also offer a Certificate of Graduate Study in eating disorders and obesity and a Certificate of Graduate Study in sports nutrition.

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M.S.-DPD

The M.S.-DPD satisfies the knowledge competency (KRDN) requirements of the Didactic Program in Dietetics (DPD) which is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics (ACEND).

This program is intended for postbaccalaureate students without degrees from an ACEND-accredited nutrition degree program who wish to complete DPD verification as the first step in becoming a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist.

Dietetic Internship

The dietetic internship (DI) is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics (ACEND) and is available only to majors enrolled in the M.S. in nutrition. The dietetic internship offers on-site supervised practice experiences in medical nutrition therapy, lifecycle nutrition, community nutrition and food service management; completion fulfills the practice competency (CRDN) requirements to become a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RDN).

Transfer Credit

Your academic advisor will work with you to tailor the program to your personal and professional goals. You can apply up to 12 hours of transfer credit toward your master’s degree, depending on your advisor’s assessment.

At a Glance

34 credit hours

In-person

Full or part-time

Start in the fall, spring or summer

Career Outlook for M.S. in Nutrition

Average mid-career salary for alumni:

Top job titles for alumni:

Top employers for alumni:

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My cohort here at NIU is one big family. We are all going through the same program, which allows us to look to each other for support.

Samantha Econie, M.S. in nutrition and dietetics student

How to Apply

The M.S. in nutrition program admits new graduate students during the fall, spring and summer semesters. International students will be admitted for fall only.

You’ll apply through the Graduate School.

Fall admission deadline: January 15 (priority deadline) - August 1
Spring admission deadline: December 10
Summer admission deadline: June 1

Requirements

We base admission decisions on a total profile of an applicant's qualifications; however, applicants are generally expected to meet or exceed the following requirements:

Bachelor’s degree
2.75 cumulative GPA
English proficiency
2.75 prerequisite GPA
- General chemistry (with lab)
- Biochemistry
- General or cellular biology
- Human anatomy and physiology (with lab)
- Nutrition
- Statistics

Additional application materials include:

Statement of Purpose

Your statement of purpose should be between 250 and 750 words. In it, describe how you've prepared for graduate studies in nutrition, specify your primary area of interest, outline your goals for graduate school and beyond, and explain why the NIU program is the best fit for achieving these goals.

Letters of Recommendation

Two letters of recommendation from individuals speaking to your ability to be successful in completing a graduate-level degree program. Your recommenders should be individuals who have a professional or academic relationship with you as the applicant.

Admission Review Process/Timelines

The M.S. in nutrition program employs a faculty committee to review completed applications on a rolling basis. Official notification will be released by the Graduate School.

Contact Nancy Prange at 815-753-6386 or nprange@niu.edu if you have questions about prerequisites.

Costs and Funding

Our competitive tuition and fees helps ensure an excellent return on the investment of your time and resources. Learn about additional funding opportunities for graduate students.

Assistantships

All applicants may apply for a graduate assistantship. Graduate assistantships require you to work for a faculty member for 10 to 20 hours per week assisting with teaching and/or research. Each semester, a limited number of graduate assistantships are available. Please send your completed graduate assistantship application (PDF) and current resume to SHS@niu.edu.

Curriculum and Requirements

The M.S. in nutrition allows you to develop competency in planning, conducting and evaluating research, and to apply research findings for informed practice decisions. You will also collaborate with faculty to choose electives (12 credits) that align with your professional interests. You may consider earning a Certificate of Graduate Study as part of your electives.

View Degree Requirements

Faculty

Our faculty bring diverse experiences, backgrounds, scholarship and expertise from various areas across nutrition and dietetics. They’re committed to facilitating engaging learning experiences in and outside the classroom.

More About Our Faculty

Nutrition and Dietetics

Contact Us

Nutrition and Dietetics
209 Wirtz Hall
DeKalb, IL 60115
815-753-1384
shs@niu.edu