The masters of science in human nutrition is a 30 semester-hour program designed to prepare registered dietitians to practice dietetics at an advanced level and/or to pursue doctoral study. The program develops research skills, stimulates independent thought, and provides up-to-date knowledge in food and nutrition. The masters degree is available through distance education. The degree requirements and course content are the same regardless of where it is completed—on-campus or through distance education.
Thirty semester hours are required to complete the degree. Students may choose a thesis or non-thesis option.
Electives must be approved by the student′s academic advisor. Examples of 3-hour courses the student may choose include:
Application materials are available on-line at www.graduate.ua.edu.
Students with a an overall grade point average (GPA) or grade point average for the last 60 semester hours of 3.0 or higher may apply for unconditional admission. Students with a GPA of 2.5-2.99 and acceptable scores on the Graduate Record Examination (GRE) or Millers Analogy Test (MAT) may apply for conditional admission.
While being a registered dietitian is not a requirement for entering the masters program, students should be aware of the laws governing the practice of dietetics in their respective states. Most states require persons who practice dietetics to be a registered dietitian. This masters degree does not provide eligibility to sit for the registration examination to become a registered dietitian, nor does it provide eligibility to apply to a dietetic internships. The on-campus masters degree provides an opportunity to participate in the coordinated program in dietetics and to become eligible to sit for the registration examination. Additional courses, most of which are available by distance, may be taken to meet the criteria for applying to a dietetic internship.
Didactic Program Requirements for Persons with a Bachelor’s Degree
Courses are made available in various ways to students in the masters program. Most of the courses are available either online or on DVD. For more information on the distance education masters, see the Academic Outreach web site.
For more information, see "Frequently Asked Questions" or contact Dr. Olivia Kendrick, Department Head, at okendric@ches.ua.edu or (205) 348-6150.