MS in Nutrition and Exercise Physiology with Emphasis in Nutritional Sciences
About the Program
The Nutritional Sciences emphasis area provides training in the distinct core nutrition knowledge described by the Graduate Nutrition Education Committee of the American Society for Nutrition: general research skills; structure and biochemical and metabolic functions of nutrients and other dietary constituents; food, diets, and supplements; nutritional status assessment; nutrition and disease; nutrition interventions and policies; and, analytical skills. Graduate students also receive training in laboratory research, seminar preparation and delivery, scientific writing, problem solving and research grant writing. Graduate study in Nutritional Sciences at the University of Missouri offers the advantage of interdisciplinary nutrition research that is facilitated via the many research centers at MU, including Food for the 21st Century (F21C), the Botanical Center, the Life Sciences Center and MU Nutritional Center for Health (MUNCH). The graduate program is administered by the Department of Nutrition and Exercise Physiology in association with the College of Agriculture, Food and Natural Resources, and the School of Medicine.
Degree Requirements
The program consists of a total of 30 hours of credit beyond the bachelor’s degree, of which 15 credits must be at the 8000 or 9000 level; no more than 40 percent of the 30-hour credit requirement can be satisfied by a combination of special investigations, Research, Readings and/or Problems courses. The master of science degree is awarded in part for the completion of a thesis. The thesis is based upon original research, that is student's own work and that demonstrates a capacity for research and independent thought is required. In addition, the graduate student must present their thesis research in a seminar that is open to the general faculty and successfully defend their thesis to their committee.
The minimum department course requirements for the master of science degree are:
| AN_SCI 9442 | Vitamins and Minerals | 4 |
| BIOCHM 7270 & BIOCHM 7272 | Biochemistry and Biochemistry | 6 |
| NEP 7340 | Human Nutrition II Lecture | 3 |
| NEP 8087 | Masters Seminar in Nutritional Sciences and Exercise Physiology | 1 |
| NEP 8090 | Masters Research in Nutritional Sciences and Exercise Physiology | 4 |
| NEP 8310 | Nutritional Biochemistry of Lipids | 3 |
| NEP 8340 | Nutrition in Human Health | 3 |
| Statistics | 6 | |
| Total Credits | 30 | |
Thesis/Non-Thesis Requirements
Nutritional Emphasis emphasis of the MS in Nutrition and Exercise Physiology only offers a thesis option.
Students earning this degree must provide a written thesis, based upon original research, that is student's own work and that demonstrates a capacity for research and independent thought. In addition, the graduate student must present their thesis research in a seminar that is open to the general faculty and successfully defend their thesis to their committee.
Admissions
Applicants to the Nutritional Sciences emphasis of MS in Nutrition and Exercise Physiology must have an average of B (3.0 GPA) or better in science courses (chemistry, biology, physics, biochemistry, mathematics, etc.) taken at an accredited institution. TOEFL scores are required from international applicants. Entering students are expected to have undergraduate training (lecture and laboratory courses) in general and organic chemistry and biology, a two-semester course in biochemistry and an upper-level human nutrition course.
Complete instructions on the application process can be found on the programs website: https://cafnr.missouri.edu/academics/degrees-programs/nutrition-and-exercise-physiology-graduate-studies/
Minimum TOFEL Scores
| Internet-based test (iBT) | Paper-based test (PBT) |
|---|---|
| 100 | 600 |
This program no longer requires GRE Scores.