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 three distinct areas of specialization: community nutrition, experimental nutrition, and dietetics (Coordinated Program in Dietetics-CP). 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 medical nutrition therapy and nutrition care management; 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 dietitians and nutritionists, private consultants, media professionals, and researchers with private corporations and public agencies at the federal, state, and local levels.

Program Snapshot

      ❱  43 credit hours (Experimental and Community Nutrition tracks)
      ❱  51 credit hours (Dietetics track, including 1120 hours of supervised practice)
      ❱  Full-time
      ❱  On-campus format
      ❱  Degree: M.S.

Application Deadlines

Spring 2025 entry: 
      ❱  Nov. 15, 2024 (final deadline)*

Fall 2025 entry: 
      ❱  Dec. 1, 2024 (early deadline)
      ❱  Feb. 15, 2025 (priority deadline)
      ❱  Apr. 15, 2025 (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. 

* The dietetics emphasis admits students only in the fall.

Transfer credits accepted (reviewed by program director)

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

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)
• Interview (Qualified applicants, Dietetics track only)
• 80 volunteer hours in in dietetics/related area of practice (for Dietetics track only)

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. 

• Two semesters of General Chemistry (lecture and laboratory)
• Two semesters of Organic Chemistry (lecture)
• One semester of Organic Chemistry Lab 
• One semester of Biochemistry (lecture and laboratory)
• Two semesters of Introductory Nutrition (i.e., Introduction to Nutrition, Life Cycle Nutrition) 
• Two semesters of Anatomy and Physiology (A&P I and II)

Additional Prerequisites (only for Dietetics Track)

• Biology (I and II)
• Microbiology
• Community Nutrition
• Introduction to Foods
• Introduction to Sociology
• Introduction to Psychology
• Advanced Nutrition
• Evaluation of Nutritional Status

Reference Requirements

Evaluator type accepted:

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

Evaluator type not accepted:

• Friend
• Family Member
• Clergy