Nutritional Sciences (M.S.)

Nutritional Sciences (M.S.) | Graduate

Our program trains caring and competent dietitians and nutritionists who use evidence-based approaches to promote nutritional well-being and disease prevention among underserved communities, positively affecting health behaviors and reducing health disparities.

The Master of Science (M.S.) in Nutritional Sciences at Howard's Graduate School is designed to prepare students for nutrition-related careers in research, industry, public health, clinical practice, and health consulting.  Program graduates have also pursued further graduate study at the doctoral level. The M.S. program emphasizes evidence-based approaches to the promotion of nutritional well-being and disease prevention among underserved communities, both nationally and globally. You may choose from two distinct fields of specialization: community nutrition and experimental nutrition. You will have the opportunity to pursue original research tailored to your chosen program of study. Our graduate faculty is interested in the design, implementation, and evaluation of nutrition interventions and policies at the local and global levels. You will benefit from the close mentorship of graduate faculty notable for its wide-ranging research examining issues such as food systems and food insecurity; the sources of nutritional disparities in communities; the psychological, economic, social, cultural, and health policy determinants of nutrition and health; and the nutritional factors affecting the incidence and prevalence of chronic diseases such as obesity, cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and cancer. Our graduates make meaningful contributions to the nutrition profession locally, nationally, and internationally. Program graduates go on to work as dieticians and nutritionists, private consultants, media professionals, and researchers with private corporations and public agencies at the federal, state, and local levels.

Program Snapshot

      ❱  34 credit hours 

      ❱  Full-time

      ❱  On-campus format

      ❱  Degree: M.S.

Application Deadlines

Spring 2024 entry: 

      ❱  Nov. 1, 2023 (final deadline)

Fall 2024 entry: 

      ❱  Dec. 1, 2023 (early deadline)

      ❱  Feb. 15, 2024 (priority deadline)

      ❱  Apr. 15, 2024 (final deadline)

Applicants should submit their applications as early as possible. Applicants have until the final deadline to apply. However, applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis throughout the admissions cycle. 

Transfer credits accepted (reviewed by program director)

Contacts

Dr. Oyonumo Ntekim

Director of Graduate Studies
202-806-7111
Email

Dr. Katherine Manuel

Interim Department Chair
202-806-7111
Email

Program Details

  • Degree Classification: Graduate
  • Related Degrees: M.S.

Admission Requirements

Application for Admission

  • Online GradCAS application
  • Statement of purpose/ Statement of academic interest (500-1,000 words)
  • GRE scores not required
  • Official transcripts sent to GradCAS
  • 3 letters of recommendation
  • Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university or the international equivalent
  • Resume or Curriculum Vitae
  • Autobiographical statement (500-750 words)

GRE Required?

  • No

GRE Preferred Minimums

  • GRE Verbal Reasoning: N/A
  • GRE Quantitative Reasoning: N/A
  • GRE Analytical Writing: N/A

GPA Required Minimums

  • Overall GPA minimum: 3.0
  • Undergrad GPA minimum: 3.0

Prerequisite Courses (Required)

The following course prerequisites are required (Students deemed qualified but not having appropriate recommended training may be admitted provisionally). No expiration date for recommended prerequisites. Applicants must receive a grade of at least a B in each course. 

  • Biochemistry (one college-level lecture and lab, 4 semester credit hrs)
  • General Chemistry (two college-level lectures and labs, 8 semester credit hrs)
  • Organic Chemistry (two college-level lectures and one lab, 7-8 semester credit hrs)
  • Nutrition (two college-level lectures, 6 semester credit hrs)

Reference Requirements

Evaluator type accepted:

  • Professor (Required)
  • Supervisor/Manager
  • Coworker
  • Other

Evaluator type not accepted:

  • Friend
  • Family Member
  • Clergy